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8 common resume mistakes to avoid  

Addison Group
Your resume is the first impression hiring managers have of you, so you want to make it a clear depiction of what you bring to the table.  

Crafting a resume that stands out in today’s competitive job market can be challenging. Your resume is the first impression hiring managers have of you, so you want to make sure it’s a clear depiction of what you bring to the table.  

Here are ten common resume mistakes and how to avoid them so you can present your experience in the best possible light.   

Typos and grammatical errors  

Errors suggest carelessness and lack of attention to detail – two traits most employers want to avoid in a potential new employee.  

How to fix it: 

  • Use spelling and grammar tools (ex: Grammarly)  
  • Read it out loud or have a friend review it  
  • Print it and read a hard copy; sometimes mistakes are easier to spot on paper 

Lack of customization  

Resumes are not a one-size-fits-all document. Employers want to see how your skills align with their specific needs. Having a resume that’s vague doesn’t give hiring managers any insight into why you would fit into the specific role they’re trying to fill.  

How to fix it: 

  • Highlight experience and achievements that match the job responsibilities  

Too long or too short  

A resume that’s too short might seem underqualified, while one that’s too long may lose the readers’ attention. To find the length that’s “just right,” follow these tips:  

  • Stick to one page if you’re early in your career, or two if you’re more experienced 
  • Cut out unrelated jobs, redundant bullet points, and filler content 

Vague or generic statements 

Phrases like “responsible for customer service” say little about how you’ve added value in a previous role. Tailor your experience bullets to show quantifiable data or specifics, such as: “resolved an average of 50+ customer issues per week with 95% satisfaction.” Use measurable results whenever possible.  

Poor formatting  

A cluttered or inconsistent layout is difficult to read and may reflect poorly on your organizational skills. Ensure your resume is easy for an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to scan and hiring managers to get a clear sense of your skills and experience.  

How to fix it: 

  • Use a professional, clean layout with consistent fonts and sizes 
  • Use bullet points, proper spacing, and clearly defined sections 

Listing duties instead of achievements  

While job descriptions show what you are supposed to do, employers care more about what you actually did in previous roles. Anyone could look up a job description and see the daily responsibilities – employers want to know the specific achievements you accomplished. 

How to fix it: 

  • Focus on outcomes: “Cut customer wait times by 30% through process redesign” 
  • Use action verbs like “led,” “created,” “reduced,” or “designed.”  

Including irrelevant or outdated experience 

Old or unrelated jobs clutter your resume and distract from your current qualifications. Focus on the last 10-15 years of relevant experience. If you’re switching careers, it’s best to highlight transferable skills rather than unrelated job details.  

Not including keywords 

ATS software scans resumes for keywords. If your resume doesn’t match, it may never be seen by a human. 

How to fix it: 

  • Review the job description and include relevant terms (ex: “project management,” or “data analysis”) 
  • Use both acronyms and full terms (ex: “SEO,” and “Search Engine Optimization”) 

Your resume is more than a list of jobs; it’s your personal marketing tool. By steering clear of these common mistakes, you can make sure it speaks clearly and professionally to potential employers. Keep it concise, relevant, and tailored to each position you apply for. With a polished, mistake-free resume in hand, you’ll be one step closer to landing the job you want.  

On the job search and having no luck? Addison Group can help. For more than 20 years, our expert recruiters have been matching qualified candidates with top companies. Let’s talk about how we can find you a role that fits, not just what’s available.