10 Resume Mistakes That Keep You from Getting Interviews (and How to Fix Them)

When you send out your resume, you want it to open doors, not get buried in a stack. But many job seekers unknowingly make small mistakes that can cost them big opportunities. The good news? Most of these mistakes are easy to fix once you know what to look for.

Here are the 10 most common resume mistakes and practical tips to correct them — so your resume gets noticed for the right reasons.

1. Using One Generic Resume for Every Job

The mistake: Sending the exact same resume to dozens of employers.
Why it hurts you: Recruiters can tell when your resume is too general — it doesn’t show you’re the right fit for their specific role.
Fix it: Tailor your resume to each application. Use keywords from the job description and highlight the experiences that best match the role.

2. Listing Responsibilities Instead of Achievements

The mistake: Writing a job history that reads like a job description.
Why it hurts you: Hiring managers don’t just want to know what you did — they want to know what you accomplished.
Fix it: Focus on results. Use numbers, percentages, or concrete outcomes. Example:

• Instead of: “Responsible for managing social media accounts.”

• Write: “Grew social media following by 45% in six months through targeted campaigns.”

3. Making It Too Long (or Too Short)

The mistake: Submitting a resume that’s either only half a page or five pages long.
Why it hurts you: Too short looks underqualified; too long looks unfocused.
Fix it: Stick to 1–2 pages. Focus on the past 10–15 years of experience and keep only what’s relevant.

4. Poor Formatting and Layout

The mistake: Hard-to-read fonts, inconsistent spacing, or cluttered design.
Why it hurts you: Recruiters spend only a few seconds scanning each resume. If yours is hard to read, it may get skipped.
Fix it: Use a clean, professional font (like Calibri or Arial), clear headings, and consistent formatting. Save your file as a PDF to preserve layout.

5. Forgetting About the ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)

The mistake: Using fancy templates with graphics or columns.
Why it hurts you: ATS software may not read those correctly, so your resume could be rejected before a human sees it.
Fix it: Keep your resume simple. Use standard headings (like “Work Experience” and “Education”) and avoid text boxes or images.

6. Overloading With Buzzwords

The mistake: Filling your resume with vague terms like “hard-working,” “team player,” or “results-driven.”
Why it hurts you: These words don’t prove anything and can make your resume sound generic.
Fix it: Replace buzzwords with specific examples. Show how you demonstrated teamwork, leadership, or results in measurable ways.

7. Leaving Out Keywords

The mistake: Not including words that match the job description.
Why it hurts you: ATS systems and hiring managers look for these keywords. If they’re missing, your resume might not show up in searches.
Fix it: Review each job posting and highlight skills or tools mentioned (like “project management,” “Salesforce,” or “budget forecasting”). Naturally include them in your resume.

8. Typos and Grammar Errors

The mistake: Overlooking spelling mistakes or inconsistent tenses.
Why it hurts you: Even small errors suggest a lack of attention to detail.
Fix it: Proofread carefully. Read your resume out loud, and ask a trusted friend (or coach) to review it before you send it.

9. Using an Unprofessional Email Address

The mistake: Applying with an email like “soccerqueen95@email.com.”
Why it hurts you: It makes you look less professional, especially if hiring managers have hundreds of polished applicants.
Fix it: Use a simple, professional email format: firstname.lastname@email.com.

10. Forgetting the Human Touch

The mistake: Writing a resume that feels cold or lifeless.

Why it hurts you: A resume should show both your skills and your personality. Recruiters typically spend just 6 seconds scanning a resume before deciding whether to keep reading or move on.

Fix it: Add a short professional summary at the top that highlights not only your skills, but also your unique strengths or values. This section is your “hook” — it should immediately grab attention and make the reader want to learn more.

Example:

“Marketing professional with 8+ years of experience helping small businesses grow through creative strategy, data-driven campaigns, and authentic customer engagement.”

Final Thoughts

Your resume is more than a list of jobs — it’s a marketing document that should showcase your value and tell your story. By avoiding these 10 mistakes and applying these fixes, you’ll instantly make your resume stronger, more focused, and more attractive to both hiring managers and applicant tracking systems.

👉 Need a fresh set of eyes on your resume? At Through the Fire Consulting, I help job seekers rise above the competition with professional resume writing and personalized coaching. Contact me today to get started.