Update

28 april 2025

Top 10 Resume Mistakes That Can Cost You the Job (And How to Fix Them)

Your resume is your first impression — and even small mistakes can lead to instant rejection. In this post, we break down the most common resume errors and how to fix them.

Illustration of a frustrated job seeker reviewing resume mistakes

Mistakes to Avoid & How to Fix Them

  1. Typos & Grammar Errors
    Why it hurts: 77% of recruiters reject resumes with typos.
    Fix it: Use Grammarly, Hemingway, or ResumeIt’s in-app checker.

  2. Generic Resume for All Jobs
    Why it hurts: Recruiters expect customization.
    Fix it: Tailor each resume with job-specific keywords.

  3. Not ATS-Friendly
    Why it hurts: 75% are rejected by ATS.
    Fix it: Use ResumeIt’s clean, ATS-ready templates.

  4. Too Long or Too Cluttered
    Why it hurts: 7.4 seconds — that’s all you get.
    Fix it: 1-page for under 10 years’ experience. Max 2 pages.

  5. Weak Summary Section
    Why it hurts: It sets the tone.
    Fix it: Write a 2–3 line summary with key strengths.

  6. Listing Duties, Not Results
    Why it hurts: Employers want impact.
    Fix it: Use numbers — "Increased traffic by 30%" beats "Managed blog."

  7. Missing or Old Contact Info
    Fix it: Use updated phone, email, and LinkedIn. No outdated or casual emails.

  8. Buzzwords Overload
    Why it hurts: “Team player” means nothing without proof.
    Fix it: Show your skills with real examples.

  9. Irrelevant Work Experience
    Fix it: Only include roles relevant to the job you’re applying for.

  10. No Action Verbs
    Fix it: Start bullet points with strong verbs like "Led," "Built," "Managed."

Conclusion

Avoid these mistakes and let ResumeIt guide you. With ATS optimization, templates, and AI assistance — building the perfect resume is easier than ever.

Logo for ResumeIt

Subscribe to newsletter

Join our newsletter to receive resume tips and feature updates — straight to your inbox.

ResumeIt is your go-to tool for building resumes that get noticed. Whether you're a student, freelancer, or experienced professional — our AI-powered builder, smart templates, and instant export features make resume creation fast and effective. Currently available on Android. iOS coming soon. We continuously improve ResumeIt to offer a smooth, modern, and accessible experience for all.

Copyright © 2025 ResumeIt Inc. All rights reserved.

Logo for ResumeIt

Subscribe to newsletter

Join our newsletter to receive resume tips and feature updates — straight to your inbox.

ResumeIt is your go-to tool for building resumes that get noticed. Whether you're a student, freelancer, or experienced professional — our AI-powered builder, smart templates, and instant export features make resume creation fast and effective. Currently available on Android. iOS coming soon. We continuously improve ResumeIt to offer a smooth, modern, and accessible experience for all.

Copyright © 2025 ResumeIt Inc. All rights reserved.

Logo for ResumeIt

Subscribe to newsletter

Join our newsletter to receive resume tips and feature updates — straight to your inbox.

ResumeIt is your go-to tool for building resumes that get noticed. Whether you're a student, freelancer, or experienced professional — our AI-powered builder, smart templates, and instant export features make resume creation fast and effective. Currently available on Android. iOS coming soon. We continuously improve ResumeIt to offer a smooth, modern, and accessible experience for all.

Copyright © 2025 ResumeIt Inc. All rights reserved.

Top Resume Mistakes to Avoid

Many job seekers unknowingly make mistakes that hurt their chances. Here are the top resume mistakes to avoid...