Common Resume Mistakes and How to Correct Them

Typos and grammatical errors

Spelling and grammar mistakes signal a lack of attention to detail. Proofread your resume multiple times, read it aloud, and ask someone else to review it. Do not rely solely on spell check — it will not catch correctly spelled words used incorrectly (like "their" instead of "there"). Every error is a reason for a hiring manager to set your resume aside.

Vague or generic descriptions

Phrases like "responsible for various tasks" or "helped with projects" tell the reader nothing. Replace vague descriptions with specific, action-oriented bullet points that show what you did and what resulted. "Coordinated a 12-person event that generated 50 new leads" is infinitely more useful than "assisted with marketing events."

No measurable results

Resumes that list responsibilities without results miss the chance to show impact. Wherever possible, include numbers, percentages, or concrete outcomes. If you cannot share exact figures, use approximate ranges or describe the qualitative impact. At least half of your bullet points should include some form of measurable result.

Poor formatting

A cluttered, inconsistent, or hard-to-read resume will be skipped. Use a clean layout with consistent fonts, spacing, and formatting. Stick to one or two fonts. Use bold and italics sparingly for emphasis. Ensure adequate white space between sections. If your resume is hard to scan in 10 seconds, it will likely not be read in detail.

Including irrelevant information

Every item on your resume should support your candidacy for the role you are applying for. Remove outdated roles (typically more than 10-15 years old unless highly relevant), unrelated hobbies, and personal details like marital status or photo. Keep your resume focused and relevant to the target role.

Too long or too short

For most candidates, one to two pages is appropriate. Entry-level candidates should aim for one page. Experienced candidates can use two pages if every item adds value. A three-page resume is rarely necessary and signals an inability to prioritize. If your resume is too short, you may be underselling your experience. If it is too long, you may be including irrelevant details.

Not tailoring to the role

Sending the same resume to every employer is a missed opportunity. Review the job description and adjust your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences. This does not mean rewriting your resume from scratch — it means reordering bullet points, adjusting your summary, and ensuring the most relevant information is prominent.

Checklist

• Resume proofread multiple times by you and another person
• All descriptions are specific and action-oriented
• At least half of bullet points include measurable results
• Formatting is clean, consistent, and scannable
• No irrelevant or outdated information
• Length is appropriate (1-2 pages)
• Resume tailored to the target role