10 Resume Mistakes That Can Sabotage Your Job Search

Your journey to a dream job often begins with a well-crafted resume, as your passport to new opportunities. Yet, we all stumble at times, and in this blog, we'll explore some of the most frequent resume mistakes and how to avoid them, ensuring your resume stands out for all the right reasons.

1. Generic or One-Size-Fits-All Resumes

Our talented Life Working® writers will tell you that one of the biggest resume mistakes is sending the same generic resume to multiple employers. Assuming that you are applying to similar positions, major resume modifications are unnecessary. Employers want to believe they are your first choice for your next career move. How can you give that impression? 

Please let us suggest one easy change that will capture their attention. Customize your resume each time by writing the exact job title of the position you are applying for in the section at the top of your resume under your name and contact information. This is the same spot where the job objective used to appear, but job objectives are not used anymore. Directly under the job title, include a branding tagline to describe your professional superpower and engage the reader. Our goal is to pique the interest and curiosity of the reader and entice them to read on. We have found that this works!

2. Lack of Clarity and Conciseness

Employers receive numerous resumes, so they appreciate clarity and brevity. According to 2023 HR statistics, a job opening receives an average of 250 resumes. How can you increase your chances and be one of the 2% of applicants invited for an interview? Did you know employers typically glance at a resume for six to seven seconds? 

Avoid lengthy paragraphs and use concise bullet points to describe your accomplishments. For each bullet point, use the challenge–action–result formula. Shine a spotlight on your accomplishments by starting each bullet point with a strong action verb followed by the impact your actions achieved. Then, describe how you accomplished this impressive result in a few words. 

3. Ignoring Keywords

Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Using relevant keywords will increase the chances that your resume will be put in the YES pile and not be overlooked by the ATS software. Read the job description carefully and naturally incorporate critical words and phrases into your resume's context. 

4. Overlooking Typos and Errors

Grammatical errors, typos, and formatting issues can swiftly undermine your resume's impact. Review your document meticulously and consider seeking a second pair of eyes from a trusted friend or colleague. It's the little details that truly count.

5. Excessive Jargon and Technical Language

While industry-specific terms have their place, excess jargon could leave recruiters and hiring managers feeling slightly lost. Strive for a harmonious blend of your industry lingo and clear, straightforward communication.

6. Lack of Quantifiable Achievements

Let your resume shine by showcasing your proudest achievements and the value you've contributed. Dodge the pitfalls of vague statements and embrace the power of measurable outcomes. Infuse your achievements with numbers, percentages, or real-life examples to vividly illustrate your impact in previous positions.

7. Including Irrelevant Information

Maintain a sharp focus on your professional experience and qualifications included in your resume. By eliminating personal information, unrelated hobbies, and excessive details about early career positions, you ensure that your resume remains clear, and concentrates on the qualifications that genuinely matter to your prospective employer. Your resume should be a well-crafted snapshot of your professional journey, emphasizing your skills, achievements, and relevant experiences.

8. Omitting Contact Information

It might seem obvious, but it's not uncommon for job seekers to overlook the importance of up-to-date contact information. Ensure that your resume's top section on the first page features your name, phone number, email address, and a customized LinkedIn profile URL.

9. Inconsistent Formatting

Embrace a consistently professional formatting style throughout your entire resume. When your fonts, spacing, and formatting choices maintain a uniform and polished look, your resume instills a sense of organization and expertise. At Life Working®, our resume experts stay ahead of the curve, knowing exactly what hiring managers seek and keeping up with the latest design trends.

10. Failing to Highlight Soft Skills

Employers today are eager to find candidates with a blend of technical expertise and essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Our dedicated team of writers and coaches is here to assist you in highlighting these valuable qualities and guiding you to shine in your cover letter and excel during interviews. We'll help you present your best self to the opportunities ahead.

Your resume is your golden ticket to job opportunities, and avoiding these common mistakes can significantly improve your chances of getting noticed by recruiters and hiring managers. We work with many discouraged jobseekers who’ve been sending out resumes for months with no responses. 

Clients who use resumes crafted by Life Working® often get contacted for a phone screen within 24 hours if the position applied for is available. One client who recently accepted a new position applied for jobs for six months with no luck. After we renovated her resume, she had six interviews in two weeks and accepted her dream job. With a strategic, skillfully written resume, you’ll be on your way to landing your next great career adventure. 

See how we can help you find the right career path at our Career Assessment Center; check out Life Working® Career Coaching Services, Resumes, and Writing Services, and schedule your Free Consultation.