Common Resume Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Chances of Getting Hired

Before you hit “submit,” make sure these common resume mistakes aren’t standing between you and your next opportunity.

Your resume is often the first impression you make on a hiring manager, and it may be the last if it’s riddled with errors. Many job seekers submit applications without realizing that small, avoidable errors are quietly disqualifying them. 

Understanding the most common resume mistakes is the first step toward making sure yours doesn’t end up in the rejection pile.

Here’s what to avoid and what to do instead. 

Poor Formatting Makes Your Resume Hard to Read at a Glance

Recruiters spend an average of six to seven seconds scanning a resume before deciding whether to read further. If yours is cluttered, inconsistent, or difficult to skim, it won’t get a second look, regardless of your qualifications.

Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Using multiple font styles or inconsistent font sizes throughout the document
• Cramming too much text onto the page without adequate white space
• Including tables, columns, or graphics, which often break when processed by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), causing key information to be misread or missed entirely
• Submitting a resume that exceeds two pages when you have less than ten years of experience

What to do instead: Stick to a clean, single-column layout with consistent heading styles and clear section breaks. Use a standard font like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia at 10–12pt. When in doubt, prioritize clarity over creativity; a resume that’s easy to read will always outperform one that’s designed to impress.

Vague Job Descriptions Don’t Show What You Actually Contributed

One of the biggest resume mistakes to avoid is listing job duties instead of accomplishments. Phrases like “responsible for managing projects” or “assisted with marketing campaigns” tell hiring managers nothing meaningful about your impact.

Common offenders include:

• Generic descriptions that could apply to anyone in the same role
• No mention of outcomes, results, or measurable contributions
• Overuse of passive language that downplays your role

What to do instead: Use action verbs and quantify wherever possible. “Led a cross-functional team of six to deliver a product launch two weeks ahead of schedule” is far more compelling than “managed project timelines.” If exact numbers aren’t available, approximate ranges or percentages still carry more weight than vague descriptions; ‘reduced response time by roughly 30%’ is still stronger than ‘improved efficiency.'”

Spelling and Grammar Errors Signal a Lack of Attention to Detail

This might seem obvious, but spelling and grammar mistakes remain among the most common resume mistakes employers flag.

A single typo can signal carelessness, and that’s a trait no hiring manager wants in a candidate.

What to watch for:

• Misspelled company names or job titles (especially your own)
• Incorrect verb tenses (past roles should use past tense; your current role should use present tense)
• Homophones and autocorrect errors that spell-check won’t catch; words that sound alike but are spelled differently, like ‘led’ vs. ‘lead’ or ‘your’ vs. ‘you’re’

What to do instead: Proofread manually at least twice. Read your resume out loud. Then have someone else review it; a fresh set of eyes catches what yours will miss. A single typo won’t just cost you points; in competitive applicant pools, it can cost you the interview entirely.

Missing Keywords Mean ATS Filters You Out Before a Human Sees You

Most companies use ATS to screen resumes before they reach a recruiter. If your resume doesn’t include the right keywords from the job description, it’s automatically filtered out, no matter how qualified you are.

Some mistakes that hurt your ATS ranking:

• Using different terminology than what’s in the job posting (e.g., “customer support” vs. “customer success”)
• Leaving out required skills, certifications, or tools mentioned in the listing
• Hiding relevant skills and keywords inside long paragraphs instead of calling them out clearly in bullet points or a dedicated skills section

What to do instead: Mirror the language in the job description intentionally. If the posting says “project management” and “stakeholder communication,” those exact phrases should appear naturally in your resume.

Outdated Information Makes You Look Out of Touch

Listing an outdated email address or noting basic computer skills; these are assumed of every applicant and take up space better used for qualifications that actually set you apart. When small details like these are left unchecked, they signal to hiring managers that your resume — and by extension, your professional presence — hasn’t kept up with the times.

Outdated elements that raise red flags:

• An unprofessional or obsolete email address
• An objective statement instead of a professional summary
• Skills or tools that are no longer relevant to your industry
• Keeping your education section at the top of your resume after you’ve already built up three or more years of work experience

What to do instead: Audit your resume at least once a year. Keep your contact information current, move your education section below your experience, and replace the objective statement with a concise two-to-three sentence summary that highlights your value.

Generic Resume Sends the Wrong Signal to Every Employer

Sending the same resume to every job is one of the most overlooked resume mistakes to avoid. Hiring managers can tell when an application hasn’t been tailored to the role, and it suggests a lack of genuine interest.

Signs your resume is too generic:

• Your professional summary doesn’t reference the type of role you’re applying for
• You’re highlighting skills or experiences that aren’t relevant to the position
• There’s no alignment between your listed accomplishments and the company’s stated priorities

What to do instead: Create a master resume with all your experience, then customize a version for each application. It doesn’t require a full rewrite; adjusting your summary, reordering bullet points, and swapping in relevant keywords is often enough.

Final Thoughts

Avoiding these common resume mistakes won’t guarantee you the job, but it will make sure your application actually gets read. A polished, targeted, and error-free resume removes the friction between your qualifications and the opportunity in front of you. 

Take the time to review yours with fresh eyes, because the effort you put into your resume directly reflects the effort you’d bring to the role.

Quick Recap: Common Resume Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Chances of Getting Hired

• Keep your resume clean, organized, and easy to scan with consistent formatting and plenty of white space.
• Focus on accomplishments and measurable results rather than simply listing job responsibilities.
• Eliminate spelling, grammar, and formatting errors to demonstrate professionalism and attention to detail.
• Optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) by incorporating relevant keywords from the job description.
• Remove outdated information and replace it with a modern professional summary that highlights your value.
• Tailor your resume for each position by emphasizing the skills, experience, and achievements most relevant to the role.
• Regularly review and update your resume to ensure it reflects your current qualifications and career goals.
• A polished, targeted resume increases your chances of passing initial screenings and earning an interview.

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About NexGen Executives

NexGen Executives is a direct marketing firm based in Ottawa specializing in face-to-face brand representation and customer acquisition for leading companies in telecommunications and beyond. We also offer job opportunities for driven individuals looking to launch their careers. 

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