things to avoid when writing a resume

• Career Blog

12 Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid in 2024

Your resume is arguably the most important document in your job search. It’s the first thing potential employers see and can determine whether or not you even get a chance at an interview. With so much riding on your resume, it’s important to ensure that it’s error-free and effectively showcases your skills and experiences.

In this article, we’ll be discussing the 12 most common resume mistakes to avoid. By recognizing and steering clear of these mistakes, you can increase your chances of landing that dream job.

So whether you’re a recent graduate just entering the job market or an experienced professional looking for a change, read on to learn how to avoid making these common resume mistakes.

Overloading with Information

When it comes to crafting a winning resume, less is often more. Many job-seekers make the mistake of overloading their resume with too much information. This can quickly overwhelm hiring managers, making it difficult for them to find the key information they need to make a decision.

Keeping your resume concise and relevant is essential to making a good impression on potential employers. Whether you’re just starting your career or are a seasoned professional, here are some strategies to help you cut down on excessive details and information in your resume.

1. Tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for

One of the most effective strategies for keeping your resume concise and relevant is tailoring it to the specific job you’re applying for. This means focusing on the most important qualifications and experience for that particular role, and cutting out anything that isn’t directly relevant.

For example, if you’re applying for a job in marketing, you might highlight your experience in digital marketing and social media, while leaving out details about unrelated jobs or coursework.

2. Use bullet points and concise language

Long paragraphs and clunky sentences can quickly turn off hiring managers. Instead, use bullet points and concise language to highlight your accomplishments and skills. This makes it easier for recruiters to scan your resume and quickly identify the information they need.

Try to keep your bullet points to no more than two lines, and avoid using acronyms or industry jargon that may not be familiar to all readers.

3. Eliminate irrelevant or outdated experience

If you’re a seasoned professional with a long work history, it can be tempting to try to include every job you’ve ever had on your resume. However, this can quickly make your resume feel cluttered and unfocused.

Instead, focus on the most relevant experience from the past 10-15 years, and eliminate any jobs or experience that isn’t directly related to the job you’re applying for. This demonstrates to hiring managers that you have the skills and experience they’re looking for without overwhelming them with extraneous details.

4. Don’t include personal information

While it can be tempting to include personal information such as your age or marital status, this information is generally irrelevant and can actually work against you in the hiring process. Stick to the most important information, such as your skills and experience, and clearly highlight why you’re the best candidate for the job.

By following these strategies for cutting down on excessive details and information in your resume, you can make a great impression on potential employers and increase your chances of landing the job you want. Remember, the goal of a resume is to get you an interview, not to tell your life story. Keep it simple, concise, and relevant, and you’ll be well on your way to success.

Generic Language and Buzzwords

Using generic language and buzzwords in a resume can be detrimental to an applicant’s chances of getting the job. Employers and hiring managers have seen these terms and phrases used repeatedly and they have become tired and meaningless. Some of these words include “team player”, “hard worker”, “self-starter”, “detail-oriented”, “thought leader”, and “innovative thinker”, among others. Using these buzzwords contributes to sounding like every other job applicant, instead of standing out from the rest.

Furthermore, using generic language and buzzwords can distract from the bigger picture: showcasing skills and experience. Instead of wasting time and space on cliches, the emphasis should be on specific skills and accomplishments that demonstrate expertise in a given area. Achieving this requires taking the time to do research on the company and the industry in question and tailoring the resume specifically to the job. Highlighting concrete actions and concrete results can help the applicant stand out.

When alternatives are needed, use phrases that are unique to the job and industry in question. For example: “I coordinated a team of ten individuals and reduced our project time by 20% in six months” or “I established a new process on data management that resulted in a 30% increase in productivity”. Even words like “team player” can be replaced with specific team-related activities that demonstrate actual contributions. Use specific examples that showcase the applicant’s unique skills, experience, and achievements in a way that resonates with the employer’s needs.

Another way to stand out from the crowd is to use numbers and statistics wherever possible, as this provides more evidence of successful outcomes. Instead of simply saying “I’m a hard worker,” write “I consistently met deadlines, working overtime to complete a project when necessary”. Providing concrete examples that demonstrate the applicant’s abilities puts their words into action and helps the employer visualize what it would be like to have this person on their team.

Avoid using generic language and buzzwords in your resume. Instead, use specific, action-oriented language that emphasizes your unique skills and achievements. By focusing on the specific needs of the job and the company, and using numbers and statistics to back up your claims, you can set yourself apart from the rest of the applicant pool and improve your chances of being selected for an interview.

Irrelevant Professional Experience

When it comes to crafting an effective resume, it’s important to highlight only the experience that is most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Including irrelevant professional experience can have a negative impact on your resume, making it appear cluttered and unfocused. Here are some reasons why you should avoid including irrelevant experience on your resume:

It may give the wrong impression

Including irrelevant professional experience on your resume can give the impression that you don’t have enough relevant experience to highlight. This can make you appear less qualified for the job you’re applying to. Instead of listing every job you’ve ever had, focus on the experiences that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Highlighting only the most relevant experience can help you appear more focused and qualified.

It can make your resume too long

Including irrelevant professional experience can make your resume too long, making it harder for hiring managers to read through all of the information provided. Remember, hiring managers are often overwhelmed with resumes, and you want to make your resume as easy to read and digest as possible. By keeping your resume focused on the most relevant experiences, you can help ensure that hiring managers take the time to read through your resume in its entirety.

Strategies to highlight relevant experience and skills

Highlighting relevant experience and skills is key to crafting an effective resume. Here are some strategies to help you focus on the most relevant experience and skills:

Tailor your resume to the job

One effective strategy for highlighting relevant experience and skills is to tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for. This means carefully reviewing the job description and customizing your resume to highlight the experiences and skills that are most relevant to the position. By doing so, you can help ensure that your resume stands out among a sea of applicants.

Use bullet points

Another strategy for highlighting relevant experience and skills is to use bullet points. Bullet points help break up text and make important information stand out. Additionally, bullet points allow you to focus on specific accomplishments or experiences, making it easier for hiring managers to quickly identify your strengths.

Focus on accomplishments

When highlighting your relevant experience and skills, make sure to focus on your accomplishments. It’s not enough to simply list the tasks you were responsible for in previous positions. Instead, focus on the outcomes you achieved and the impact you had on previous employers. By highlighting your accomplishments, you can help demonstrate your value to potential employers.

Keep it concise

Finally, make sure to keep your resume concise. While it’s important to highlight relevant experience and skills, you don’t want to overwhelm potential employers with too much information. Keep your resume focused on the most important experiences and skills that demonstrate your qualifications for the job you’re applying for.

By avoiding the inclusion of irrelevant professional experience on your resume and focusing on highlighting relevant experience and skills, you can help increase your chances of landing your dream job.

Lack of Achievements

Your resume is more than just a laundry list of your work experience and education. It’s a marketing tool that showcases what you’ve accomplished in your career. Including achievements and accomplishments in your resume is critical, as it sets you apart from other candidates and demonstrates your value as a professional.

Employers are looking for candidates who can bring tangible results to their organization. Simply listing your job duties and responsibilities doesn’t tell the employer how you have contributed to past workplaces. By including specific achievements, you are showing the employer how you have made a difference in past roles and can potentially do the same for them.

To highlight achievements in your resume, start by reflecting on your past experiences and identifying specific results that you are proud of. Were you responsible for increasing sales or streamlining processes in your department? Did you implement a new system that improved productivity? These are the types of accomplishments that can make your resume stand out.

Once you’ve identified your achievements, it’s important to quantify them as much as possible. Use numbers and data to demonstrate the scope of your impact. For example, instead of saying “increased sales,” say “increased sales by 20% in the first quarter of 2021.” This gives the employer a clear understanding of the magnitude of your achievement.

Another strategy for highlighting accomplishments is to use action verbs in your resume. Instead of saying “responsible for managing a team,” say “led a team of six employees to meet and exceed monthly sales goals.” Action verbs can make your resume sound more results-driven and demonstrate your capabilities as a leader.

In addition to using action verbs and quantifying accomplishments, you can also highlight achievements by creating a separate “achievements” section on your resume. This can be a bulleted list of your most significant accomplishments, such as awards you’ve received, projects you’ve completed, or goals you’ve achieved.

To sum up, including achievements and accomplishments in your resume is key to standing out in a highly competitive job market. By reflecting on past experiences, quantifying results, and using action verbs, you can demonstrate your potential value to employers and land your dream job.

Typos and Grammar Errors

One of the most basic but significant mistakes that can be made in a resume is to include avoidable typos and grammatical errors. This may seem like a trivial issue, but it can have a negative impact on the overall impression that an employer has of the candidate. In today’s competitive job market, employers are looking for the best candidates who can make a positive and professional first impression.

A resume with typos and grammar errors can easily indicate a lack of attention to detail and carelessness, which can be major red flags for the employer. Employers generally trust candidates who are able to present themselves and their qualifications in a clear, concise and structured manner. A resume with mistakes of any kind may lead the employer to doubt the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Strategies to avoid typos and grammar errors on a resume may include a few simple but effective tactics. The first step is to take adequate time to proofread the document carefully. One way to approach proofreading is to review each line in reverse order, which can help catch any errors that may have been missed during the initial read-through.

Another way to catch typos and grammar errors is to use an automated spellchecker, which can highlight any errors that may have been overlooked. However, automated tools alone are not enough to identify all errors, so it is important to manually review the document to ensure its accuracy.

A good strategy is also to ask a trusted friend or family member to review the resume. Getting an outside perspective can provide valuable feedback and help catch any errors that may have been overlooked. Sometimes, a second pair of eyes is all it takes to identify an error that can make all the difference.

Finally, another helpful strategy is to avoid using complex words and phrases that can be difficult to spell or prone to grammatical errors. Instead, use simple language that is easy to read and understand. Avoiding jargon and industry-specific terminology may also help eliminate confusion and any errors that may arise.

Typos and grammar errors should be avoided at all costs as they can negatively impact a candidate’s chances of success. By taking the time to carefully proofread the document, using automated tools, and getting feedback from others, a candidate can ensure that their resume is a polished, error-free representation of their skills and qualifications.

Unprofessional Email Address and Voicemail Greeting

In today’s digital age, communication plays a vital role in our professional and personal lives. It often creates the first impression of you in the eyes of a recruiter, a potential client, or a business partner. One careless mistake, such as having an unprofessional email address or an inappropriate voicemail greeting, can project a negative image and damage your credibility.

The impact of an unprofessional email address and voicemail greeting

An unprofessional email address or voicemail greeting could prevent you from getting hired or even meeting potential employers. You might have the best resume in the world, but if your email address is silly or inappropriate, the employer might wonder if you are serious about the job. Similarly, a voicemail greeting that is too casual, too long, or includes background noise might portray you as unprofessional and unprepared.

Moreover, an unprofessional email address or voicemail greeting can negatively affect your current job, as it may give an unprofessional image to colleagues and clients. For instance, if your email address references a hobby or interest, it may not be suitable for professional correspondence. Likewise, if your voicemail greeting is not clear, concise, or professional, you might miss important calls, opportunities, or messages.

Strategies to create a professional email address and voicemail greeting

Creating a professional email address and voicemail greeting is essential to present yourself in a positive and credible light. Here are some strategies to help you create a professional email address and voicemail greeting:

1. Email Address

When creating an email address, use your real name and avoid using nicknames, personal hobbies, or inappropriate terms. Ideally, your email should consist of your first name and last name, separated by a period or underscore.

For example:

• goodexample.

Inconsistent Formatting and Design

When it comes to crafting a winning resume, consistency in formatting and design is crucial. Why? Because it helps create a visual hierarchy that guides the reader’s eye to the most essential information first. Inconsistencies in formatting and design can be distracting and confusing, causing the reader to miss key details or lose interest altogether.

To create a consistent design and formatting, consider these strategies:

1. Use a Template

One easy way to create a consistent design is to use a resume template. There are countless templates available online that will give your resume a polished and professional look. Choose a template that matches the style and tone of the industry you’re applying to, as well as your personal preferences. Once you’ve selected a template, stick to it throughout your entire resume.

2. Choose a Consistent Font

Another strategy for maintaining consistent design is to choose a font that’s easy to read and use it throughout your resume. It’s also essential to select a font that works well on both screens and in print. Arial, Calibri, and Times New Roman are all popular and easy-to-read options. Once you’ve selected a font, stick to it and use it consistently throughout all sections of your resume.

3. Be Consistent with Formatting

Formatting consistency is also essential for creating a professional-looking resume. For instance, decide on a consistent way to format your contact information, work history, and education sections. This means using the same font style and size, using bullet points or not, indicating dates and locations consistently throughout your resume. Be mindful that your spacing is consistent.

4. Use Consistent Headings

Strong headings help to guide the reader’s eye to the most important information. Ensure that you choose heading styles that stand out and use them consistently throughout your resume. Be consistent with the size of the headings and the types of headings. It can help you to remain consistent visually and creates a flow that is easy to follow.

Creating a consistent design and formatting is crucial to crafting an effective and professional-looking resume. While it may seem like a small detail, the consistency of your formatting and design can make a big difference in whether or not your resume stands out to potential employers. By following these strategies, you can ensure that your resume looks polished, professional, and easy to read.

Lack of Keywords and Industry-Specific Terminology

When it comes to creating a resume that catches the attention of potential employers, including relevant keywords and industry-specific terminology is crucial. Without these elements, your resume may not make it past the initial screening process.

The Importance of Including Relevant Keywords and Industry-Specific Terminology

Including relevant keywords ensures that your resume will show up in a search query. Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes for specific keywords that match the job description. If your resume does not use those keywords, it may never make it to a hiring manager’s desk.

Industry-specific terminology is also important because it shows that you understand the language and jargon of the industry. Using the right terminology can demonstrate that you have the knowledge and experience required to succeed in the position.

Strategies to Identify Appropriate Keywords and Terminology

One effective strategy for identifying the right keywords to include in your resume is to carefully read the job description and highlight any specific skills or qualifications that are mentioned. You should then try to incorporate those keywords into your resume. For example, if a job description lists “project management” as a requirement, make sure that you use that exact phrase in your resume.

Another strategy is to research job postings for similar positions and look for common themes or keywords. This can give you a better understanding of what employers are looking for and allow you to tailor your resume to fit their needs.

When it comes to industry-specific terminology, it can be helpful to read industry publications and job postings to get a better sense of the language and jargon used in that field. If possible, speak with professionals in the industry to get a better understanding of the terminology used in day-to-day operations.

By including relevant keywords and industry-specific terminology in your resume, you increase your chances of getting noticed by potential employers. It shows that you understand the requirements and expectations of the position, and that you have the skills and experience required to succeed. Don’t let a lack of keywords and terminology hold you back – take the time to research and incorporate these crucial elements into your resume.

Emphasizing Duties instead of Achievements

When it comes to crafting a winning resume, many job seekers make the mistake of focusing too much on their duties rather than their achievements. While it’s essential to highlight your job responsibilities, it’s your achievements that will truly set you apart from the rest of the pack. In this section, we’ll discuss why emphasizing achievements instead of duties is so crucial and provide you with some strategies for doing so.

The Importance of Emphasizing Achievements

Your potential employer wants to know what value you can bring to their company, and emphasizing your achievements is the best way to do that. Accomplishments show that you’re a goal-oriented and results-driven employee who can tackle challenges head-on, increasing your chances of being hired. Additionally, highlighting your achievements on your resume can set you up for salary negotiations later on.

On the other hand, focusing solely on your duties can leave a hiring manager feeling uninspired. Listing your job duties doesn’t give them any sense of what you achieved while performing those duties.

Strategies to Showcase Achievements

Quantify Your Achievements: Use numbers to illustrate your accomplishments, such as improving sales by X percent or reducing production time by Y amount. Quantifying your achievements makes them more tangible and gives hiring managers and potential employers a clear understanding of your impact.

Use Action Verbs: Use strong action verbs like “achieved,” “implemented,” and “led” to describe your accomplishments. This makes your resume more dynamic and compelling.

Be Specific: Use specific examples when describing your achievements rather than vague statements. For example, instead of saying “increased sales,” say “increased sales by 20% through targeted marketing efforts.”

Focus on Results: Highlight the outcomes of your work rather than just the process. For example, instead of saying “created a marketing campaign,” say “created a marketing campaign that resulted in a 15% increase in website traffic.”

Tailor Your Achievements: Customize your accomplishments section to match the requirements of the job you’re applying for. If the job you’re seeking requires leadership skills, then emphasize your achievements in leading teams.

Focusing on achievements over duties can make or break your chances of landing an interview, and ultimately, the job. Use the strategies outlined above to showcase your impact, cementing your status as a top candidate.

Lack of Personalization and Tailoring

A common mistake that job seekers make when crafting their resumes is failing to tailor it to the specific job they’re applying for. This can have a major negative impact on their chances of landing a job.

When a resume is not customized for a specific role, it can appear generic and unimpressive to hiring managers. The lack of personalization can also signal a lack of interest in the company or the specific position. In today’s job market, where competition is fierce, personalization is key to standing out from the crowd.

To avoid this mistake, job seekers should research the company and the position they’re applying for to get a clear idea of what skills and experience the employer is looking for. They should then tailor their resume to showcase these skills and accomplishments. Here are a few strategies to personalize and tailor your resume for the job:

Start with a strong summary: The summary is your opportunity to introduce yourself and make a strong first impression. Highlight your strengths and skills that align with the job requirements, and emphasize your interest in the role and the company.

Customize your experience: Review the job requirements and tailor your experience section to match. Use keywords from the job description and highlight relevant experience that demonstrate your qualifications.

Showcase your accomplishments: Focus on the achievements that are most relevant to the job, and demonstrate how you’ve delivered results in similar roles. Be specific and quantify your achievements whenever possible.

Demonstrate your knowledge of the company: Research the company and incorporate that knowledge into your resume. Mention any shared values or goals, and explain how your skills and experience align with the company’s mission.

Don’t forget the details: Attention to detail can make a big difference in how your resume is received. Make sure your formatting is consistent and easy to read. Proofread for errors and typos, and ensure that all information is up-to-date and accurate.

By taking the time to customize and tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for, you can increase your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers and landing an interview. Personalization shows that you’re invested in the role and the company, and it can make all the difference in a crowded job market.

Related Articles

• Updating Your Resume in 2023: 11 Fast and Simple Steps
• 60 Resume Objectives: Tips and Examples for 2023
• The 8-Step Ultimate Guide for a Biomedical Engineer Resume
• Senior Software Engineer Resume: Complete Guide & Examples
• Switchboard Operator Job Description: Career Guide for 2023

Rate this article

0 / 5. Reviews: 0

More from ResumeHead

40+ Resume Tips to Help You Land a Job in 2024

When you haven’t updated your resume in a while, it can be hard to know where to start. What experiences and accomplishments are relevant for the jobs you’ve got your eye on? What new resume rules and trends should you be following? And seriously, one page or two ?

Well, search no more: We’ve compiled all the resume tips you need into one place. Read on for advice and tricks that’ll help you craft a winning resume—and land your next job.

Maximize your chances by looking for more open jobs on The Muse »

Basic resume tips

Let's start with the basic do's and don'ts when putting your resume together. Listing your skills is not the only thing that matters—choosing the right format and sections is equally crucial. Here are some tips for writing a resume from scratch:

1. Don’t try to cram every skill and work experience onto your resume

Think of your resume not as a comprehensive list of your career history, but as a marketing document selling you as the perfect person for the role you’re applying to. For each resume you send out, you’ll want to highlight only the accomplishments and skills that are most relevant to the job at hand (even if that means you don’t include all of your experience ).

This is called tailoring your resume and it helps anyone who reads it see exactly why you’re a match for a specific position.

2. But keep a resume outline with a full list of your qualifications

Since you’ll be swapping different information in and out depending on the job you’re applying to, save a resume outline —or maybe our resume worksheet —on your computer with old positions, bullet points tailored for different applications, and special projects that only sometimes make sense to include. Think of this as your brag file. Then, when you’re crafting each resume, it’s just a matter of cutting and pasting relevant information together.

3. Ditch the objective statement

The only time an objective section makes sense is when you’re making a huge career change and need to explain from the get-go why your experience doesn’t match up with the position you’re applying to. In every other case, resume objectives just make you look old-fashioned or out of touch.

Read More: 3 Reasons You Should Ditch That Resume Objective—and 3 Things You Can Do Instead

4. Put the best, most relevant information first

In journalism speak, “above the fold” refers to what you see on the front half of a folded newspaper (or, in the digital age, before you scroll down on a website)—basically it’s your first impression of a document. In resume speak, it means you should make sure your most relevant qualifications are visible on the top third of your resume.

This top section is what the hiring manager is going to see first—and what will serve as a hook for someone to keep on reading. If your most recent position isn’t the most relevant piece of your candidacy, consider leading with a skills section (such as in a combination resume format ) or writing a resume summary .

5. Choose the right resume format for you

There are lots of different ways to organize the information on your resume—like the functional resume or combination resume. But the good old reverse chronological —where your most recent experience is listed first—is usually your best bet. Unless it’s absolutely necessary in your situation, skip the functional or skills-based resume—hiring managers might wonder what you’re hiding.

6. Keep it concise

The two-page resume is a hotly debated topic, but the bottom line is this—you want the information here to be as short as possible, and keeping it to one page forces you to prioritize what really matters. If you truly have enough relevant and important experience, training, and credentials to showcase on more than one page of your resume, then go for two. But if you can tell the same story in less space? Do it.

Read More: 6 Pro Tips for Cutting Your Resume Down to One Page

7. Include relevant links

Can’t figure out how to tell your whole story on one page, or want to be able to include some visual examples of your work? Instead of trying to have your resume cover everything, cover the most important details on that document. Then, include a link to your personal website , your online portfolio , examples of your work, or a relevant, professional social media profile , where you can dive more into what makes you the ideal candidate.

Just avoid hyperlinking over words that are key to understanding your resume, since it can throw off the tools employers use to store and parse resumes.

8. Be aware of the ATS

You may have heard that employers are using computers to “read” your resume and decide who to hire and reject. That’s not exactly true. But most employers do use software called an applicant tracking system—or ATS—to parse resumes and organize them so that recruiters and hiring managers can search for the most relevant applications.

You should assume your resume will pass through an ATS at some point during your job search, so understanding how it works will help make your hunt more efficient. (All of the tips for resume writing in this list keep ATSs in mind as well!)

Read More: Beat the Robots: How to Get Your Resume Past the System and Into Human Hands

Resume formatting tips

Your resume's format matters as much as the content it holds. Aim for a simple and minimalist layout, without overwhelming columns, colors, or graphic elements. Here are some key resume formatting tips to help you stand out:

9. Keep your resume format simple

We’ll talk about getting creative in order to stand out in a minute. But the most basic principle of good resume formatting and design? Keep it simple. Make your resume easy on hiring managers’ eyes by using a reasonably sized default font like Helvetica or Arial and leaving a healthy amount of white space on the page. Your main focus here should be on readability for the hiring manager (and that pesky ATS).

Read more: The Best Resume Font and Size (No More Agonizing!)

10. Stand out with ATS-friendly design elements

Really want your resume to stand out from the sea of Times New Roman? Yes, creative resumes —like infographics, videos, or presentations can set you apart, but you have to make sure they actually get read. If you’re uploading your resume to a job application site or online portal, use ATS-friendly formatting elements like:

• Bold and italic text
• Underlining (in headings or over hyperlinks)
• Different text alignments
• Columns that can be read straight across

11. Avoid design elements that can’t be “read” by computers

On the flip side, it’s best to avoid design elements that ATSs are known to have trouble with such as:

• Logos and icons
• Images and photos
• Graphics, graphs, or other visuals
• Headers and footers
• Less common fonts
• Columns that can only be read from top to bottom

12. Make your contact info prominent

You don’t need to include your address on your resume anymore (really!), but you do need to make sure to include a phone number and professional-sounding email address (but not one affiliated with another job!) as well as other places the hiring manager can find you on the web, like your LinkedIn profile, plus your pronouns if you’d like to.

Read More: Here's Exactly What Should Be Included in Your Resume's Header

13. Design your resume for skimmability

You’ve probably heard before that hiring managers don’t spend a lot of time on each individual resume. So help them get as much information as possible in as little time as possible, by making your resume easy to skim .

Work experience resume tips

Recruiters nowadays want to know more than a simple description of your responsibilities. They're looking for the results and impacts of your work, as well as the connection between your experience and the position you're applying for now.

That said, let's take a look at some resume writing tips for describing your work experience:

14. Keep your work experience recent and relevant

As a rule, you should only show the most recent 10-15 years of your career and only include the experiences that are relevant to the positions you’re applying to. Remember to allocate real estate on your resume according to importance. If there’s a choice between including one more college internship or going into more detail about your current role, always choose the latter (unless the internship was more relevant to the role you’re applying for).

15. Don’t forget your transferable skills and experiences

Don’t panic if you don’t have any professional experience that fits the bill. Focus your resume on your relevant and transferable skills along with any related side or academic projects , and then make sure to pair it with a strong cover letter telling the narrative of why you’re ideal for the job.

Read more: What to Put on Your Resume When You Have No Relevant Work Experience

16. Write strong, achievement-focused bullet points

The bullet points under each job entry are arguably the most important part of your resume. They tell whoever’s reading it what skills you have, how you’ve used them, and how you’ve helped your employers in the past.

So start with a strong action verb , include relevant skills from the job description , and frame your bullets around your achievements—don’t just list your job duties . Tell them how your work benefitted your boss or company so they know what they stand to gain by hiring you.

Here’s a simple formula to follow:

• Compelling verb + job duty + key skills used = tangible result

So you might say: “ Developed an upgrade to the employee database, ensuring the smooth flow of critical operations, which led to a 35% increase in efficiency. ”

17. Curate your bullet points and experiences

No matter how long you’ve been in a job, or how much you’ve accomplished there, you shouldn’t have more than eight bullet points under it—and that’s only for your most recent and relevant job. Jobs further back should generally be limited to four to six bullets.

Read More: How Many Bullet Points Should Each Job on Your Resume Have?

18. Use as many numbers as you can

Use facts, figures, and numbers whenever possible in your bullet points. How many people were impacted by your work? By what percentage did you exceed your goals? Quantifying your accomplishments allows the hiring manager to picture the level of work or responsibility you needed to achieve them.

19. Don’t neglect non-traditional work

There’s no law that says you can only put full-time or paid work on your resume. So, if you’ve volunteered , worked part-time or as a temporary or contract worker , freelanced, or interned? Absolutely list these things as their own “jobs” within your career chronology—as long as they’re relevant to the job you’re applying for. The same goes for career breaks . Yes, really.

Read More: 4 Things You Didn't Know You Could Put on Your Resume

20. Use important keywords from the job description

Scan the job description, see what words are used most often, and make sure you’ve included them in your bullet points. For example, does the job description list “CRM” or “Salesforce”? Make sure your resume matches. Not only is this a self-check that you’re targeting your resume to the job, but it’ll also make it easier to search for your resume in an ATS.

Read More: How to Pick Resume Keywords That'll Get Your Job Application Past the ATS

Resume tips for including your education

Most hiring managers will want to know your education level, even if it's not necessarily relevant to the position you're going for. This section is especially important for those changing careers or applying for entry-level jobs—as your education can be an indicator of the skills you have.

Here's some resume tips and tricks for this section:

21. Put experience first, education later

Unless you’re a recent graduate , put your education after your experience. Chances are, your last couple of jobs are more important and relevant to you getting the job than where you went to college.

22. Also keep it in reverse chronological order

Generally, you should list your educational background with the most recent or advanced degree first, working in reverse chronological order. But if older coursework is more specific to the job, list that first to grab the reviewer’s attention.

23. Remove the dates from your education section once you’re a few years into your career

Unless you’re early in your career, don’t list your graduation dates. The reviewer cares more about whether or not you have the degree than when you earned it. And you don’t want to inadvertently open yourself up to age discrimination , which is an unfortunate reality in some job markets.

24. Highlight honors and achievements, not GPA

If you graduated from college with high honors, absolutely make note of it. Showcase that summa cum laude status, the fact that you were in the honors college at your university, a relevant project you completed, or an award you won. You don’t need to list your GPA —employers don’t care as much about GPA as they do what skills you gained in school.

Read More: How to (and How Not to) List Education on Your Resume

25. Include continuing or online education

Feel free to include continuing education, professional development coursework, or online courses in your education section, especially if your resume feels a little light on relevant experience.

Best resume tips for showing off your skills

You shouldn't wait until you get an interview to showcase your skills—your resume can and should have a specific section for them. You can also leverage other sections of the document to incorporate what's relevant for the position.

Here are our tips for making a resume that effectively highlights your skills:

26. Don’t forget your skills section

Be sure to add a section that lists all the relevant skills you have for a position—especially those mentioned in the job description. Include technical skills like software and project management tools or specific knowledge of how to perform relevant tasks. Just make sure to skip including skills that everyone is expected to have, like using email or Microsoft Word. Doing so will make you seem less technologically savvy.

27. But don’t only put your skills in your skills section

Your skills section is an easy way for anyone reading your resume to confirm that you have required qualifications, but that shouldn’t be the only place that your important skills appear. Any skill that’s vital to you being hired should also be in your bullet points—where you can show how you’ve used it in the past.

28. Divvy up your skills for readability

If you have lots of skills that would help you with a job but aren’t necessarily in the same category—say, foreign language, software, and leadership skills—try breaking up your skills sections. Below your “Skills” section, add a subsection titled “Language Skills” or “Software Skills,” for example. Again, we’re going for skimmability here!

29. Show—don’t tell—your soft skills

Describing soft skills on a resume often starts to sound like a list of meaningless buzzwords. But being a “strong leader” or an “effective communicator” are important characteristics you want to get across. Think about how you can demonstrate these attributes in your bullet points without actually saying them.

Read more: The Non-Boring Way to Show Off Your Soft Skills in Your Job Search

Other resume section tips

Resume sections are not fixed like stone-written texts; they can change according to the job position you're applying for or the requirements listed by the company. Here are some examples of sections you can add—and more tips on writing a resume that stand out:

30. Include relevant certifications and licenses

If you have a certification or license that proves you can do some aspect of the job you’re applying for, include it on your resume. This is especially important if that certification or license is legally required to do the job—for example, in nursing, teaching, or driving jobs.

31. Show some (relevant) personality

Feel free to include an “Interests” section on your resume, but only add those that are relevant to the job. Are you a guitar player with your eye on a music company? Definitely include it. But if you’re considering including your scrapbooking hobby for a software developer job at a healthcare company? Best to leave it out.

32. Beware of interests and activities that could be controversial

Maybe you help raise money for your church on the reg. Or perhaps you’re dedicated to canvassing during political campaigns. Yes, these experiences show a good amount of work ethic or possibly other relevant skills—but they could also open you up to be discriminated against by someone who disagrees with the cause. So weigh your decision to include them carefully.

33. Add awards and achievements—when they’re relevant

Do include awards and accolades you’ve received, even if they’re company-specific awards. Just state what you earned them for, e.g., “Earned Golden Salesperson Award for having the company’s top sales record four quarters in a row.” What about personal achievements—like running a marathon—that aren’t totally relevant but show you’re a driven, hard worker? Consider the best way to include them (and if you should).

Resume tips for navigating employment gaps and other sticky situations

If you're an experienced professional, you might have some tricky information to explain. Job hopping, career gap, and short term jobs are examples of things that can make an applicant feel insecure when drafting resumes.

Is that your situation? Check on these good resume tips to explain sticky situations without jeopardizing your chances to get an interview:

34. Cut the short-term jobs

If you stayed at a (non-temporary) job for only a matter of months, consider eliminating it from your resume to avoid looking like a job hopper. Leaving a particularly short-lived job or two off your resume shouldn’t hurt, as long as you’re honest about your experience if asked in an interview. But if the short-term job is super relevant to this job, consider including it anyway.

35. If you have shorter gaps, be strategic about how you list dates

If you have gaps of a few months in your work history, don’t list the usual start and end dates with months and years for each position. Use years only (2018–2020), or just the number of years or months you worked at each position. Just keep it consistent throughout your resume and don’t lie if asked about gaps during an interview.

Read more: How to Explain the Gap in Your Resume With Ease

36. Explain serial job hopping

If you’ve job-hopped frequently, you can include a succinct reason for leaving next to each position like “company closed,” “layoff due to downsizing,” or “relocated to a new city.” By addressing the gaps, you’ll proactively illustrate the reason for your frequent job movement and make it less of an issue.

37. Explain a long break in jobs

Re-entering the workforce after a long hiatus? This is the perfect opportunity for a summary statement at the top, outlining your best skills and accomplishments. Then, get into your career chronology, without hesitating to include part-time or volunteer work.

38. Be intentional about career gaps

While career gaps are becoming increasingly common, you should still frame them in a way that’s relevant to a future employer, by talking about skills you gained or any professional endeavors you took on. If you didn’t focus on professional development, that’s fine too! But not every employer will appreciate it if you get too cutesy about that section of your resume.

For example, if you took time out of the workforce to raise kids, you might not want to creatively describe this parenting experience on your resume, à la “adeptly managed the growing pile of laundry.” Instead state what you did plainly and include any professional skills you may have grown or activities you may have done.

Read More: Stay-at-Home Parent? How to Kill it on Your Comeback Resume

Tips on resume finishing touches

Writing a good resume alone isn't the only thing that matters. How you save and send it can also determine whether the recruiter will even take a look at it. To wrap things up, here are our resume formatting tips and other suggestions to boost your chances of getting noticed:

39. Ditch “References available upon request”

If a hiring manager is interested in you, they’ll ask you for references—and will assume that you have them. There’s no need to address the obvious (and doing so might even make you look a little out of touch!).

40. Proofread, proofread, proofread

It should go without saying, but fully edit your resume and make sure it’s free and clear of typos. And don’t rely on spell check and grammar check alone—step away for a few hours, then read your resume closely again, and ask family or friends to take a look at it for you.

41. Save it as a PDF or Word document

Unless a job posting specifically requests that you do otherwise, your resume should always be submitted as either a PDF or Word document (.docx not .doc). These are the formats that can be most easily opened and most easily parsed by an ATS.

The choice between the two is up to you (again, unless the company you’re applying to requests one format over the other). If you’re emailing your resume, however, PDFs are a bit more likely to maintain your formatting across different computers and programs.

42. Name your file clearly

Ready to save your resume and send it off? Save it as “Jane Smith Resume” instead of “Resume.” The hiring manager is going to have plenty of “Resumes” on their computer, so make it super easy for them to find what they’re looking for. You can even go a bit further and put the position title in your file name (e.g., “Jane Smith Marketing Analyst Resume).

Read More: The (Simple) Guidelines You Should Follow When Naming Your Resume and Cover Letter Files

43. Keep your resume outline fresh

Carve out some time every quarter or so to pull up your resume outline and make some updates. Have you taken on new responsibilities? Learned new skills? Add them. When your resume is updated on a regular basis, you’re always ready to pounce when opportunity presents itself. And even if you’re not job searching, there are plenty of good reasons to keep this document in tip-top shape.

The 18 most common resume mistakes to avoid in 2021

When you apply for a job, it’s important to avoid all common resume mistakes. Even simple errors, like a poorly formatted list or a misspelled word, can derail your job search. Recruiters and hiring managers receive hundreds of resumes every day, and it doesn’t take much for a resume to be rejected.

Even today, with online resume guides, professional resume writers, and spell check technology, resume mistakes are all too common. It’s important to know all possible resume mistakes to avoid.

Recommended links:

• Our collection of 500+ professional resume examples .
• Our gallery of 20+ downloadable resume templates .

To make sure your resume is application-ready and error-free, keep an eye out for these 18 most common resume mistakes.

• Resume writing mistakes

The way you write your resume is important. Resumes are tools to get you a job, and you need to make sure every word and sentence serves that purpose. As you apply for jobs, keep an eye out for these resume writing mistakes.

1. Spelling and grammar errors

Typos, spelling errors, and poorly worded sentences can be all it takes to send your resume to the rejection pile. You might have great experience and the right skills for the job, but in a competitive job market there’s sure to be someone with similar qualifications and no typos.

Your spell checking software will catch most spelling errors, but you should still check and double-check your resume for bad grammar, unusual word choice, and any spelling errors the spell checker might have missed.

Use spell check

2. Boring job descriptions

Your Work History shouldn’t read like a job posting. An uninteresting list of responsibilities won’t impress hiring managers. Boring job descriptions are a common resume mistake that can easily cause your application to be rejected.

When describing past jobs in your resume, focus on achievements instead of duties. In each role, think of accomplishments you can showcase, like big sales you made, projects you contributed to, or teams you led. Your successes are more likely to catch an employer's eye than your responsibilities.

Further, try to use numbers as much as possible. If you can measure your success, your experience will have more credibility. Anything that can be quantified looks great in your experience, whether it’s sales, revenue, customer acquisition, email outreach, or customer success scores.

Met monthly customer satisfaction target of 95% is a more impressive phrase than Responsible for handling customer inquiries .

Your resume is a marketing tool. It shouldn’t just describe you; it should sell you.

3. Unexplained gaps in your work history

Taking time off work isn’t necessarily a problem. Whether you’re travelling, going back to school, or caring for a family member, there are plenty of reasons to take a break.

The common resume mistake that job-seekers make is letting this gap go unexplained . If you took a year off to travel, say so. No one will fault you for taking time to yourself, as long as you have a good reason.

You don’t have to explain every little gap. A month or two between jobs is perfectly normal. But when your time off work is longer than six months or a year, a sentence or two that explains why will help to soothe an employer’s worries.

Where were they in 2010?

4. Unexplained job-hopping

Hiring managers can be suspicious of job-seekers who never seem to keep a job for longer than a year or two. Training new employees is expensive, and employers will be hesitant to hire you if they think they’ll have to replace you in six months.

Most employees aren’t lifers anymore, and changing jobs every few years is more common than it once was, but if you’ve held too many jobs for a short time, many employers will see it as a red flag. You shouldn’t lie about your job-hopping, but do your best to explain it so the employer doesn’t have to wonder.

5. Your resume is too generic

Your resume must be customized for every application. No two jobs are the same, and the perfect resume for one position isn’t going to be perfect for the next. When your resume suits every job, it’s probably too generic to actually land any of them. Using the same resume for every application isn’t going to score you any interviews.

To avoid this common resume mistake, make sure every aspect of your resume is targeted to the role and company you are applying to. The skills, experience, and credentials you choose to highlight should be perfect for this specific job.

To target your resume, study the job posting, the company website, and the company’s social media presence. This will give you an idea of what company culture is like, what the company’s values are, and what skill set they are looking for. You can customize your resume to suit what you learned.

As much as possible, use the same language as the job posting in your resume. You shouldn’t lie about your skills, but where they match you can use the same words to describe your qualifications. The company is looking for particular abilities, and your resume should show that you have exactly what they need by using the same terms.

6. Too much work experience

If you’re an experienced professional with decades of experience, including every moment of your long career is probably excessive. It can be tempting to try stuffing every single job into your resume, but this can result in a resume that is too long and has too much detail. Don’t include things like college jobs or internships on your resume when you have more important experience to display.

Jobs that you did 15 years ago probably aren’t relevant to your current career, and they don’t need to be included in your resume. Your resume should only be a few pages long, and that space should be dedicated to your most recent, most relevant work experience.

7. Irrelevant work experience

Employers want employees with relevant experience. You should make sure that the work experience you highlight in your resume is related to the job you’re applying to.

If you’re looking for an accounting position, there is no need to include your summer job as a lifeguard. As long as you have enough experience to fill up your resume without them, don’t let irrelevant past jobs take up too much space on your resume.

This doesn’t mean you have to completely remove all unrelated jobs from your resume. If doing so would leave a long gap, this would introduce its own problems. It just means you should highlight the most relevant aspects of each job. Focus on transferable skills and accomplishments that show you are a great employee. Irrelevant skills and duties can be ignored, or at least given less space.

8. Irrelevant skills

Your resume should only include skills that are directly relevant to the job you’re applying for. If you’re changing careers, or have had lots of different jobs, you might have a large and diverse skill set, and it can be tempting to include everything you know in your resume. Your Skills section is an important part of your resume, so it needs to be customized to suit the role you want.

Employers are only interested in the skills that will help you in the position they’re hiring for. You might know everything there is to know about selling cars, but that doesn’t make you a good programmer. If you are applying for a job that requires a particular set of skills, there is no reason to include skills from previous jobs if they aren’t useful.

This doesn’t mean you have to hide your skills. It just means you should focus on the skills that really matter to this specific application. Look for transferable skills, like sales, communication, or time management, instead of hard skills that won’t translate to a new context.

• Resume design mistakes

Resume design is just as important as resume content. If your resume is ugly, many employers won’t even bother to read it. To make sure your resume has a good design, avoid these common resume mistakes.

9. Ugly resume templates

It’s important to make sure the resume template you use looks good. There are lots of resume and CV templates available online, but not all of them will be right for you. To make sure your resume template is professional and stylish, find a CV builder that can help you create a PDF or Word resume. With the right template, you can create a great-looking resume without any trouble.

10. Bad formatting

Make sure your resume is easy to read. Even when you use a resume template, badly formatted text can make your resume unappealing. It doesn’t matter how good your resume is if recruiters can’t read it.

As you write your resume, make sure to use clear headings for all sections, with appropriate white space between them. In each section, use bulleted lists and simple sentences when describing your qualifications. This will ensure the resume is well-structured and easy to read.

11. Poor font choices

Any fonts you use in your resume should be professional and readable. Just because you can easily select from thousands of different fonts on any word processor doesn’t mean you should. Stick to simple, accessible typefaces like Open Sans or Raleway.

It’s also best practice to use no more than one or two fonts. Use one font for headings and one for body text, or use the same font for both. Any more than this can be distracting.

12. Your resume is too long

Your resume should be no more than one or two pages long. This is the length that employers expect, and it should be more than enough space to highlight your skills and experience.

If you’re in an academic field with lots of publications to include, or a high-level professional with decades of impressive executive experience, you may be able to get away with a longer resume. For most job-seekers, two pages is enough.

13. Your resume isn’t ATS-friendly

When you apply for a job online, your resume has to get past the Applicant Tracking System.

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a type of software that reads and sorts resumes. When you submit an online job application, an ATS will check your resume for the skills and experience the company wants from its candidates. If you want to score an interview, you need to make sure the ATS can read your resume and see that you have the right qualifications.

To write a resume that beats the ATS , your resume should be formatted simply. Tables, charts, and pictures can confuse the ATS. Use a straightforward resume template without too many visual elements to avoid this resume mistake, such as VisualCV’s Standard , Monte , or Monaco .

It’s also important to make sure your resume has the right keywords. The ATS is looking for specific words and phrases to sort resumes by.

To make sure your resume has the right keywords, read the job posting very closely. It will have a detailed explanation of the skills and experience the company wants. These are the phrases the ATS will be looking for. Use the same language to describe your skills and experience so the ATS will know you have the right qualifications.

• Resume details mistakes

Another common resume mistake is including the wrong information. The resume sections, personal information, and contact details are all important parts of the resume, and including the wrong thing could result in a rejection.

14. Including (or not including) a picture

In North America, you should not include your picture on your resume. Employers don’t expect one, and some companies will outright reject any resume containing a picture.

In other countries, such as Germany and France, a picture is expected. In those places, employers do expect to see a professional headshot included with the resume, and a resume without one will likely be rejected.

Make sure you know what the expectations are for resumes in your area before you apply.

If you do include a picture, make sure it meets all the requirements (some countries expect a passport photo, for example), and make sure it’s high quality.

15. Incorrect personal information

In North America, the only personal details you need to include on your resume are your name, your email address, your phone number, and your city. You can also include links to your social media profiles if desired.

In some places, resumes are expected to include date of birth, home address, and even marital status.

When you write your resume, make sure you understand what personal information employers are expecting. The wrong personal information can lead to your resume being rejected.

16. Objective statements

While it was once common to include an objective statement on your resume, this resume section is now considered old-fashioned and outdated. This section isn’t needed in modern resumes.

Instead of an objective statement, include a Summary section at the top of your resume. If you have objectives or goals you would like to share, you can include them here.

17. Unprofessional content

Anything you include with your resume, including anything on the internet you link to, should be appropriate for a professional context.

Don’t link to any social media unless you’re certain that there is nothing too casual on there. Something as simple as a picture of you at a party could end your application. Any social media you link to, whether it’s LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter, should be carefully curated.

Your headshot should be professional.

You should also avoid jokes on your resume, and it’s time to retire the silly email address you made when you were younger. Your email address should be something simple and professional, such as your name.

18. Keyword stuffing

You can beat the ATS, but you can’t trick it. It used to be the case that job-seekers could copy and paste the entire text of the job posting into their resume in an invisible font, so the software would think they had the perfect resume. This is no longer true. ATS developers figured out this trick very quickly, and you can no longer fool applicant tracking systems by stuffing your resume with invisible keywords. To get past the ATS, simply make your resume as good as it can be.

• Resume examples

Lawyer resume example

A results-oriented natural leader, highly skilled in law practice at the state and federal level. Passionate about building high performing legal teams and providing effective solutions to complex problems. A proven ability to provide exemplary customer service and client management . Proficient in criminal and family law.

Work Experience

Beth Silver & Associates, LLC

• Family law and domestic relations.
• Litigation of divorce cases, custody cases, and other post-decree matters.
• Represent clients in divorce, dissolution, custody trials, post-decree matters, mediation, settlement, and other matters.
• Legal writing of motions, memoranda, practice articles.
• Assisting litigation for high net-worth cases by issuing discovery, preparing exhibits, and interfacing with clients.
• Appellate law practice at the state level; Federal law practice.

Associate Attorney

Levy & Harris, A Mother & Son Firm

• Advised clients in various criminal and family matters.
• Drafted pleadings.
• Completed numerous legal research memorandums.
• Managed firm's social media presence.
• Provided pro bono assistance to low-income clients.

Legal Assistant

Angelo & Harrisson

• Assisted attorney in preparing for trials and court proceedings.
• Prepared legal arguments.
• Tracked hours and billed to clients.
• Identified appropriate laws, judicial decisions, and legal articles for assigned cases.
• Assisted attorney in trial by taking notes and analyzing witness testimony.

Vincent Associates Inc.

• Organized client files.
• Conducted the legal research for attorney briefs and memorandum.

Property Lawyer Assistant

Ferguson & Wilson, P.C.

• Prepared a variety of descriptive background reports, and written materials about patents, trademarks, industrial copyright, and unfair competition.
• Facilitated communication between domestic and foreign clients, attorneys and agents.
• Represented more than 500 clients at courts and administrative bodies.

Juris Doctor

American University

Bachelor of Arts in History

University of Illinois at Chicago

• Juvenile Law
• Probate Law
• Criminal Law
• Civil Rights Law
• Collaborative Law

IT Executive resume example

Decisive, creative, global technology executive with extensive experience leading complex business analysis, consulting and implementation on large-scale IT projects. Experience in investigating business systems, identifying options for improving business systems and bridging the needs of the business with the use of IT solutions. An effective organizer who works comfortably under pressure and readily assumes additional responsibilities. Successfully led large-scale technology initiatives that provided significant returns on investment. Proven track record of delivering positive results by leveraging a unique blend of leadership, organizational development, relationship building, technology innovation, and communication skills.

IT Executive

Galacticus Data

• Serve as an IT Executive, leading the creation of the Corporate IT Business Office in Galacticus Data, a $2 billion market cap global marketing services firm.
• Leverage experience as a transformation CI, and Services Executive to implement a new strategic technology plan for the data holding company.
• Advise the Senior Executive team on its transition to the cloud.
• Adopt Big Data capabilities as required by the company.

Junior Business Analyst

• Assisted the Senior Business Analyst and IT Manager with system testing, application testing, and reports testing.
• Produced SRS documents (Software Requirements Specification) and used case documentation for the systems that the IS (Information Systems) department maintained.
• Investigated queries logged (via request tracker application) and assigned the task to a Developer to fix.
• Involved in User Acceptance Testing (UAT) for specified projects.
• Supported the Operational Manager in the transition of the project into the business.
• Worked closely with end users and other business team members in a co-operative environment.

IT Consultant

• Assisted in extracting different forms of source data from clients and planning an analytical strategy in order to analyze, investigate and manipulate the client’s data.
• Compiled reports based on patterns found in the data.
• Analyzed data using ACL (Access Control List) and SQL.
• Worked for clients in various industries, public sector, telecommunications, and government sectors.
• Reported directly to Senior Business Analyst.

Master of Science in Computer Science

Boston University

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

• Rationale Software

Applications

• MS PowerPoint

Team Player

• Broadened my skills as a team player.
• Involved in the team sport and have realized the value of co-operation and camaraderie in both an academic and professional environment.

Decision Making

• Made crucial decision in crucial times.
• Problem-solving and Analytical
• Extensive analysis of problems and the provision of possible solutions are important skills in any business environment.
• Assisted the CIO in investigating profit loss due to IT-related issues, thorough investigation and discussions with developers I was able to determine the source of the problem i.e. human or system-related errors.

Communication

• Communicate with and assist fellow colleagues when a difficulty arises.
• Establishing channels between developers, suppliers and the sales team are paramount to solving issues quickly.

Community Success Manager & CV Writing Expert

Ben is a writer, customer success manager and CV writing expert with over 5 years of experience helping job-seekers create their best careers. He believes in the importance of a great resume summary and the power of coffee.

Anyone can write a great resume by starting with the basics.

May 31, 2021

Learning how to write a resume in 2024 is an important step in everyone's career. With this step-by-step guide, you'll have a great resume in no time.

December 6, 2023

Solve the resume puzzle with these essential resume sections

November 4, 2020

Copyright © 2024 Workstory Inc.

Select Your Language:

Explore Jobs

• Jobs Near Me
• Remote Jobs
• Full Time Jobs
• Part Time Jobs
• Entry Level Jobs
• Work From Home Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

• $15 Per Hour Jobs
• $20 Per Hour Jobs
• Hiring Immediately Jobs
• High School Jobs
• H1b Visa Jobs

Explore Careers

• Business And Financial
• Architecture And Engineering
• Computer And Mathematical

Explore Professions

• What They Do
• Certifications
• Demographics

Best Companies

• Health Care
• Fortune 500

Explore Companies

• CEO And Executies
• Resume Builder
• Career Advice
• Explore Majors
• Questions And Answers
• Interview Questions

10 Resume Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them)

• How To Write A Resume
• How To Build A Resume
• Specific Resume Words
• Action Verbs On A resume
• Words To Describe Yourself
• Resume Outline
• How To Make A Resume
• How To Make A Resume On Word
• How To Write A Resume Profile
• General Resume Examples
• Resume With No Experience
• Student Resume
• College Resume
• Entry Level Resume
• Military Resume
• Internship Resume
• First Resume
• College Application Resume
• 2 Page Resume
• Blank Resume Template
• College Freshman Resume
• Work History
• Resume Templates
• Resume Tips
• Best Resume Writing Services
• Things To Avoid On A Resume
• Resume Paper To Use
• What To Include In A Resume
• How To Write A Bio
• How To Write A Personal Statement
• Lied on Your Resume?
• Avoid Age Discrimination
• Words and Phrases You Shouldn't Include in Your Resume
• How Many Skills Should You List On A Resume
• Send A Resume As A Pdf
• Resume Critique
• Make A Resume Stand Out
• Resume Spelling
• Resume Past Or Present Tense
• How To List Projects On A resume
• Best Resume Action Words
• How To Quantify Your Resume
• Resume Bullet Points
• Are Resume Writers Worth It
• How Many Jobs To List On Resume
• Please Find Attached My Resume
• How To List Contract Work On Your Resume
• How To Put Research On Your Resume
• How To Upload Your Resume To LinkedIn
• Resume Mistakes
• What Is A CV?
• CV Vs Resume
• CV Templates
• CV Examples

Find a Job You Really Want In

Even the most meticulous of candidates can let a mistake or two fall through. But just because you don’t notice your mistakes doesn’t mean that they’ll slip by employers. In fact, they’re probably the first thing employers see before they move onto the next resume. Don’t panic! Even though these mistakes can ruin your chances of getting the job, it’s easy to ensure they never get a spot on your resume to begin with. On that note, here are 10 resume mistakes that could cost you the job and how to prevent them. Key Takeaways: Make sure you don’t have any spelling or grammar mistakes in your resume , and proof read before submitting it. Leaving out keywords can make your resume get buried in the pile so make sure you put keywords that match the job listing. Don’t use a generic resume that you submit to every job, make sure to personalize it to each job you apply to. In This Article    Skip to section 10 Resume Mistakes And How To Avoid Them Final Thoughts Expert Opinion Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs 10 Resume Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

Spelling and grammar. Typos and grammatical errors destroy the credibility of your resume, plain and simple. If your resume doesn’t have perfect spelling and grammar, employers will assume that you have no attention to detail , that you can’t write, or that you just don’t care about the job. Not a very flattering image.

Luckily, this mistake has an easy fix: proofread. Look over your resume several times. Use spell-check. Get a friend to take a look at your resume to catch any mistakes you may have overlooked. Heck, read it out loud as a theatrical performance if you have to. Just do whatever it takes to ensure you’re not submitting a resume with your own name spelled wrong.

Leaving out keywords. One of the best ways to get your resume noticed is to sprinkle it with keywords that match the job listing. It shows that you’re a strong fit for the job and that you meet even the most basic requirements.

Look over the job posting and make note of any and all keywords the employers use. They can be skills , qualifications , or experiences . Make sure to include as many as possible throughout your resume so you don’t get thrown out of the hiring process before you even get your foot in the door.

Additionally, applicant tracking software (ATS) will parse your resume for keywords, so it’s especially important to mirror language from the job description if you’re applying to a large company. On the flip-side, don’t go crazy and stuff your resume with a bunch of lame, low-value buzzwords like “passionate,” “motivated,” and “hard worker.”

Going Overboard and sharing too much information. If your resume is four pages long, it’s highly unlikely that employers will get past the first page . Don’t tell hiring managers every single detail about every job you’ve ever had, or your resume will probably just end up in the trash.

Keep your resume to one page . Only include relevant work history within the past 10-15 years. Focus on your most significant accomplishments in each position, and use bullet points with concise sentences to improve readability. Employers don’t need to know your entire life history — just the good stuff.

You can also ask a former coworker or friend with industry knowledge which information they would cut if you’re having trouble deciding what to get rid of. Generally, the older the experience, the less detail you have to provide.

Writing a resume objective or summary that doesn’t match the job. Many job seekers opt out of including a resume objective nowadays, but if you choose to include one, make sure to explain how you can add value to the company and how it ties into your overall career goals .

Don’t focus too heavily on yourself and make sure to show what you can do for the company. Never use a generic statement and be as specific as possible. Being vague or nondescript is a quick and easy way to get your resume thrown out.

We recommend using a resume summary statement over an objective 95% of the time. Recent college graduates , those without much formal experience , and career changers might opt for a resume objective instead, but even most people in these groups should go for a summary statement.

A resume objective lays out your career goals. A resume summary statement grabs the hiring manager or recruiter’s attention by stating your impressive professional experiences and indicating how you’ll add value to the company from your first day if hired.

Including boring or irrelevant information. Just as bad as including too much information is including details of your work history that are boring or don’t relate to the job. Resumes are not the place to be modest. Use your resume to show off your career highlights and show off why you’re the best person for the job.

Mention any awards or accomplishments you’ve achieved in your previous jobs — yes, even your “employee of the month” award at your college’s local burger joint. Mention any soft skills you’ve gained in the past as long as they relate to the job. If you think any aspect of your work experience could impress employers, go ahead and include it.

Leave off the “interests and hobbies” section unless your resume is really light without it. Even then, a section devoted to your interests should be short and be at least somewhat related to your job or skills required for the job.

Using a generic resume. This is the cardinal sin of resume writing. Employers want to see that you’re the perfect fit for the job, and it’s going to be hard to accomplish that if you submit a vague resume that could be applied to any position.

You should always customize your resume for every position you apply for. Use it as an opportunity to include your most relevant information and clearly show employers why you’d be the perfect fit for their company.

Read the job description carefully. Highlight all the action verbs in one color and all the skills and adjectives in a different color. Then, try to use some of that same language throughout your resume, where relevant and appropriate.

Not highlighting your accomplishments. Remember, your resume is not the place to be humble. Make sure to write job descriptions that show what you’ve accomplished and not just your duties or responsibilities.

Recruiters and hiring managers have a general idea of what various job titles do, so it’s redundant to include basic stuff. For example, if you were a data entry clerk , listing “Input data” as one of your responsibilities is a waste of space.

Showcasing your skills and achievements helps employers see how you can add value to their company, instead of showing them that you haven’t been jobless for the past three years.

Being passive. Using a passive voice in your resume ultimately downplays your accomplishments. Make sure to use action verbs to make your achievements seem strong and intentional.

So, rather than saying “Was responsible for organizing company fundraisers,” rephrase this description with action words to make it more powerful by saying “Organized company fundraisers 3 consecutive years.” Voila! Simple as that. Here are some other action words to use on your resume:

Not quantifying your accomplishments. Don’t just say you did something; prove it. It might sound impossible, but quantifying your accomplishments on your resume adds credibility, makes your claims more believable, and makes you seem more trustworthy.

Provide any evidence available to support your accomplishments. Numbers are the easiest and most credible way to add value to your statements — use percentages, sales figures, etc. Quantify wherever you can. It’s easier then you think. You can talk about:

Frequency: “Answered 20 emails a day,” “submitted 4 articles a week,” “wrote weekly interval newsletter,” etc.

Change: “Designed images that increased CTR by 14%,” “generated 12% increase in leads month-over-month,” etc.

Range: “Improved test scores between 11-15 points,” “collected 200-400 new leads each month,” etc.

Scale: “Created new workflow process, saving $20,000 annually,” “drove $150,000+ in sales from new traffic in first 6 months,” etc.

Having a Visually Distracting Resume Your middle school instincts may tell you to include a rainbow of font colors, as many different typefaces as you can muster, and some cute clip art to make things more interesting. Don’t give in to these urges. You might think you’re sending a message that says “Look at me! I’m creative!” But in reality, it only shows that you’re unprofessional.

Having an aesthetically busy resume is distracting and will probably result in headaches and eye rolls for the hiring managers who have the misfortune to see it. Stick to using black font, one typeface, and clean formatting.

ATS also have trouble reading designs and unique bullet point graphics. If you can copy and paste your resume into a .txt document without anything getting messed up, the chances are that any ATS will be able to read it. Otherwise, your resume might get tossed out before a human reader even gets to it.

That being said, if you’re applying for a role in the arts (especially the visual arts), then a more creative resume layout may be just what you need to stand out. But for the average job-seeker, stick to the formatting basics .

Final Thoughts

A resume mistake or two can prevent even the most qualified candidates from getting their dream job . These mistakes can make employers think that you’re careless, unqualified, or that you’re just plain dumb.

Let’s not let that happen. Next time you’re customizing your resume for a job, just make sure to steer clear of these 10 mistakes, and you’re sure to land that job offer .

Expert Opinion

What’s the biggest resume mistake people make?

John Davidsson J.D. Founder Owner Olympic Resume

Possibly the biggest mistake in terms of writing (or revising) a resume is going it alone. In my professional opinion, one should not create a resume in a vacuum. Engaging a former colleague, a friend, or a family member can be helpful. Working with a career development professional (e.g. career counselor , interview coach , resume writer ) can also make a world of difference.

However, one’s judgment is also critical. Do you like your resume? Does the format resonate with you? Are you proud of it? Are you comfortable with what you have included…and also excluded? Reviewing a range of samples may be more helpful than merely trusting a single publication or career site.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Maddie Lloyd was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog focused on researching tips for interview, resume, and cover letter preparation. She's currently a graduate student at North Carolina State University's department of English concentrating in Film and Media Studies.

Related posts

6 Tips On How To Address Your Cover Letter

How To Create An ATS-Friendly Resume (With Examples)

15 Things To Avoid Putting On Your Resume

Job Hunter Toolkit: All The Resources You Need To Land Your Dream Job

• Career Advice >
• Get The Job >
• 10 Resume Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

10 Common Resume Mistakes To Avoid

Elevated View Of A Businessman Reading Resume On Office Desk At Workplace

What are common resume mistakes that you see all the time?  originally appeared on  Quora : the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world. 

Answer  by Noah Gramitt, Social Media Coordinator at Wonsulting, on  Quora :  

Here are 10 things that we consistently help our clients with.

Fixing these things will lead to a drastic level up in your resume!

1. Lack of clear headings

Hiring managers rely on your resume layout (header and section headings) to find relevant information. As such, vague or lengthy headings can make it difficult for them to understand your resume. For better results, keep your resume headings simple, short, and outstanding (underlined or bolded).

2. A one-size-fits-all approach

While it’s vital to have a master resume (a repository for all your professional information), you should also have different resumes for different purposes. The resume for a copywriting job, for instance, should differ from the one for a social media job. Targeting a resume for an opportunity by including only relevant details depicts you as an individual willing to take the extra mile.

3. An ‘objective’ section

So you dedicated a resume section to explain how you’re seeking a position that will develop your managerial skills? How phenomenal. Sadly, this doesn’t tell an employer anything positive about your professional skills. And so, an objective section is as pointless as water in a basket. Replace it with a professional summary that showcases your value proposition in 1-3 lines.

4. Use of personal pronouns in your experiences

While reviewing the 30 resumes, I noticed the repeated use of personal pronouns [“I,” “my,” “me]. The justification for this was, “but the resume is about me, isn’t it?” Indeed, the resume is yours, but it’s meant to act as an impersonal description of your professional makeup. Keep your resume business-focused by removing all personal pronouns or articles.

5. Listing every online certificate

There was a particular resume that listed all the  online courses  the owner had taken. 10 courses, to be precise. Ordinarily, this should be a helpful move as it portrays the individual as a lifelong learner. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case. Most of the listed courses, it turned out, weren’t useful to the targeted position, and I advised him to remove them. Similarly, delete irrelevant or beginner-level certificates from your resume. List only the credentials that taught you high-value skills applicable to the potential job.

6. Citing Microsoft Suite as a skill

When you enumerate Microsoft Office under the skill section, the employer automatically assumes you can build formulas in Excel, merge mails, and create automated “rules” in Outlook. Except you’re capable of these, remove Microsoft Office from your resume and instead put the specific platforms that you know in Microsoft Office. Else, your Microsoft Office low proficiency level might get exposed in the interview stage or while on the job.

7. Grammatical blunders

An error-filled resume can prevent you from getting interviewed. “But a misspelling or typo doesn’t determine my expertise,” you may say. Yes, it doesn’t decide your competence. It does, however, characterize you as someone who doesn’t pay attention to details - a red flag for business.  According to Fast Company , 75% of employers said they would reject a candidate if they found grammatical errors or typos in the résumé.

Some submitters lied on their resumes in a bid to impress recruiters or make up for their lack of experience. While you can be creative when writing a resume, you shouldn’t channel your creativity into lies or embellishments. Soon, your lies often catch up with you at the interview stage or while you’re on the job, which may lead to termination. As an alternative to lying, cover up for your professional loopholes by updating your skill set, taking more volunteering roles, and handling more (and even independent) projects.

9. Poor formatting

Formatting elements such as margin size can make your resume jumbled up (if it’s too small) and bland (if it’s too much). When you commit any of these mistakes, an employer might be forced to question your capacity.  “If this candidate can’t properly format his/her resume, wouldn’t tasks requiring strong organizational skills be too much for her?”  Make your resume margins one-inch on all sides to ensure excellent formatting.

10. Badly organized work history

When you don’t organize your past positions in reverse-chronological order, your resume reads as hocus-pocus to the recruiter, preventing them from seeing your point. To be safe, either begin with your most recent position and proceed backward, or focus on your skills and link them to apposite experience.

Best Tax Software Of 2022

Best tax software for the self-employed of 2022, income tax calculator: estimate your taxes.

This question  originally appeared on  Quora  - the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world.

• Search Search Please fill out this field.
• Career Planning
• Finding a Job

The Top 10 Resume Mistakes to Avoid

Don't Make These Errors When You're Writing a Resume

The Top 10 Resume Mistakes

The top 5 resume grammar mistakes, how to avoid resume mistakes.

Does it matter if you make a mistake on your resume? It does. In fact, the quickest way to get screened out as an applicant is to submit a seriously flawed resume. 

Think about it: Your resume is one of the main ways hiring managers assess you as a candidate. Typos and grammatical errors can make you look unprofessional and unqualified.

Another big mistake: submitting a resume that doesn't match the job for which you are applying. Doing this will knock you out of contention for the job, both by hiring managers and the  talent management software  they use to screen resumes. 

Review more information on the most common resume mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.

1. Making Misspellings and Grammatical Errors

Spell check then proofread by placing a finger on each word. Catching your own errors is hard. Try printing your resume out, changing the font, or copying it into a blank email. These strategies help you see your words with fresh eyes, which can help with catching errors. Reading it out loud is another option for catching mistakes. Or, ask a career coach, friend, or family member to review it for errors. 

2. Not Including Keywords That Match the Job Posting

Your resume should include the same keywords that appear in the job listing. If your resume doesn't have the  right keywords , it most likely won't get noticed because you won't appear to be a strong fit for the job.

3. Not Updating Your Skills Section and Work History

Your resume should be updated and targeted for every job you apply for. Be sure to update your  skills section  as well as your  work history .

Check to be sure that skills, especially the computer and technical skills, listed on your resume are current.

4. Including Too Much Information

Don't tell your readers everything about each job. Focus on the highlights; keep your document to one or two pages unless you are applying for a position within academic and research settings. (In that case, you might want to create a CV in place of a resume.) 

Use formatting techniques like bullets and short paragraphs to enhance readability. Limit your resume to the last 10 to 15 years of work experience. You don't need to include everything you ever did.

5. Writing a Resume Objective That Doesn't Match the Job

Avoid using an  objective statement  which doesn't correspond well with the focus of the target job. Many job seekers now leave an objective off their resume or use a  profile  instead. If you include either, make sure it underscores your interest in the type of work for which you are applying.

6. Including a Career Summary That Doesn't Match the Job

Don't use a mismatched ​ summary of qualifications  at the top of your resume. Your key skills in the summary should match many  of the job requirements  or else leave it off.

7. Writing Descriptions That Don't Show What You Did

Avoid job descriptions which simply list your duties or responsibilities. Instead, write active statements which showcase relevant skills and accomplishments . Make sure the employer can easily see how you added value in your role.

8. Leading Your Paragraphs With Irrelevant Duties

Start with the hardest hitting statement which shows that you have key skills related to the job at hand. Otherwise, your reader might just skim by that description.

9. Not Quantifying Accomplishments

Avoid empty self-congratulatory phrases by quantifying accomplishments or providing other concrete evidence to support your assertions . Numbers, like people managed, sales figures, etc., are always helpful. 

10. Being Too Modest

Share any awards or recognition you have received in a matter-of-fact manner 4.g., "Promoted to associate director after increasing annual donations by 25%" or "Received team player award at three annual company-wide awards ceremonies." While you don't want to seem boastful, your resume is the appropriate place to share accomplishments. 

Most resume mistakes fall into the #1 category for this list: grammatical errors or typos. Brad Hoover, CEO of the automated proofreading service  Grammarly , reports that there are five errors on a typical job seeker's resume, and most of these issues—nearly 60%—are grammatical. The most common errors seen in resumes are: 

• Hyphen use (e.g. entry-level)
• Verb tense (e.g. led vs. leads)
• Formatting (e.g. inconsistent fonts or different styles of bullet points)
• Education information (e.g. misspellings or incorrect apostrophe use in a bachelor's degree or master’s degree)
• Careless spelling mistakes (the most commonly misspelled words are simple words such as "and" "planned" and "materials”)

Before you send your resume to the hiring manager, make sure it's polished. Here's how:

Reread and Edit Your Resume

At the very least, be sure to read your resume over once before submitting it for an application. However, it is very hard to catch your own mistakes. People tend to see what they intended to type (and not necessarily what's actually on the page).

To catch mistakes, read your resume and other application documents from the bottom up (or, from the last page back to the first page).

This keeps you from focusing too much on the content and layout of the page, and more on any sentence-level errors. Rereading your documents out loud can also help you catch errors.

Ask a Friend

It is always a good idea to ask a friend or family member to look over your application before submitting it. Unlike you, they will be looking at your materials with a fresh set of eyes and may spot errors you do not.

Utilize Online Resources

Sign up for a free trial of Grammarly , which will help you catch more mistakes than just using Word's spelling and grammar checker. You can use Microsoft Word's checker first, then run Grammarly to catch the rest of your errors.

You can also use Grammarly's online grammar check for free. Editorr  is another site you can use for online proofreading and copy editing. It's pay as you go, and one of the areas they specialize in is resumes and cover letters.

• Internships
• Career Advice

11 Things to Avoid When Writing a Resume

Published: Jun 08, 2017

Writing a resume that gets results is critical in landing job interviews. And you have to know what to include as well as exclude in order to make your resume great. So here are 11 things to avoid when writing your resume. 

1. Don’t make your resume unnecessarily long.

Keep you reader interested in five- to 10-second increments by showcasing your experience in as little space as possible (without sacrificing your achievements). For most job seekers with more than 10 years of experience, a two-page resume is fine. Chances are, whatever is on subsequent pages, may not get noticed if the reader is not engaged. 

2. Don’t leave it to the reader to figure out what you do.

Begin your resume with a targeted title and summary punctuating what you do and how you do it. Make it very easy for the reader to discern what you do with no effort on their part. 

3. Don’t forget to make your resume searchable.

Include key search terms in your summary to (a) make your resume searchable and discoverable by hiring managers seeking out your expertise, and (b) help reiterate your competencies. 

4. Don’t be vague.

Use measurable achievements, focused language, and deliberate phrasing throughout your resume to highlight your experience. Trying to be all things to all people will get you nowhere.

5. Don’t use a list of tasks.

Throughout your resume, use action driven words and results-driven bullets. Avoid a list of tasks wherever possible, and don't start a resume bullet with the words “Duties included.” That’s so 2011. 

6. Don’t be passive.

Candidates are hired now because they can save money, make money, or streamline processes to make money faster. Demonstrate in your resume bullets how you have accomplished this—regardless of your position. Don't start a bullet with the phrase "Responsible for." Instead, be a candidate of action. 

7. Don’t use pronouns.

First person (I) or third person (he/she) pronouns are not needed in a resume. Stick to using third person verbs only and ditch the pronouns. Save the personalization for your personal statements, cover letters, and bios. 

8. Don’t miss typos and grammatical mistakes.

Be sure to proofread your resume for typos and grammatical errors. While this may seem obvious, missing errors can happen even to the best candidates. Reading your resume aloud and having a trusted colleague review your resume will help catch errors that spellcheck misses. 

9. Don’t only write for the ATS (application tracking system).

Roughly 65 to 70 percent of hires happen through employee referrals, social media, and personal contacts when you analyze research from JobVite, SHRM, and CareerXRoads. So be sure to write for people and not just the systems that house resumes. If you’re job searching right, you should be sending your resume to people more than you are submitting to job postings. 

10. Don’t be plain.

Use a conservative line of color or a varied size font to help move the eye through the document.  Be visually daring with a tasteful text box with pertinent data to draw attention to key accomplishments.  Don't be afraid to use a modest selection of visual graphic elements, like color and font treatment, to make the resume stand out among a sea of resumes seen by a recruiter. 

11. Don’t make it all about you.

Be sure you don't simply list everything you ever did on your resume without thinking of the recipient of your resume. Instead, cater your achievements to demonstrate how you can solve a problem or capitalize on an opportunity for the prospective employer. Make your document about how you can be a solution for them instead of being all about you and your needs.

A version of this post previously appeared on  ChameleonResumes.com .  

How to Fix the 20 Most Common Resume Mistakes

Home » Resume Help » How to Fix the 20 Most Common Resume Mistakes

When applying for a job, your resume is your first impression. If your resume is not up to par, you may not get the chance to make a good first impression in person. In this blog post, we will go over the 20 most common resume mistakes and how to fix them.

The 20 most common resume mistakes

1. Not proofreading your resume – Before you send your resume off, be sure to proofread it for any errors or typos. This will ensure that your resume is error-free and looks professional.

2. Using an unprofessional email address – When applying for jobs, use an email address that is professional and easy to remember. Avoid using personal email addresses that include your first or last name.

3. Inconsistent formatting – When it comes to your resume, consistency is key. Be sure to use the same font and layout throughout your resume. This will create a cohesive and polished look.

4. Including irrelevant information – When writing your resume, be sure to only include information that is relevant to the job you are applying for. Irrelevant information will only clutter your resume and distract the employer from the truly important information.

5. Not tailoring your resume – One of the most common resume mistakes is not tailoring your resume to the specific job you are applying for. Every time you apply for a job, be sure to tailor your resume to fit the specific position. This will show employers that you are a good fit for the job and that you have the relevant skills and experience.

6. Using clichés or buzzwords – Avoid using clichés or buzzwords on your resume. These are overused and often meaningless words that will only clutter your resume. Instead, focus on using strong and specific language that will truly showcase your skills and experience.

7. Making grammatical errors – Be sure to avoid any grammatical errors on your resume. Employers will view these errors as unprofessional and will be less likely to consider you for the job.

8. Listing too much information – When it comes to your resume, less is more. Avoid listing too much information, such as your entire work history or every single one of your responsibilities. Only include the most relevant and important information.

9. Including personal information – Unless it is relevant to the job, avoid including personal information on your resume. This includes information such as your age, marital status, or religious beliefs.

10. Using a generic objective – A generic objective is one of the most common resume mistakes. Be sure to avoid using an objective that could apply to any job. Instead, write a specific and tailored objective that shows employers what you can bring to the specific job.

11. Leaving out important information – Be sure to include all relevant information on your resume, such as your education, work experience, and skills. Leaving out important information will only make it harder for employers to consider you for the job.

12. Being too vague – Another common mistake is being too vague on your resume. Be specific about your skills, experience, and accomplishments. This will give employers a better sense of what you can bring to the job.

13. Using unprofessional language – Be sure to avoid using any unprofessional language on your resume. This includes swear words, slang, or anything else that could be viewed as unprofessional.

14. Listing references – Listing references on your resume is unnecessary and often a waste of space. If an employer is interested in your references, they will ask for them during the interview process.

15. Using “I” too much – When writing your resume, avoid using the word “I” too much. Instead, focus on using strong and specific language that will showcase your skills and experience.

16. Making it too long – One of the most common resume mistakes is making your resume too long. Be sure to keep your resume to one or two pages. Anything longer will likely be viewed as unprofessional and will not be read by employers.

17. Making it too short – On the other hand, making your resume too short is also a mistake. Be sure to include all relevant information, such as your education, work experience, and skills. Anything less will make it difficult for employers to consider you for the job.

18. Not including keywords – In today’s job market, it’s important to include keywords on your resume. These are specific words and phrases that employers will be searching for when reviewing resumes. By including these keywords, you will increase your chances of being seen by employers.

19. Not using a professional tone – When writing your resume, be sure to use a professional tone. This means avoiding any contractions, such as “I’m” or “you’re.” It also means avoiding any first-person pronouns, such as “I” or “me.”

20. Not updating your resume – One of the most common resume mistakes is not updating your resume on a regular basis. Be sure to update your resume whenever you have a new accomplishment or experience to add. This will ensure that your resume is always up-to-date and relevant.

How to fix each resume mistake

There are a few major resume mistakes that can cost you a job: not tailoring your resume to the specific job, using unprofessional language, not proofreading, and including irrelevant information.

Here’s how to fix each of those mistakes:

• Tailor your resume to the specific job: This means specifying why you’re a good fit for the position in question, and including only information that is relevant to that particular job.
• Use professional language: This means avoiding slang or overly informal language, and using proper grammar and spelling.
• Proofread: This means taking the time to carefully read over your resume for any mistakes before submitting it.
• Include relevant information: This means making sure the information you include on your resume is relevant to the job you’re applying for, and leaving out any irrelevant details. following these tips will help ensure that your resume is as strong as possible and will help you get the job you want. When it comes to your resume, there are a few key things to keep in mind in order to make sure it’s as strong as possible.

First, you want to tailor your resume specifically to the job you’re applying for. This means specifying why you’re a good fit for the position in question, and including only information that is relevant to that particular job.

Second, you want to use professional language throughout your resume. This means avoiding slang or overly informal language, and using proper grammar and spelling.

Third, you want to make sure you proofread your resume carefully before submitting it. This means taking the time to read over your resume for any mistakes.

And finally, you want to include relevant information on your resume. This means making sure the information you include is relevant to the job you’re applying for, and leaving out any irrelevant details.

The difference between a good resume and a great resume

There is a big difference between a good resume and a great resume. A good resume will get you an interview, but a great resume will get you the job. A great resume is one that is clear, concise, and easy to read. It is free of errors and is tailored to the specific job you are applying for. A great resume will also highlight your accomplishments and skills. Most people believe that all resumes should be one page, but this is not always the case. If you have many years of experience or a lot of information to include, your resume may be two or even three pages.

The important thing is to make sure that your resume is easy to read and free of errors. When applying for a job, you should always include a cover letter. Your cover letter should be one page and should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for. In your cover letter, you should include your contact information, a brief overview of your qualifications, and why you would be a good fit for the position. If you have a great resume and cover letter, you will likely get an interview. During your interview, it is important to dress professionally, be on time, and be polite. You should also be prepared to answer any questions the interviewer may have.

How to make your resume stand out from the rest

If you want your resume to stand out from the rest, you need to make sure it is error-free and includes all the information that potential employers are looking for.

Here are 20 of the most common resume mistakes to avoid:

1. Resumes should be one to two pages long . Anything longer will likely be skipped over.

2. Make sure to proofread your resume for any typos or grammatical errors.

3. Avoid using generic or vague language. Be as specific as possible about your skills and experience.

4. Customize each resume you send out to fit the specific job you are applying for.

5. Highlight the most relevant information first.

6. Use simple words and action verbs.

7. Don’t include p ersonal information that isn’t relevant to the job, such as your age, religion, or political affiliation.

8. Don’t lie or exaggerate on your resume.

9. Don’t use a generic Objective statement. Instead, use a Professional Summary that outlines your most relevant skills and experience.

10. Avoid using personal pronouns such as “I” or “me.”

11. Don’t list your entire work history. Only include the jobs that are most relevant to the position you are applying for.

12. Don’t use outdated information, such as an old email address or phone number.

13. Don’t forget to include your contact information , such as your name, email address, and phone number.

14. Don’t use a generic email address, such as [email protected] Create a professional email address using your name.

15. Don’t use unprofessional language or slang.

16. Don’t use text speak , such as “u” instead of “you.”

17. Don’t include information about your salary history or expectations.

18. Don’t list references on your resume. Include them on a separate sheet of paper.

19. Don’t use a template. Your resume should be unique and reflect your personal brand .

20. Finally, don’t forget to update your resume regularly. As you gain new skills and experience, be sure to add them to your resume so it always reflects your most current qualifications.

By following these tips, you can avoid common resume mistakes and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Planning to Write a Resume?

Check our job winning resume samples.

Frequently Asked Questions

When you apply for a job, you should always tailor your resume to fit the specific position you are applying for. A generic resume will not stand out to employers and could prevent you from getting the job.

Your email address is one of the first things an employer will see on your resume. Make sure to use a professional email address that includes your name. Avoid using unprofessional sounding email addresses such as partygirl@ or superman@.

Make sure your contact information is up-to-date and includes your current phone number and email address. Incorrect contact information could prevent an employer from being able to reach you.

Employers will be turned off by resumes that contain grammar and spelling errors. Be sure to proofread your resume before submitting it to an employer.

Your resume should be focused on your qualifications that are relevant to the job you are applying for. Don’t include irrelevant information such as your hobbies or irrelevant work experience.

While there is no surefire way to avoid making resume mistakes, following the tips in this article will help you to catch and fix the most common ones. By proofreading your resume carefully, making sure to use clear and concise language, and ensuring that your formatting is consistent,

You can dramatically improve the quality of your resume. In addition, paying attention to the details of your experiences and using strong action verbs will make your resume more effective.

With a little care and attention, you can avoid the most common resume mistakes and create a document that will help you to stand out from the competition.

Recommended Reading:

• Hobbies and Interests to put on a CV
• CV personal qualities and skills
• Skills to include on a CV
• How to write references on a CV
• How to write achievements on a CV
• Personal details on a CV
• How to start a cover letter
• LinkedIn Background Photo

Published by Mercy Victoria

Build your resume in 5 minutes.

Create a job winning resume in minutes with our AI-powered resume builder

Privacy Overview

• Resume Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Resume Examples Nurse Student Internship Teacher Accountant View all
• Resume Builder
• Cover Letter Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Cover Letter Examples Nursing Administrative Assistant Internship Graduate Teacher View all
• Cover Letter Builder
• Resume Help

What not to put on a resume: 8 of the most common mistakes to avoid

1. Too much information 

2. your full address , 3. loads of hobbies and interests, 4. irrelevant social media accounts, 5. spelling or grammatical errors, 6. references, 7. previous salary details , 8. an unprofessional email address.

You have seven seconds to hook a recruiter’s attention — use the time wisely. Should they see something they don’t like, your resume will swiftly end up in the “no” pile. Just like that, your job opportunity has vanished into thin air. Learning what not to put on a resume will allow you to avoid this pitfall. We’ve got you covered. In this guide, we will help you: 

• Identify which elements should not be included in a resume
• Make your resume stand out from the crowd for the right reasons
• Expert tips on how to land your next job interview.

What should not be included on a resume?

You’re ready to start applying for jobs and the first step is writing your resume. But, when you sit down to get the job done, you may be confused about what you should include. It’s not simply about filling the space for the sake of it. No, you need to ensure that everything you include serves a solid purpose and increases your chances of landing an interview. 

It might sound like a tall order, but we have the inside scoop to help you get started. If you’re ready to get editing, take a look at our list of what not to put on a resume here: 

Are you sharing TMI? The recruiter won’t spend more than a matter of seconds looking at your resume. You’re not writing “War and Peace”— you’re applying for a job. When the reader is confronted with a wall of text, they will feel overwhelmed. It’s far easier for them to toss your application away than to try and read all of that information. 

As a golden rule, your resume should neatly fit onto one letter-size document. If you need to include more details, you can stretch that to two pages . However, it pays to be selective about the information that you include. Ask yourself: is it all 100% necessary?

Back in the day, it was common to include your full address on your resume. However, times have changed. If you are looking for a job near your home, you may want to include your location, e.g. the closest city. Stick that in your resume header. Should you be willing to relocate and live anywhere for work, you may not want to include any location at all. 

You love skydiving, collecting stamps, playing board games, reading sci-fi novels, and walking your dog in the countryside. That’s all well and good, but what does it have to do with this job? Only include your hobbies and interests if they are related to the position. For example, if you are applying to be an entertainer and take dance lessons, that may be relevant. Consider what the inclusion of a certain hobby tells the recruiter about you.

To include social media accounts or not to include them — that is the question. This one depends on both the job and the type of account. You can likely include a link to your LinkedIn account for most professional roles, so long as it’s a strong profile . 

However, you should only include your other accounts if they are professional or relate directly to the job. For example, if you are a life coach who shares motivational tips on TikTok, you may want to include that on your resume. On the other hand, if you are a social worker, your personal Instagram where you share vacation snaps is not needed.

Is your social media SFW?

70% of recruiters screen candidates by checking out their social media accounts. If your Facebook or Instagram is set to “public,” a potential employer may have a quick look.

To avoid losing out, make sure that your social media accounts are “safe for work” and keep them clean. You may also want to tighten up on those privacy settings. 

You can have a pristine resume and be let down by a single typo. You don’t want to give the recruiter any excuse to reject your application. For that reason, you need to proofread your application before you hit that “send” button. Aside from checking it yourself, you can use software, such as Grammarly, to help you catch those niggling errors you may miss.

Resume real estate is valuable. Don’t waste it with a list of references or the worn-out line “References available upon request.” If the recruiter needs you to provide references, they will ask you to do so. Open up some extra space on the document by cutting this section. 

You don’t need to share your salary requirements on your resume. Unless specifically asked, you can save that vital information for the interview. 

Equally, you should avoid stating details of your previous salaries. Make the mistake of white-lying about how much you used to earn, and you could end up losing the role at hand. Similarly, whether employers can legally ask you about previous salaries depends on where you live. Save yourself the headache entirely by omitting this information.

Email addresses such as “ [email protected] ” or “ [email protected] ” won’t do you any favors. You’re applying for a professional role and a childish email will make you stand out for the wrong reasons. When we talk about what not to put on a resume, don’t overlook this one. If you made your email address back when you were a teenager, it’s time to get a new one.

As with so many aspects of life, the simplest approach is the most effective. Create a professional email address with your first, last, and middle name (if needed). You might need to add some variations — such as including initials — to get the address. However, you should steer clear of numbers, funny words, pop culture references, and the like. 

How can I make my resume stand out?

We’ve talked about what not to put on a resume, but how can you make it stand out for the right reasons. Once you’ve successfully side-stepped all of the above issues, there are a few more ways that you can make your application shine. Check out our expert tips here:

• Use one of our field-tested resume templates to create the perfect look
• Make sure your resume is no longer than one or two pages
• Include resume bullet points to save yourself some document space
• Use a uniform approach — sticking to a couple of fonts and colors
• Pepper your resume with ​​ powerful adjectives to make a statement

Before you apply for a job, ensure that your resume is ticking all of the above boxes. It takes minimal effort to ensure that your application is a cut above the competition. 

Key takeaways

• Your professional resume is the first thing that employers see when considering you as an applicant.
• First impressions matter. Recruiters only spend around seven seconds reviewing each resume that comes in.
• If you want to land that next interview, avoid including the common mistakes we have listed in this guide.
• Always be sure to proofread and check your resume before applying for roles.

We use cookies on our website to support technical features that enhance your user experience, and to help us improve our website. By continuing to use this website, you accept our privacy policy .

• Student Login
• Call Us: 888-549-6755
• 888-559-6763
• Search site Search our site Search Now Close
• Request Info

Skip to Content (Press Enter)

26 Common Resume Mistakes That Will Lose You the Job

By Aaron Lawrence on 02/16/2016

There’s no tip-toeing around the importance of a resume — it can be the difference between landing an interview with your dream company or sitting at home and never hearing back from a potential employer. With mouths to feed, bills to pay and countless other financial responsibilities, your resume can be a priceless tool.

So if it’s this important, there has to be a tried and true formula for writing a resume, right?

With the variety of jobs available and the differing expectations from employers, there’s no one-size-fits all approach to crafting the perfect resume. Experts agree that each version you create should be catered to the specific position for which you’re applying.

But experts also agree on a handful of common resume mistakes that will likely have your resume soaring into the trash bin. We consulted a panel of career professionals to help us compile a list of what NOT to do. Follow these tips to help keep your resume at the top of the stack.

26 common resume mistakes to avoid at all costs

Our resume experts have a lot to say on this topic. So grab a cup of coffee and join us as we outline 26 ways you can keep your resume out of the “No” pile.

When it comes to basic resume etiquette…

1. not proofreading.

It’s clear there are many possible mistakes job candidates can make when crafting their resumes, but for many hiring professionals, one stands above the rest. “The worst, most egregious mistake? Typos, misspelling and poor grammar,” says Lynda Spiegel, founder of Rising Star Resumes . A resume littered with errors is the quickest way to convince prospective employers to move on to the next resume.

2. Being forgettable

Establishing a “personal brand” can feel awkward and self-promotional at first—but hey, you are here to show prospective employers what you have to offer! “Create a compelling tagline and statement that helps to quickly define your differentiators,” suggests Jason Sherman, President of SHERMAN communications & marketing .

3. Using too many buzzwords

A big mistake can be using buzzwords instead of demonstrating what you’ve actually accomplished. For example, instead of saying, "I am great team player," try providing details that are true to your experience, such as, "I worked in a team of five," says Anna-Jane Niznikowska, career coach at Telegraph Street .

4. Underestimating the power of keywords

“One common mistake is not being found by recruiters due to the lack of keywords,” says James Hu, co-founder and CEO of Jobscan . Pay attention to the words and phrases used in the job description and be sure to include some in your resume. That way you’ll be sure to catch the eye of the initial screeners who will then pass your resume along to the hiring managers who make the larger decisions.

5. Focusing on intangibles

It’s tempting to fill your resume with unnecessary adjectives or generic information to make it appear more robust. But job candidates should always try to link their achievements to real, solid numbers, according to Jasmine Elias, marketing manager at Kizkaz . “I don't want to hear that you created a new social media strategy, I want to know what the results were.”

6. Stretching the truth

This probably seems like another no-brainer. But hiring professionals run into this more often than we’d like to believe! “Lying on a resume can cost you the job,” says Tracy Vistine, lead recruiter for Messina Group . “Companies require background checks and if your experience does not match your resume, an offer will be rescinded.”

7. Being too lengthy

There’s no hard-and-fast rule for this one, but many professionals recommend keeping your resume between one and three pages . The important thing here is to consider the fact that the person reading it will like be reading dozens of others. Making your information easily skimmable by labeling sections and including bulleted lists could help it get past the first round of screening.

8. Recycling resumes

We briefly mentioned this already but it’s worth highlighting again. While many jobs are similar in nature, a resume must be tailored specifically to each job you are applying for, according to Niznikowska. No matter how sneaky you think you are, most employers can tell the difference.

When it comes to personal information…

9. using an unprofessional email addresses.

You know that email address you thought was hilarious when you created it during your junior year of high school? Chances are, hiring managers won’t get as much of a kick out of it as you did back then. “For goodness sake, use a professional email,” says Leanne E. King, president and CEO of SeeKing HR . A good rule of thumb for this one is to incorporate some variation of your first and last name.

10. Misspelling your email address

It may seem hard to believe, but one of the most common mistakes employers encounter is an incorrect email address, according to Salary.com . With email being one of the most prominent points of contact in today’s digital age, it’s crucial you get this one right.

11. Listing multiple phone numbers

It is not necessary to list all your contact numbers, King says. To keep it simple, include your primary line, but be sure the one you do provide works and has a professional voicemail greeting in case you’re not around to answer an important call.

12. Getting too personal

A big no-no on your resume is including information on your hobbies or interests. But that said, sometimes sharing unique things about yourself can be the differentiator between you and another qualified candidate. The trick here is to be sure the info you choose to include can translate to employable attributes. For example, it can be helpful to share that you coach little league, but not that the Yankees are your favorite team.

When it comes to your qualifications…

13. burying (or omitting) your accomplishments.

Employers do care about your education, but most are more concerned with how you’ve used your degree since you earned it. For that reason, Sherman suggests leading with your experience and accomplishments and then moving on to listing your credentials.

14. Being too modest

No one likes a show-boater but you don’t have to sell yourself short. Your resume is your chance to make a great first impression to prospective employers, so don’t hesitate to share any achievements or awards .

15. Including irrelevant experience

If you list every responsibility you’ve had in every position you’ve ever held, you will appear to lack direction. Pay attention to the job for which you’re applying and what that specific position will require of you. If some of your experience doesn’t fit in with the position, you shouldn’t clutter your resume with it, Sherman asserts.

16. Appearing uncommitted

A common red flag is listing a handful jobs that lasted less than 1-2 years, especially in a row. “One might be expected,” says SEO manager Jonathan Poston , “but more than that and you'll be labeled a jumper." If your work experience looks like this, try to work in a way to explain the constant shifting, such as relocation, salary upgrade or something equally relevant.

17. Misrepresenting gaps in employment

You should never fudge your dates of employment to duqguise any gaps during which you weren’t working. Remember that these things can easily be verified through HR . It’s much better to explain the absence than it is to be deemed a liar!

18. Digging too far into the past

There’s no hard-and-fast rule for how far back you should dig into your work history, although many professionals suggest capping it off at the last ten years. Employers don’t need to know about every summer job you held through high school or that you waited tables during college last decade.

19. Overlooking your volunteer work

“This is a social world, so include your volunteer efforts especially when they speak to critical skills or experience required for the position,” King says. Whether you’ve volunteered at a local church, coached children’s sports or worked on the administrative side of local fundraiser, highlight that in your resume! It can speak not only to your experience, but also to your character and willingness to do more than is asked of you.

20. Omitting your ongoing education

Current college students often wonder about this one. Rather than simply listing the high school you attended, applicants should list the college they are enrolled in and the expected graduation date, says Andra Laca, senior digital marketing coordinator at The Centrics Group . The same applies for college graduates currently pursuing post-graduate education.

21. Listing generic skills

It is crucial to be clear and concise when listing your qualifications. This might require doing a bit of research on relevant industry lingo in order to ensure you’re speaking the right language! “I've seen resumes that list ‘Internet,’ as a skill,” Speigal jokes, “Really?” Instead, consider saying something like, “ample experience with web-based research,” or “proficient in website maintenance.”

When it comes to the layout…

22. crowding the page.

In the midst of flaunting your accomplishments and qualifications, it’s also important to leave some white space on your resume, King says. This makes it appear more inviting and interviewers often like to make notes in the margins.

23. Using bright colors

It’s only natural to want to catch an employer’s eye in the midst of dozens of resumes, but using signature colors should be avoided, according to Vistine. You want to be sure your resume doesn’t look amateur and that your experience and qualifications can speak for themselves.

24. Adding too many bells & whistles

Just because you have access to clipart or Photoshop doesn’t mean you have to use it when building your resume. “Some folks get too creative and end up making their resumes look like the cover of a fashion magazine,” Sherman says. Once again, let your experience do the talking. A flashy-looking resume may indicate that you’re overcompensating for a lack of qualifications.

25. Inconsistent font usage

Pick a font that is professional and easy to read and stick with it. If your font varies throughout your resume, that can be distracting or possibly viewed as sloppy by prospective employers. A good rule of thumb is to use a font with serifs if your resume will be read in print, while sans-serif is ideal for web-based viewing.

26. Irregular formatting

Clear and consistent formatting speaks volumes about process and professional presence, King says. This can include making sure your section headers all match (same font size, all underlined, etc.) and maintaining consistency with the style of bullet points you use throughout. Staying on top of this will give your resume a more polished look.

Ready to take the next step in your job search?

Phew! Did you get all of that?

Crafting a resume can be both overwhelming and challenging. So bookmark this list to make sure you avoid these common resume mistakes every time you’re revising yours for a new job opportunity. With a resume that’s polished, professional and concise, you’re one step closer to catching the eye of prospective employers!

Now that your resume is up to par, it's time to start preparing for the interviews that will hopefully follow. Check out our article: 6 Body Language Tips for Successful Job Interviews .

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Pinterest
• Share on LinkedIn

Request More Information

Talk with an admissions advisor today.

Fill out the form to receive information about:

• Program Details and Applying for Classes
• Financial Aid (for those who qualify)
• Customized Support Services
• Detailed Program Plans

There are some errors in the form. Please correct the errors and submit again.

Please enter your first name.

Please enter your last name.

There is an error in email. Make sure your answer has:

• An "@" symbol
• A suffix such as ".com", ".edu", etc.

There is an error in phone number. Make sure your answer has:

• 10 digits with no dashes or spaces
• No country code (e.g. "1" for USA)

There is an error in ZIP code. Make sure your answer has only 5 digits.

We offer tuition savings for many employers—see if yours is one of them.

Please enter Corporate Employer.

Can’t find your employer? Select "Other Employer Not In List" or "Not Employed".

Please choose a School of study.

Please choose a program.

Please choose a degree.

The program you have selected is not available in your ZIP code. Please select another program or contact an Admissions Advisor (877.530.9600) for help.

The program you have selected requires a nursing license. Please select another program or contact an Admissions Advisor (877.530.9600) for help.

Rasmussen University is not enrolling students in your state at this time.

By selecting "Submit," I authorize Rasmussen University to contact me by email, phone or text message at the number provided. There is no obligation to enroll. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

About the author

Aaron Lawrence

Aaron is a freelance writer for Collegis education who writes student-focused articles on behalf of Rasmussen University. His interest in writing articles for students stems from his passion for poetry and fiction and the belief that all words can educate.

Posted in Career Search

• college student resources
• career advice
• advice for college students

Related Content

Jordan Jantz | 11.14.2022

Kalie Debelak | 10.17.2022

Patrick Flavin | 10.10.2022

Jordan Jantz | 09.05.2022

This piece of ad content was created by Rasmussen University to support its educational programs. Rasmussen University may not prepare students for all positions featured within this content. Please visit www.rasmussen.edu/degrees for a list of programs offered. External links provided on rasmussen.edu are for reference only. Rasmussen University does not guarantee, approve, control, or specifically endorse the information or products available on websites linked to, and is not endorsed by website owners, authors and/or organizations referenced. Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

23 Common CV Mistakes to Avoid At All Costs

Your CV is what sells your skills, education, work experience, and accomplishments, and shows a potential employer that you’re the right person for the job.   

And yet, creating a compelling CV is easier said than done.

Chances are, you're making one of the 23 most common CV mistakes that can cost you the job.

In this article, we’re going to teach you what these mistakes are (and how to prevent them from happening).

Let’s get right to it! 

23 Top CV Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs

#1: bad spelling and grammar .

If your CV has spelling errors, typos, and bad grammar all over it, you might be seen as a lousy communicator, careless, or uninterested in the position. 

Here are some grammar rules and tips to follow when writing your CV:

• Use platforms like Grammarly to check spelling and grammar.
• Use apostrophes when showing ownership of something, e.g: client’s needs, company’s blog.
• Use quotation marks when using quotes.
• Talk about old jobs in the past tense and your current job in the present tense.

#2. Poor Formatting

On average, a recruiter spends no more than 6-8 seconds reading a CV . If your CV doesn’t catch their attention in these brief seconds, they’re simply going to skip over it and move on to the next candidate.

So, it’s very important to format your CV well so that the recruiter can find the information they’re looking for fast and easily.

As general advice, we’d recommend you: 

• Avoid paragraphs of unbroken text. Use bulleted points instead.
• Choose a specific color theme and font, and stick to it throughout the entire CV.
• Use white space to clearly divide your CV sections. Do this by keeping the line spacing in between texts from 1.0 to 1.15.
• Use a CV template (instead of creating a CV from scratch). You’ll save a lot of time you’d otherwise spend on formatting, layout, etc.

For more tips on how to properly structure your CV, check out our CV format guide. 

#3. Making your CV Too Long 

When writing your CV, you might be tempted to write down every one of your experiences and achievements (especially if you have extensive work experience).

A CV isn’t supposed to be your life story. 

Rather, it should be a short and concise document tailored to the job you’re applying for. So, aim for 1-2 pages max .

Only mention the work experiences that are relevant to the role you’re applying for. The recruiter doesn't care about your experience as an accountant, for example, if you’re applying for a marketing role.

Having trouble fitting your CV into a single page? Try one of our free one-page resume templates !

#4. Not Tailoring Your CV to the Position  

A CV isn’t supposed to be a one-size-fits-all document. Rather, it should be tailored to each type of position you’re applying for.

It may take a little bit more work, but tailoring your CV to each application makes you stand out in the eyes of the recruiter, and shows them that you’re applying for their job (and not just reaching out to every company you find on the web). 

On that note, here are some tips on how to tailor a CV to a position: 

• Research the company and the job to find out what their perfect candidate looks like. 
• Carefully read the job description to highlight the duties , skills , and experiences they mark as important. 
• When writing your CV , make sure that it covers all these essential skills & experiences that were mentioned in the job description. 
• Don’t list all of your skills & work experiences. Rather, opt for the ones that are relevant for the role you’re applying for. E.g. If you're looking to get a job as an accountant, you don’t have to mention your graphic design skills.

#5. Including References 

Many candidates think that adding references to a CV makes them seem more transparent and reliable. 

However, that’s not true. A CV is only the beginning of the job application process, and references are usually explicitly requested further down the recruitment. 

So, in a CV, references are really nothing more than a list of names that take up space (which can be better used if you include other experiences like skills, projects, etc). 

#6. Not Including Hobbies & Interests 

This one’s not exactly a CV mistake, but hear us out.

Hobbies and interests , while an optional section of your CV, can actually help you stand out from the rest of the candidates.

Namely, this section helps you in 3 ways:

• You can establish rapport with the hiring manager by showing them who you are outside the work.
• You might have something in common to talk about with your interviewer.
• If the hobbies and interests are somehow related to the role you’re applying for, they can show that you’re truly passionate about the job. E.g. Applying for the role of a creative writer ? Having Dungeons & Dragons listed as a hobby might help you stand out.

As such, while having a hobbies and interests section won’t get you hired on its own, it can be a helpful addition to your CV.

#7. Not Focusing on Your Achievements 

Your work experience section is the core of your CV. This is what shows the recruiter that you’re a skilled candidate, as well as the right fit for the job.

[work experience section screenshot]

That said, there is a right and wrong way to handle your work experience section.

When listing your work experiences, instead of talking about your work responsibilities, focus on achievements instead.

For example:

• Drove 100,000+ traffic to the website in 2021, which resulted in 3600+ sales.
• Responsible for driving traffic to the website.

See the difference here? The first example is an achievement. It includes the exact information on how the candidate performed in their role.

The latter example, though, is a responsibility. Sure, the candidate was in charge of driving traffic to the website, but were they good at their job? How much traffic did they drive, and over what period of time? How did this reflect sales?

If a recruiter had to pick one of the two candidates to invite for an interview, they’d always pick the first.

#8. Using Cliches (Without Backing Them Up)

CV cliches are overused words or phrases the majority of people include on their CVs. They make you appear unoriginal, lazy, and lower your chances of scoring an interview. 

Some of the most popular ones include words such as good communication skills, fast learner, attention to detail, creativity, passion, and so forth. 

Way too many job-seekers use these terms in their CVs, and frankly, they don’t really mean anything on their own.

When mentioning such skills in your CV, you want to back them up with experiences. 

Instead of just inserting “Communication” as part of your skills section, add something in your work experience section that backs this up.

• Managed a remote team of 5 via online tools such as Slack, Google Meet, ClickUp, and others.

#9. Not Including the Numbers 

Want your CV to truly stand out from the rest? Always include numbers and data. 

Instead of saying something like:

• Improved Sales
• Improved sales by 20% over a 6-month timeframe by implementing new marketing strategies.

The first example is very generic - the hiring manager has no idea what your impact was, nor how you managed to make it happen.

The second, on the other hand, shows what exactly you did, and how impactful your work was.

So, for any type of experience or accomplishment that you mention in your CV, always explain:

• What kind of results did you achieve? Explain in numbers when possible, e.g: Increased annual sales by 35%. 
• How did you get these results? Go through the main actions taken, e.g: Added a new marketing channel and improved customer service response. 
• When did you achieve the results? Mention the time period, e.g: for the year 2021.  

#10. Using the Wrong CV Template

Not all CV templates have the same effect. Some are visually appealing, easy to read and stand out from a pile of other applications. 

Other CV templates? Well, not so much. They have unnecessary and distracting graphics, unprofessional fonts, lack of consistency, strays of blank spaces, and so on - which makes them a nightmare to go through. 

So, look for templates that: 

• Have clear section headings. 
• Have an easy-to-read font , such as Ubuntu, Arial, Roboto, Overpass, Helvetica, etc. 
• Are pleasing to look at. Look for templates with bulleted points, a pop of color, consistent design, and white space around the margins. 
• Stand out. Black and white CVs are outdated - go for something that catches the recruiter’s attention. 

Don’t know where to start looking? Then check out our templates! 

We have free, customizable, ATS-friendly CV templates for all types of positions. 

#11. Leaving Out Social Media Links

70% of recruiters check your social media during the hiring process. 

So, it’s important that your social media profiles are presentable. 

First, and foremost, though, make sure to delete any content you don’t want them to see, or make your profiles private. You don’t want your profile picture on Facebook, for example, to be from a frat party in your university.

Then, edit the profile you want to show, such as LinkedIn or Facebook, so that it looks professional and contains any information you couldn’t fit in your CV.

Learn how to use LinkedIn to your advantage with our 21+ LinkedIn profile tips !

#12. Inputting an Inappropriate Email Address

If a recruiter gets a CV from “[email protected]’, they most likely won’t bother to open the attachment at all. 

Make sure that your email address is both professional and presentable. We recommend following this format:

[First name] [Last name] @gmail.com

Speaking of, do go for Gmail over more outdated email platforms like Hotmail. This shows that you’re relatively tech-savvy. 

#13. Putting the Wrong Contact Information

Imagine spending hours crafting the perfect CV, and then not getting hired just because the recruiters can’t contact you. 

Sounds like a nightmare, right? 

Well, that’s why you should always double-check your contact information to make sure everything’s correct and updated. 

In addition, in your contact information section, make sure to include: 

• First and last name 
• Phone number
• Email address

#14. Exaggerating the Truth

Exaggerating the truth can make your CV stand out, but that’s about all of the good it brings. 

If you make it to the interview process, recruiters will likely perform a background check on you, and the exaggerations will catch up.

It takes just a few minutes for them to have a phone call with your previous boss, and you’ll end up dealing with a stained reputation, no job, and a whole lot of stress.

Even if you manage to slip past the background check and get hired, you’ll be overstressing about working a job you’re not qualified for (and eventually get fired or quit).

#15. Ignoring Employment Gaps 

Having employment gaps isn’t a break dealer. The issue begins when you give no explanation for them. 

It leaves recruiters with plenty of room for imagination, and they will always assume the worst (e.g. you got fired, you’re lazy, and so on).

So, make sure that in-between your work experience, to always address any employment gaps. Here’s an example: 

08/2021 - 09/2021

Had to take a medical leave due to health complications.

Lying in your CV is a big no-no. 

Although you could possibly get away with it, it’s really not worth the risk. 

If you get caught, lying costs you your job and reputation as a future employee. And to make matters worse, in cases where a qualification is legally required to carry out a job, lying is considered fraud. Legal action could be taken against you. 

#17. Including Your Headshot 

Unless you’re applying for a modeling or acting job, in which appearance matters, we’d recommend not including a photo on your resume or CV. 

The point of a CV is to assure the employer that you have the relevant skills, experience, and qualifications for the job. A picture is irrelevant to the application and your ability to handle tasks and challenges in the workplace. 

Moreover, a headshot could result in discrimination, whether that’s because of race, age, gender, or other factors. In fact, in countries like the UK, US, and Ireland, pictures in CVs are prohibited, due to the strong anti-discrimination and labor laws put in place. 

#18. Not Writing for ATS

Did you know that you can get your CV or resume discarded before the recruiter even lays eyes on it? 

Over 70% of job applications get disqualified by Application Tracking Systems (ATS) without being read. 

If you don’t know what’s an ATS, here’s a rundown:

An ATS is a type of software used by larger companies around the world that screens your CV looking for specific keywords and experiences. If your CV doesn’t mention the right words, then it’s automatically discarded before a recruiter has a chance to read it.

This helps employers filter through thousands of potential candidates faster, even though sometimes, qualified candidates can also fall through the cracks.

So, it’s important to optimize your CV for applicant tracking systems by mentioning the key requirements for your role.

Want to learn more? Check out our comprehensive guide to creating an ATS-friendly resume ! 

#19. Mentioning Salary Details 

You should never mention salary details on your CV. Rather, salary negotiations are something you do at a later stage in the interviewing process.

By mentioning your salary requirements in your CV, the recruiter might look at it as a red flag that you’re too focused on the money. 

#20. Using Passive Voice 

Using an active voice, as opposed to a passive voice helps deliver a clearer message. 

Take these two sentences, as an example: 

• Sent 150+ cold emails on a daily basis
• 150+ cold emails were sent on a daily basis

Despite meaning the same thing, the first alternative is easier to understand and is more concise than the passive voice. 

#21. Writing in the Third Person 

Your CV is a document created by you, from a personal perspective. Hence, you should make sure you’re not separated from the experiences and accomplishments written inside it. 

By talking about yourself in 3rd person, you come off as pretentious, artificial, and a tiny bit creepy.

• Communicative barista seeking a position at Coffee Place XYZ.
• Josh is a skilled barista seeking a position at Coffee Place XYZ.

#22. Including Personal Information

Your name, phone number, email, and address are all the personal details a CV needs to have. 

You’re not obligated and shouldn’t include any other personal information, as it’s irrelevant and can open the recruiter up to unconscious bias. 

Some things that you should never include in your CV are marital status, religion, political views, etc.

#23. Not Proofreading

Proofreading is the last step in making sure that your CV is free of error and ready to send. The most common mistakes you should look out for are spelling mistakes, wrong sentence structure, typos, punctuation errors, and bad grammar. 

Key Takeaways  

And that’s a wrap on the most common CV mistakes you should avoid at all costs! We hope you enjoyed the read, and that it helped take your CV to the next level. 

If you need help with the rest of your job hunt process, you can check out some of our other job-search resources:  

• The Ultimate Guide to Job Hunt
• 40+ Best Job Search Sites in 2024 [For Every Industry]
• How to Write a Cover Letter

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.