The 3 Biggest Resume Mistakes Job Seekers Make

Your resume is your first impression—it’s your one chance to grab a hiring manager's attention in under 7 seconds. But too often, job seekers unknowingly sabotage their chances by making avoidable mistakes. If you’ve ever sent out dozens of resumes without hearing back, this article is for you.

In today’s competitive job market, simply listing your responsibilities or relying on a generic template won’t cut it. Let’s explore the three biggest mistakes job seekers make on their resumes and how you can fix them to stand out from the crowd.

What it looks like:

Listing tasks like “Managed social media accounts” or “Responsible for sales reporting” without showing impact or value.

Why it’s a problem:

Your resume shouldn’t read like a job description. Hiring managers want to know the value you bring, not just what you were assigned to do. A focus on results demonstrates initiative, success, and skills in action. Without that, your resume can appear flat and uninspiring.

How to fix it:

• Use quantifiable metrics wherever possible. Numbers grab attention and add credibility to your accomplishments.
  Example: Instead of “Managed social media accounts,” say “Increased social media engagement by 30% in 6 months by developing targeted campaigns.”

• Frame your experience in terms of achievements or accomplishments, not just duties.

Actionable Tip:

Go through your resume and ask, “What happened because I did this?” or “What was the measurable result of my work?” Rewrite each bullet point with this in mind.

What it looks like:

Sending the same resume to every job listing, with no customization for the specific role or company.

Why it’s a problem:

Hiring managers can spot a generic resume a mile away. It signals a lack of effort and understanding of the position. Moreover, many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which may not prioritize your resume if it doesn’t match key terms from the job description. (👉click here for a video all about ATS)

How to fix it:

• Tailor your resume for each job:
  Customize your summary or objective using language to reflect the specific role.
  Incorporate keywords from the job description into your skills and experience sections where it makes good sense.
• Highlight the most relevant achievements for the job you’re applying to.

Actionable Tip:

Keep a “master resume” with all your experiences and skills. For each application, make a copy and create a tailored version that emphasizes the qualifications most aligned with the role.

What it looks like:

• Using outdated buzzwords like “hardworking team player” or “people person” or including unrelated experience.

• Adding unnecessary sections like hobbies or an objective that doesn’t add value.

Why it’s a problem:

Fluff makes it harder for hiring managers to find what matters. Irrelevant details can overshadow the skills and experiences that make you the best fit for the role. Remember, your resume is prime real estate—every word should serve a purpose.

How to fix it:

• Focus on clarity, conciseness, and relevance:
  Remove clichés and empty phrases like “results-oriented professional.”

• Keep descriptions short and impactful, ideally two to three bullet points per job accomplishment. Only include experiences and skills that align with the job posting.
  
• Use a clean, modern design with plenty of white space to make it easy to read.

Actionable Tip: Review your resume with fresh eyes or ask a trusted friend to identify irrelevant or overly complicated sections. Simplify wherever possible.

Your resume is more than just a document—it’s your story. By focusing on results, tailoring it for each role, and keeping it concise and relevant, you can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.

Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll already be ahead of the competition.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure whether your resume is hitting the mark, consider my Resume & Interview Prep course. It’s only $97 and packed with templates and tools so that you can land the job of your dreams. Oh, and best of all - as a bonus, you will get personalized feedback on your new resume, directly from me.

Let’s get you hired!