Resume Mistakes That Keep You From Getting Hired (And How to Fix Them)

Your resume is your first impression — and in many cases, the only chance you get to show employers you’re worth interviewing. Unfortunately, most resumes get rejected in under 7 seconds. Why? Because of common mistakes that can easily be avoided.

Here are the top 5:

1. Using One Resume for Every Job

Employers can tell when your resume is generic. Tailor your resume for each role by including keywords from the job description.

2. Writing Long Paragraphs Instead of Bullet Points

Recruiters skim. Replace bulky sentences with short, powerful bullet points that highlight achievements.

Bad: Responsible for managing social media accounts.Better: Grew Instagram following by 45% in six months, boosting engagement and brand awareness.

3. Ignoring ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)

Most companies use ATS software. If your resume doesn’t have keywords, it may never reach a human. Always include relevant job-specific terms.

4. Overloading with Design & Graphics

Unless you’re in a creative field, skip fancy fonts and graphics. Keep it clean, professional, and ATS-friendly.

5. Forgetting to Show Results

Employers care about impact, not just duties. Use numbers to prove your success.

✅ Quick Fix: Update your resume with measurable achievements: “Increased sales by 20% in Q1 by implementing new customer outreach strategy.”

Closing Note: Your resume should not just tell what you did — it should sell why you’re the best fit.