14 Common Resume Mistakes and How to Fix Them

A resume is more than just a document; it’s your first impression to a potential employer. For fresh graduates and career changers, this one-page pitch must be sharp, relevant, and error-free. Yet many job seekers unknowingly make common mistakes like typos and using outdated information that can land their resume in the rejection pile.

So, before you sink hours into crafting the “perfect” resume, it is better to know these common mistakes and how to fix them.

1. Typos and Grammar Mistakes

Typos and grammar mistakes have no place in the professional world; however, you must avoid them at all costs to even enter the job market. Even a small typo can derail an otherwise strong resume.

Why It Hurts

Spelling and grammar errors show a lack of attention to detail. Employers and especially Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) often assume that if you overlook mistakes in your resume, you’ll make similar errors on the job.

How to Fix It

Use grammar-check tools like Grammarly and always have someone proofread your resume, preferably a teacher or a senior. Read it aloud or print it for better visibility.

2. Using a Generic Resume for Every Job

Sending out the same resume to multiple employers might seem efficient, but it reduces your chances. We understand it can get overwhelming to craft a different resume for every employer, but it’s always worth it once you land your dream job. 

Why It Hurts

A generic resume doesn’t speak directly to a specific job, and once again, it also risks being filtered out by applicant tracking systems (ATS) for not using the right keywords.

How to Fix It

Customize each resume with the job title, keywords, and key skills listed in the job description. Highlight your most relevant experience first. For instance, if you are applying for the role of pharmacy technician, then it’s best to write employer-specific skills on your pharma tech resume, like prescription processing, inventory management, medication preparation, and more.

3. Skipping Keywords

In the age of AI, leaving your job-related keywords is as big of a mistake as typos because ATS will quickly discard your resume.

Why It Hurts

According to statistics, employers train ATS to filter by specific keywords, and if your resume doesn’t contain those keywords, you are not going to get a call for the interview. 

How to Fix It

Use online tools to scan your resume for keywords and adjust accordingly. Additionally, you can reach out to the CCI Training Center’s Career Services, and our experts will help you craft an ATS-friendly resume aligned with your niche.

4. Poor Formatting and Layout

Human resources professionals do NOT like cluttered, inconsistent, or overly creative layouts. 

Why It Hurts

Recruiters get hundreds of resumes on a weekly basis (if not more), so they skim resumes quickly, and poor formatting makes it hard to scan and may appear unprofessional.

How to Fix It

Stick to a clean, single-column format. Use consistent font sizes, spacing, and headers. Avoid graphics or text boxes that HRs and ATS systems can’t read.

5. Including Irrelevant or Outdated Information

More information doesn’t mean better.

Why It Hurts

Irrelevant jobs, outdated skills, or personal information (like marital status or hobbies) take up space and distract from what matters. Employers only need to look at your professional information.

How to Fix It

Include only experience from the past 10–15 years that aligns with your current goals. Focus on skills, certifications, or experience that support your next step.

6. No Career Objective or Summary

Much like a direction in a career, your resume requires a clear summary. Jumping straight into experience leaves your resume without direction.

Why It Hurts

Not having a career objective or summary can confuse recruiters as to what your goals are or what role you’re pursuing. This becomes even more problematic if you’re a career changer.

How to Fix It

Write a 2–3 sentence summary at the top. Clarify your career direction and what you bring to the table.

7. Failing to Quantify Achievements

Listing duties without outcomes makes your contributions unclear.

Why It Hurts

Saying “Managed customer service team” is less compelling than “Managed 5-person team and improved response time by 30%.” Numbers provide proof.

How to Fix It

Include metrics where possible: percentages, revenue, team size, or project results. Use action verbs and show outcomes.

NOTE: If you don’t have prior work experience, share your GPA and academic statistics. 

8. Submitting Without a Cover Letter

Even if the job posting doesn’t ask for it, skipping this step can work against you. 

Why It Hurts

No cover letter can be interpreted as a lack of interest or effort. It also removes your chance to explain career changes or gaps. 

How to Fix It

Always include a tailored cover letter for each role unless specifically told not to. Use it to connect your experience to the job and company.

9. Using Weak or Passive Language

Avoid filler words and vague responsibilities.

Why It Hurts

Phrases like “Assisted with tasks” or “Was involved in projects” lack impact and don’t show leadership or initiative. Not to mention they don’t pass through ATS.

How to Fix It

Start bullets with strong action verbs: Led, Designed, Resolved, Increased. Use direct, concise statements.

10. Not Updating Your Resume Regularly

If it’s been a while since your last update, your resume might not reflect your latest accomplishments.

Why It Hurts

You risk underselling your current capabilities and missing out on recent certifications, tools, or responsibilities.

How to Fix It

Review and update your resume every 6 months. Ensure your contact info, recent roles, and skills are all current.

11. Ignoring ATS Guidelines

We understand that by now you may be developing a hate for ATS; however, these have been essential to the recruiting process, and you must create your resume while adhering to ATS guidelines. 

Why It Hurts

ATS software might not read columns, tables, or graphics correctly. That means your resume could be discarded before a human even sees it.

How to Fix It

Use standard fonts and layouts. Submit in Word or PDF as required. Avoid headers, footers, and unusual formatting.

12. Undervaluing Transferable Skills

Career changers or fresh grads often make the mistake of not emphasizing the skills they already have.

Why It Hurts

Hiring managers need help connecting your past experiences to the new role. Without clear transferable skills, you appear less qualified.

How to Fix It

Highlight soft skills, certifications, volunteer work, or academic projects that align with the role. Create a “Projects” or “Relevant Experience” section if needed.

13. Adding References

It is a common understanding that employers ask for references; however, it doesn’t mean you need to list them on your resume. 

Why It Hurts

Adding references and their contact information may appear unprofessional and also clutter your resume. 

How to Fix It

Recruiters request references later in the hiring process, so unless they’ve specifically asked you to list references, it is best not to include them in your resume. 

14. Hiding Gaps

Strategically not showing your gap in your resume is a big no-no. 

Why It Hurts 

Employers can figure out if you’re lying about your gap on your resume. This can make you appear unprofessional and untrustworthy.

How to Fix It

It’s important to understand that having a gap in your resume is okay. Be honest about the gap; mention if you invested that time in learning a soft skill, or if you were occupied with something else, like raising a child. 

Final Words

Avoiding these 14 mistakes can help your application stand out, especially in competitive fields like IT and healthcare. Always remember, your resume should market your strengths clearly and confidently.

If you have any concerns regarding creating a resume or need help with interview preparation, feel free to reach out to our experts.