Your resume is often the first impression you make on a potential employer. Unfortunately, many job seekers unknowingly include mistakes that immediately disqualify them from consideration. After surveying hundreds of hiring managers and recruiters, we've identified the 10 most common resume mistakes that are costing candidates interviews.

1. Spelling and Grammar Errors

This might seem obvious, but spelling and grammar mistakes remain one of the most common reasons resumes get rejected. A single typo can suggest carelessness and lack of attention to detail—traits no employer wants.

"When I see spelling errors, I immediately question the candidate's communication skills and attention to detail." — Sarah Johnson, HR Director

Solution: Use spell check, but don't rely on it completely. Read your resume aloud to catch errors, and ask a friend to review it.

2. Using an Outdated Format

Many candidates are still using resume formats from 10+ years ago. Modern resumes need to be clean, scannable, and optimized for both human readers and applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Solution: Use a clean, modern template with clear section headings and plenty of white space. Avoid tables and columns that can confuse ATS software.

3. Being Too Vague

Phrases like "responsible for" or "duties included" don't tell employers what you actually accomplished. They want to see specific achievements and results.

Solution: Use action verbs and quantify your achievements whenever possible. Instead of "responsible for sales," try "increased sales by 27% in Q2 2024."

4. Including Irrelevant Information

Listing every job you've ever had or including personal details like your marital status or photo (in most countries) can distract from your relevant qualifications.

Solution: Tailor your resume to each position. Include only the most relevant experiences and remove anything that doesn't support your candidacy.

5. Making It Too Long

Unless you're in academia or have decades of relevant experience, your resume should not exceed two pages. Recruiters spend an average of 7 seconds reviewing a resume initially.

Solution: Be concise. Focus on your most recent and relevant experiences. If you have extensive experience, consider adding a career highlights section at the top.

6. Using Clichés and Overused Phrases

Terms like "hardworking," "team player," and "results-oriented" have become meaningless from overuse. They don't differentiate you from other candidates.

Solution: Show, don't tell. Instead of saying you're "results-oriented," provide specific examples of results you've achieved.

7. Not Including Keywords

Many companies use ATS to screen resumes before they ever reach a human. If your resume doesn't include the right keywords, it may never be seen by a recruiter.

Solution: Carefully review the job description and incorporate relevant keywords throughout your resume, especially in the skills section.

8. Poor Contact Information

It sounds basic, but many candidates include outdated phone numbers or email addresses that they rarely check. Some even forget to include their contact information entirely.

Solution: Double-check that your contact information is current and professional. Use an email address that incorporates your name rather than a nickname.

9. Focusing on Duties Instead of Accomplishments

Employers don't just want to know what you were supposed to do—they want to know what you actually achieved in your previous roles.

Solution: For each position, highlight 3-5 key accomplishments. Use numbers and metrics whenever possible to quantify your impact.

10. Not Customizing for Each Application

Sending the same generic resume to every employer is a missed opportunity. Each company has different needs and priorities.

Solution: Tailor your resume for each application. Highlight the experiences and skills most relevant to the specific role and company.

Conclusion

Avoiding these common resume mistakes can significantly increase your chances of landing interviews. Remember that your resume is a marketing document designed to sell your skills and experiences to potential employers. Take the time to craft it carefully, and don't hesitate to seek professional help if needed.