You’ve made some good progress preparing for your job search: Your references are lined up, your LinkedIn profile is up to date and your contact information is ready to go. Now it's time to create a resume that will open doors for you.
Chances are you have a few questions. Should you use AI to write your resume? It can help, but it shouldn’t do all the work. Should you tailor your resume for every job? Absolutely. How long should a resume be? Not too long or wordy.
By avoiding common resume mistakes, you’ll be in a much better position to stand out to employers. Our seven don’t cover them all, of course, but these are among the missteps that most commonly prevent qualified applicants from advancing in the hiring process.
1. Sending the same resume for every posting
Don’t make the mistake of mass sending a “one-size-fits-all” resume to land a job. While often similar, each job posting has its own unique set of wants and needs. If you take the time to tailor your resume to the employer and their post, you’re far more likely to match the role they’re trying to staff and find yourself in the running.
2. Listing responsibilities without accomplishments
Job duties provide context, but accomplishments show the value of your work. Review each role and ask what improved because of your contribution. Whenever possible, describe a result, completed project, promotion, award or other evidence of impact. Use numbers when they are accurate and meaningful, but a specific outcome can still be persuasive when a metric isn’t available.
3. Making your resume hard for an ATS to read
Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to collect, organize and search applications. Use straightforward section headings and follow the employer’s file-format instructions if they’re included. Include relevant terms from the posting when they truthfully match your experience, but use them naturally. Repeating keywords without context can make the resume harder for a recruiter to read and does not strengthen your qualifications.
4. Letting AI write your whole resume for you
By now you’ve probably read or seen news that AI makes mistakes. Often. That can cause headaches for corporations and you as well. You can use AI when creating your resume, but if you simply send what it came up with verbatim, you might be submitting an inaccurate document that doesn’t reflect you or your talents. As an example, if your resume and LinkedIn profile don't sound like they were written by the same person or don't tell the same career story and a recruiter suspects excessive AI use, you’re out of the game. Make sure the final product presents yourself using your genuine history.
5. Not proofreading for spelling and grammar
It may seem like an obvious step among resume does and don’ts, but you’d be surprised how many people, eager to get their resume in front of an employer, forget the simple task of running a spell and grammar check. For added peace of mind, print the doc and proofread it on paper as mistakes often stand out better in print.
6. Having a resume that's too long
In resume writing, more is not better. Yours should give enough detail to establish your fit without making the hiring manager hunt for it. Remove repetition, outdated information and details unrelated to the role. Give more space to recent, relevant experience and use concise bullets that make the main point quickly.
7. Including personal or distracting details
Keep the focus on information relevant to the job. Your name, location, phone number, email address and an optional LinkedIn URL are usually enough personal info. Avoid decorative elements that compete with the content, and use a readable font and consistent formatting.
A strong resume does more than summarize your work history and education. It helps an employer see the connection between your experience and the role. Review it with these 7 common resume mistakes in mind, and make every claim accurate and relevant. After all, the 7 sins are only trouble if you indulge in them.
Frequently asked questions
Should I tailor my resume for every job?
Yes. You don’t need to start each one from scratch, but you should adjust the summary, skills and experience to reflect each posting.
How can I tell if my resume focuses too much on responsibilities and not enough on accomplishments?
If most bullets describe what you were responsible for rather than what changed because of your work, add evidence of results. Highlight improvements, completed projects, promotions, awards or other outcomes that demonstrate your contribution.
Can an employer tell if I used AI to write my resume?
That depends on you. If you rely on AI solely, don’t double-check what you allow it to write, and it’s not in your voice, employers will know. If you use it sparingly and wisely, allowing it to enhance where your resume might need some polish, no, recruiters shouldn’t flag your resume as artificial.
Which resume tips for job seekers should I focus on most?
Most importantly, be you. Without too many words, let your true self come through.
