7 Common Resume Mistakes That Could Cost You the Job (And How to Fix Them)

When engaging in a job search, your resume is one of the most crucial tools to stand out among candidates. However, many applicants make resume mistakes that can cost them the opportunity to be called for an interview. A poorly structured resume, with irrelevant information or not optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS), can be discarded before even reaching the recruiter. To help ensure your resume is effective, here are the seven most common mistakes and how to fix them.

1. Lack of Clarity and Disorganized Design

One of the main reasons a recruiter may reject a resume is a lack of clarity. A chaotic design, illegible fonts, or long blocks of unstructured text can cause key information to go unnoticed. Additionally, if the information is not well-organized, ATS might struggle to read it, reducing your chances in the job application process.

How to avoid it?

• Use a clean and professional design with balanced margins and adequate spacing.
• Choose easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in size 10-12.
• Structure the information with clear headings and bullet points to highlight your career achievements.
• Save your resume in PDF format to prevent display issues.

2. Excessive Length

While it’s important to include relevant information in your CV, many people make the mistake of making it too long. Recruiters often review hundreds of CVs in a short time, so a lengthy document may be discarded before key details are even read. Instead, focus on concise and effective resume writing, presenting only the most valuable content for the job you are applying for.

How to avoid it?

• Keep your resume to one or two pages, depending on your level of experience.
• Focus on the last 10 years of work experience or the most relevant jobs.
• Summarize responsibilities in short sentences and emphasize quantifiable achievements.
• Use an efficient layout that makes good use of space without sacrificing readability.

It might also interest you: “Refresh your Resume: the Secret to Landing a Job in 2025”

3. Spelling and Grammar Errors

A resume filled with spelling or grammatical errors presents an unprofessional image and can give the impression of a lack of attention to detail. Even minor mistakes can cause your application to be discarded, especially for positions that require communication skills. This is one of the most critical elements of effective resume writing.

How to avoid it?

• Proofread your resume multiple times before submitting it, and use tools like Grammarly or Word’s spell checker.
• Ask a trusted person to review your CV for errors you may have missed.
• Avoid using automatic translations if sending your CV in another language; ensure the grammar and tone are accurate.

4. Including Irrelevant Experience

One of the most common mistakes is filling the resume with jobs or experiences that do not add value to the position you are applying for. This can distract recruiters from what’s truly important and make your CV fail to stand out among other candidates. It’s essential to tailor your work experience to each job opening and only highlight what’s relevant.

How to avoid it?

• Remove jobs that aren’t related to the position unless they demonstrate transferable skills.
• If you have little experience, prioritize internships, volunteer work, or projects relevant to the industry.
• Highlight achievements and responsibilities that match the job requirements.

It might also interest you: “How to Prepare an Impressive Resume: Tips to Stand out”

5. Not Customizing the Resume for Each Job Application

Sending the same CV to all companies without making specific adjustments can drastically reduce your chances of success. Many companies use applicant tracking software (ATS) to filter resumes based on keywords. A generic document may get eliminated before reaching recruiters.

How to avoid it?

• Analyze the job description and use relevant keywords in your CV.
• Adapt your professional profile and experience to align with the job requirements.
• If applying for different types of roles, create multiple versions of your CV tailored to each specialization.

6. Lack of Quantifiable Achievements

Describing your responsibilities without showcasing concrete results can make your CV unimpressive. Recruiters want to see candidates who bring measurable value to companies, so including career achievements can make the difference between an average CV and an outstanding one.

How to avoid it?

• Instead of just describing tasks, mention achievements with specific figures (e.g., “Increased sales by 25% in six months”).
• Use action verbs like “implemented,” “led,” and “developed” to highlight your impact.
• Link your achievements to business objectives, such as cost reduction, increased efficiency, or process improvements.

7. Not Including a Professional Summary at the Beginning

Starting your resume directly with work experience without including a professional summary may prevent recruiters from immediately recognizing your value as a candidate. A well-written profile is key to showcasing your value proposition and capturing attention within the first few seconds of reading.

How to avoid it?

• Include a 3-4 line summary at the beginning, highlighting your key skills and most relevant achievements.
• Customize this section based on the job you are applying for, incorporating strategic keywords.
• Avoid generic phrases and focus on what truly differentiates you as a professional.

Avoiding these mistakes can significantly increase your chances of being selected for an interview. A well-structured CV, free of spelling errors, optimized for ATS, and containing relevant information can make the difference between advancing in the job application process or being immediately discarded.

With these resume tips, you can improve your CV to land your next job. Don’t get discouraged—effective resume writing is key to standing out in a competitive job market.