7 Common Resume Mistakes That Could Cost You the Interview—And How to Avoid Them

When it comes to landing your next job, your resume is your personal marketing tool. But even the most qualified candidates can be overlooked because of avoidable resume mistakes. Here are the top resume pitfalls—and how to fix them—so you can present your best self on paper.

1. Using a One-Size-Fits-All Resume

Mistake: Sending out the same resume for every job application.
Fix: Tailor your resume to each role by incorporating keywords and highlighting the most relevant experience. Review the job description and tweak your summary, skills, and accomplishments to match.

2. Being Too Vague or Generic

Mistake: Writing generic statements like "Responsible for managing projects."
Fix: Be specific and results-oriented. Instead of vague duties, showcase achievements with measurable impact.

Better: “Led cross-functional team to deliver a $500K software project 2 weeks ahead of schedule.”

3. Overloading with Buzzwords

Mistake: Cramming in too many trendy terms (e.g., “dynamic thought leader,” “synergy-driven visionary”).
Fix: Focus on clarity and substance. Use straightforward language that reflects your actual contributions and skills.

4. Skipping the Proofreading

Mistake: Spelling or grammatical errors.
Fix: Carefully proofread your resume—or better yet, have someone else review it. Tools like Grammarly or Hemingway can also help you spot issues.

5. Making It Too Long (or Too Short)

Mistake: A five-page resume for an entry-level role—or a half-page for a seasoned professional.
Fix: Aim for 1 page if you’re early in your career, and 2 pages max if you have more experience. Focus on the last 10–15 years of work history unless older experience is highly relevant.

6. Using an Unprofessional Format

Mistake: Funky fonts, hard-to-read layouts, or excessive design elements.
Fix: Keep your format clean and professional. Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. White space and bullet points go a long way in making your resume easy to scan.

7. Leaving Out Keywords

Mistake: Not optimizing for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Fix: Use relevant industry and role-specific keywords found in the job posting. This increases your chances of making it through the automated resume screenings.

Your resume isn’t just a formality—it’s your first chance to tell your professional story. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be one step closer to landing the interview.

Need help perfecting your resume? Reach out today to schedule a coaching session or resume review. A fresh set of eyes can make all the difference!