Resume mistakes to avoid

Resume mistakes to avoid

Hiring managers generally less than 30 seconds scanning a resume. To make a strong impression, your resume must be clear, concise, and easy to read. You’ll also want to avoid common mistakes that could land your resume in the rejection pile.

Mistake 1: Neglecting to proofread

Even a single typo or spelling mistake can weaken your resume. Errors happen, but when they appear in your resume or cover letter, they send the message that you either didn’t take the time to proofread or didn’t catch the mistakes—neither of which reflects well on you as a candidate.

To avoid grammatical and spelling errors, have multiple people review your resume or make sure that use the spell check and grammar function in your software.

Mistake 2: Making your resume longer than one page

While it may take some clever formatting, aim to keep your resume to a single page. Even with many years of experience, prioritise the most relevant details that align with the job you’re applying for.

Limiting your resume to one page forces you to be concise and include only key information. Since hiring managers review many resumes quickly, a streamlined format increases the likelihood that yours will be read and considered.

Mistake 3: Submitting the same resume for every job application

It may be tempting to use a generic resume when applying for multiple jobs, but customising your resume for each position significantly improves your chances. A one-size-fits-all approach can make it seem like you’re applying to every job indiscriminately, rather than demonstrating genuine interest in a specific role.

To tailor your resume, carefully review the job description. Identify key qualifications, frequently mentioned skills, and relevant responsibilities. Then, adjust your resume so that the most pertinent experiences and achievements appear at the top. Whether it's a certification or a key job experience, prioritise what aligns most with the role—chronological order isn't always necessary.

Mistake 4: Using vague or overused buzzwords

Does your resume include phrases like these?

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Team player
• Highly motivated
• Creative thinker
• Leadership abilities

If so, it’s time to revise. These generic terms appear on countless resumes and lack concrete proof. While you may genuinely have great communication skills or leadership qualities, simply stating them isn’t enough. Instead, showcase these abilities with specific examples of accomplishments.

Employers prefer measurable achievements and real evidence over subjective claims. When deciding what to highlight, think about instances where you demonstrated leadership, work ethic, or problem-solving skills in a tangible way.

Mistake 5: Skipping a resume objective or summary

Think of the resume objective or summary as a condensed version of your cover letter—a brief section at the top that highlights your interest in the role, your qualifications, and what you bring to the company.

Even though it’s short, this section allows you to showcase your confidence, writing ability, and communication skills—qualities that hiring managers value. It also offers a chance to personalize your resume for a specific job and employer.

Here’s an example of a strong resume objective:

“An accomplished sales professional seeking to leverage my skills and experience in a challenging role with your growing company”.