Are you also sending out resumes to employers and not hearing from them?
Trust me! You are not the only one.
According to Indeed, nearly 75% of candidates do not get a reply after submitting their job applications. Numerous surveys indicate that a significant number of applications are denied simply due to basic errors.
Your resume is the first point of contact with your future employer, which means aiming for zero errors must be your top priority. Even if you cannot tick all the boxes of a perfect candidate, you may still be close to one with a flawless resume.
In the next section, we will talk about typical mistakes that can reduce your chances of getting interviews and better ways of writing a resume that will instantly get you noticed.
Mistakes and How to Prevent Them
Mistake #1: Spelling and Grammar Errors
The most common and disliked mistakes on a resume are typos and incorrect grammar. Recruiters might brush your application aside even if you were a top candidate because such writing errors depict a lack of professionalism and inadequate skills in written communication.
To avoid them, read your resume carefully and then hit the submit button. You can use tools like spell checkers and grammar apps, but do not depend on them completely, as these tools can miss context-specific errors or improper phrasing. You can ask your friend or a mentor to review your resume. They can share their perspective and point out flaws that you might have overlooked earlier.
Mistake #2: Poor Formatting and Layout
If the layout and formatting on a resume are not at par, it can render the most impressive qualifications difficult to read. Some flawed practices include using different font styles and sizes, cluttered text, flashy colours, the use of icons and excessive graphics, and a lack of clear section headings.
Use a standard template so that your resume remains clean and professional. Select a readable font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri, keep the indentation consistent by setting up the margins and aligning the lines and paragraphs, and organize text into clear bullet points and distinct sections. Try to avoid icons and graphics, as overly decorative elements can be distracting to some hiring professionals; besides, they may not be recognized by an ATS and cause printing issues on other devices. A well-formatted resume is more visually appealing and, in most instances, is the first thing your recruiter will notice on your resume.
Mistake #3: Listing Incorrect Contact Details
This might look like a minor error, but its damage level can be greater than you think, preventing recruiters from ever reaching you. Many job seekers fill in their contact details towards the end of writing their resume and, in haste, make inadvertent mistakes like wrongly entering “454” as “464”. While proofreading, always pay attention to the numbers you are writing and make sure the contact number is functional.
Mistake #4: Including an Unprofessional Email ID
Another reckless error is using an unprofessional email address. Sharing IDs like [email protected] or [email protected] can create a poor impression and make recruiters doubt your seriousness about the job you are applying for. Rather, you can opt for a straightforward email address with your full name, such as [email protected].
Mistake #5: Sharing Unverified Portfolio Links
Be cautious about the social media links you include. Showcase a professional platform like LinkedIn or a personal portfolio, but refrain from accounts with unprofessional content. Review your profiles to ensure that they reflect your professional image, since employers often check your online presence, and a clean digital footprint can enhance your prospects as a suitable candidate.
Mistake #6: Providing Unimportant Personal Details
Having more than necessary information may work against you. Many job seekers go too far with their personal details by sharing their age, marital status, father’s name, or religion. Some also add sensitive information like personal IDs and passport numbers that are irrelevant and risky.
Furnish as much information as needed by the employer to connect with you should the need arise. That said, include your full name as in your documents, updated contact number, email address, present location, or city name. This way, you can not only save space but also protect your privacy.
Mistake #7: Writing a Bland Resume Objective
Not distinguishing between a resume objective and a resume summary is a commonplace practice among job seekers. A resume objective is well-suited to freshers or those early in their careers and focuses on their future goals. Whereas a resume summary outlines the professional journey of individuals with some years of experience and aims at highlighting their skills and achievements.
Surprisingly, many experienced professionals still write a traditional career objective that is not only out of context but also consumes valuable space. Some do write a professional summary but fail to convey their individual strength and the impact they wish to create. For example, “IT professional with 6 years of experience in different industries, skilled in computers, and looking to apply my knowledge in a reputed firm.”
Instead, a more compelling assertion can be “IT specialist with 6 years of experience in Banking & Insurance, proficient in troubleshooting, network administration, and system upgrades, successfully reduced downtime by 20%, willing to support MWA Fintech Pvt Ltd with seamless IT support through proactive maintenance.”
As a fresher, rather than writing generic objectives such as “To get a position in HR where I can work with people and learn new things,” you can state, “HR enthusiast with profound knowledge of recruitment processes and employee engagement, seeking to assist in talent acquisition and contribute to building a positive workplace environment.”
Mistake #8: Omitting a Career Objective or Summary
Some job seekers choose to skip this part altogether, severely denting their resume score. A clear goal or summary is important to catch a recruiter’s eye because it quickly shows who you are, what you offer, and the job you want.
Jumping this section can leave employers guessing about your goals and how your experience aligns with the position. A well-crafted career objective or summary not only allows for clarity but also sets the tone for the rest of your resume, making it easier for recruiters to quickly understand your worth.
Mistake #9: Downplaying Your Achievements
Stating your work responsibilities on your resume is plainly a replication of your job description, as it does not give a clear picture of the contributions you made in your previous roles. To add value, you must provide a measure of your work outcome as a tangible indicator of your accomplishments. Here is an example of the employment history as listed by a statistician:
- Conducted a study on large datasets to identify trends and patterns.
- Developed and executed statistical models to analyse revenue.
- Worked with teams to improve data collection and storage.
The candidate has given an account of what he was expected to do, but is silent about his approach and the outcomes of his endeavour. From a recruiter’s perspective, the following statement can have a greater impact:
- Conducted statistical analysis on large datasets to identify trends and patterns, yielding insights that improved forecasting accuracy by 25%.
- Developed and implemented statistical models to predict sales and consumer behaviour, which increased sales forecast accuracy by 20% and enhanced campaign targeting efficiency by 30%.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline data collection and storage processes, resulting in a 40% reduction of data retrieval time and enhancing reporting efficiency.
Sharing quantifiable figures not only demonstrates your achievements but also increases your credibility, giving your future employers the confidence to consider you among other applicants with similar backgrounds.
Mistake #10: Using Passive Voice
The problem with passive language is that it undervalues your involvement in an act. Let’s look at this example:
“Customer satisfaction increased after a team of 20 telecallers was trained on new services and protocols.”
As is obvious, the statement shows a certain achievement but does not demonstrate direct action. This is why it is recommended to write in an active voice, which is more lucid and convinces your readers.
Replacing passive language with action verbs conveys initiative and results, showing you as an achievement-oriented candidate. Using action verbs, we can write the above example as:
“Trained a team of 20 telecallers on new services and protocols, leading to a significant increase in customer satisfaction.”
Mistake #11: Using 3rd Person Language
Another blunder job seekers make is when they write their resumes in the third person. For example, “Mohit is an experienced educator with 10 years in teaching mathematics.”
When you write your resume, always use first-person narrative, but be mindful of pronouns like “I”, “myself”, and “me”. Though writing in the first person is the norm, avoiding personal pronouns is a better practice. Look at the examples below:
“I trained 15 sales agents in new pharma brands, increasing the sales target by 10%.”
“I strategized marketing campaigns to launch 3 new pharma brands, increasing brand visibility by 20%.”
Since you are writing about yourself, repeating “I” for every experience is not needed. Besides, writing this way gives an impression of self-praise and subjectivity. Start with action words, leaving out personal pronouns, like in the example below:
“Trained 15 sales agents in new pharma brands, increasing the sales target by 10%.”
“Strategized marketing campaigns to launch 3 new pharma brands, increasing brand visibility by 20%.”
Mistake #12: Listing Outdated or Excessive Work Experience
This is the most awful mistake job seekers make. Having an extensive career history does not mean that every role adds value to your resume. Including each job that you’ve ever worked, especially those from 10 or 15 years ago, can clutter your resume and overshadow your most relevant skills and achievements.
Instead, you can expand on your current roles and give a gist of your older roles if they are applicable. If your experience goes too far back, make a list of those experiences with company name, tenure, and designation.
Mistake #13: Not Including the Right Skills
Listing three relevant and proven skills is way better than including ten unrelated skills and those that you cannot substantiate with your performance.
When you are applying as a Quality Analyst, writing about your expertise in marketing software in your previous role will not do you any good.
In lieu, you can add your proficiency level with test management or tracking tools like TestLink and JIRA, or your experience with quality assurance methodologies like Agile, Scrum, etc. Align your skills with your performance for a clear demonstration. For example, “Implemented regular defect reviews and deployed testing methodologies and tools, including JIRA, reducing defects in software products by 30%.”
Mistake #14: Being Casual with Clichés and Buzzwords
Every individual applying for a job wants to convince the recruiter that they are good at what they do, and to make their point, they include buzzwords or clichés such as “ Team Player”, “ Dynamic”, or “Hard-Working”. These affirmations are self-proclaimed, which does not reflect your effort and can hurt your chances of getting hired.
Therefore, the best you can do is avoid them or include them with supporting data. Instead of writing “Go-Getter”, show what makes you think so, such as “Initiated revision of onboarding procedures, reducing new hire onboarding timeframe by 25%.”
Also, play safe with industry-specific jargon like Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) and Electronic Health Record (EHR). Completely avoiding them may not be possible, as you might need them as a part of your technical experience, but overusing them may confuse or even irritate the readers who may not be aware of such terms or abbreviations.
Mistake #15: Using a Generic Resume for Every Job
Even if your resume is perfect, this one mistake can cost you your future job. If you don’t tailor your resume, you didn’t understand the role and aren’t aligned with the employer’s requirements. Sending the same resume for every job often comes across as one of many.
Recruiters post job descriptions so that candidates can compare their qualifications with those specified by the employers. Tailoring your resume means customizing your professional summary, adapting key skills, and highlighting achievements that directly relate to the role you’re applying for.
Bespoke resumes not only make you relevant but also get you through ATS filters. To optimize your resume for the Applicant Tracking System (ATS), carefully incorporate keywords from the job posting while making sure it remains natural when reaching the hiring manager.
Mistake #16: Writing an Overly Lengthy or Short Resume
A resume that is too long can be overwhelming and cause hiring professionals to skim over key information. On the contrary, curtailing too much on your resume will not showcase your skills and achievements adequately.
When creating your resume, make an effort to balance its length. As per research, the ideal resume must have around 450 to 600 words. If you are a fresher or early into your career, focus on creating a concise one-page document covering your most important qualifications, skills, internships, or projects. For candidates with extensive experience of over 8-10 years, a two-page resume can suffice.
Mistake #17: Adding Your Photo
Whether you should include a professional headshot or not depends on the location for which you are applying. Countries like the US or UK have a strict no-photo policy, while others like the UAE welcome candidates to post their photo at the top of their resume. In India, providing a photo is optional but is being slowly discouraged.
So, check the norms of the particular region for which you are applying. The best practice, however, is not to include a photograph, as it may unintentionally lead to bias or prejudice, which may distract the readers from the actual competencies of a candidate.
Mistake #18: False Claims on Your Resume
Misrepresentations on your resume can damage your chances of getting hired, even if you get past interview rounds. Either the background verification can give you away, or your hiring manager may find a way to uncover inconsistencies during an interview.
Lying about your skills or qualifications can get you in trouble even after you are hired. At minimum, you will be expelled, and at worst, you can be sued if you faked critical certifications. The only advice here is to come clean with your candidature and follow an ethical application.
Mistake #19: Sharing References
Adding references is not a mistake, but not knowing when to include them is one. Generally, they do not add value until you have cleared some stages of the hiring process, so giving these details on your resume is commonly inappropriate.
You should only share them when you are explicitly asked by the employer; otherwise, voluntarily sharing them on your resume stretches the resume length and risks exposure of personal details.
Mistake #20: Not including a Cover Letter
If you are sending your resume solo, you are missing out on a golden opportunity to make an impression. A cover letter complements your resume, giving you room to explain what makes you the strongest fit for the role.
Your cover letter can be your voice that can help you get heard. You can express why you are motivated to work for the company and what value addition you can make. Supposing you had gaps in your career, you get a scope to clarify. If you are changing careers, you can make use of this space to describe your transferable skills.
Even when not asked upfront, attaching a personalized cover letter sets you apart by showcasing your communication skills and professionalism.
Finishing Off
What we just discussed are some of the mistakes often seen on resumes. Having an overview can help you spot possible errors on your resume and ways to correct them.
Whether you are creating a new resume or revising an existing one, use these practical tips to create a winning resume that will get you noticed and help you land your dream job faster. Proofread your resume before submitting your application. Do not forget to recheck with the job description and see if the language of the employer is in line with yours. If you are still in doubt, run it through your trusted friend or mentor and take their advice, or get in touch with a professional resume writer for a resume evaluation.
Keep in mind that your resume is more than a timeline of your current and past roles. Rather. It’s your personal marketing tool to showcase your unique value to potential employers. Do not let trivial errors undermine your professionalism and get in the way of your desired job.
FAQs
- What are the most common mistakes people make on their resumes?
Some common mistakes include spelling or grammar errors, making the resume too long, using generic templates, not tailoring it to the job, and leaving out key achievements. - How can I avoid spelling and grammar mistakes in my resume?
Always proofread your resume multiple times, use spell-check tools, and, if possible, ask a friend or mentor to review it. - Should I include every job I’ve ever had?
No, only list relevant experiences that match the job you are applying for. Focus on achievements and skills that show your value. - Is using the same resume for every job a mistake?
Yes, you should tailor your resume for each role by highlighting skills and experiences that match the job description. - How long should a resume be?
For most candidates, one page is enough. If you have more than 10 years of experience, two pages are acceptable. - Is it bad to use buzzwords like “hardworking” or “team player”?
Yes, using buzzwords or clichés makes your resume less effective. Instead, show your skills with real examples and measurable achievements. - Should I include personal details like age, marital status, or photo?
No, these are unnecessary and can even hurt your chances. Stick to professional details only. - How important is formatting in a resume?
Very important. A clean, simple format makes your resume easy to read and helps recruiters quickly find key information. - What’s the best way to show achievements on my resume?
Use bullet points with action verbs and measurable results, like “Increased sales by 30% in six months.” - Can leaving out keywords from the job description affect my chances?
Yes, many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Including relevant keywords improves the chances of your resume being noticed.
Read More: Resume Trends in 2025 : Everything You Need To Know About Modern Resume Writing
