Common Resume Mistakes
What should you always do before submitting a resume?
Check for typos and grammatical errors
What’s wrong with using Comic Sans or other decorative fonts on your resume?
It looks unprofessional; stick to standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman.
Why shouldn’t you write “Objective: To obtain a challenging position” at the top of your resume?
Objectives are outdated; use a professional summary instead.
Why is it a mistake to include too much personal information, like your full address or marital status?
It’s irrelevant and can expose you to discrimination.
Why should you avoid using tables/columns in your resume?
ATS systems may not parse the information correctly
Why is including a photo of yourself usually a bad idea?
It can introduce bias and is unnecessary unless required by the job.
Why should you avoid using bright colors or excessive graphics on your resume?
It can be distracting and difficult for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to read.
Why is it unnecessary to include “References available upon request”?
It’s assumed you’ll provide references if asked.
What’s the problem with listing hobbies like “watching TV” on your resume?
It’s not relevant to your qualifications or the job.
Why is it a mistake to submit a resume as an image file like .jpg?
ATS systems can’t read image files; use .docx or .pdf.
What’s wrong with listing your references directly on your resume?
Why is a cluttered layout with no clear headings a mistake?
It makes it harder for employers to quickly find key information.
Why shouldn’t you include your high school education if you have a college degree?
It’s redundant and takes up valuable space.
Why is it a bad idea to leave large gaps in your work history unexplained?
It raises questions about your reliability or consistency.
What’s the issue with using excessive keywords without context?
It looks like “keyword stuffing” and won’t impress employers.
Why shouldn’t you use your high school email address like “partygirl98@gmail.com” on your resume?
It looks unprofessional; use a professional email address.
What’s the problem with using long paragraphs instead of bullet points?
Bullet points are easier to scan quickly.
Why should you avoid listing every single job you’ve ever had?
Focus on relevant experience to keep it concise.
Why should you avoid making your resume longer than two pages?
Most employers prefer concise resumes that are easy to read.
Why is it a mistake to use fancy design software for your resume?
ATS systems may struggle to read creative layouts.
What’s wrong with using a single resume for every job application?
Resumes should be tailored to match the specific job description.
Why is inconsistent formatting, like different font sizes or alignment, problematic?
It looks sloppy and unprofessional.
Why is it a mistake to include your full street address on your resume?
Including your full address is outdated and unnecessary. Most employers only need your city, state, and zip code (or none at all for virtual roles). It can also raise privacy concerns.
Why is leaving out measurable achievements a missed opportunity?
Quantifying accomplishments shows the impact of your work and sets you apart.
Why should you customize your resume keywords for each job posting?
ATS systems rank resumes based on relevance to the job description.