If your resume isn’t getting you interviews, you may be making one of these common mistakes. Let’s fix them.
As a recruiter, I’ve seen resumes that open doors—and others that slam them shut. 🚨 Your resume should be a reflection of your best self, and if it’s not landing you interviews, it’s time to reassess. Here are some key mistakes to avoid and the improvements that can make a world of difference:
1. Objective Statements
🔴 Lose this:
“Seeking a challenging position…”
(Snooze. Everyone is seeking a challenging position.)
🟢 Add this:
A punchy personal summary that showcases what you bring to the table.
Example:
"Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years of experience creating data-backed strategies that increase engagement and revenue for tech startups. Proven track record of delivering high-impact campaigns that lead to measurable growth."
2. Irrelevant Experience
🔴 Lose this:
That old barista job from 2005 (unless you're applying for a customer service position).
If it's not relevant to your current career goals, it shouldn’t make the cut.
🟢 Add this:
Targeted, results-focused bullet points.
Example:
"Managed a $1M marketing budget, increasing Q1 revenue by 25% through strategic social media campaigns."
Focus on what’s going to add value to the position you're applying for.
3. Over-the-Top Design
🔴 Lose this:
Neon colors, fancy fonts, and elaborate graphics.
While creativity can be great in some industries, your resume needs to be ATS-friendly (Applicant Tracking System). Many companies use these systems to screen resumes, and they don’t always pick up on flashy designs.
🟢 Add this:
Simple, clean formatting that highlights your experience and skills clearly.
Use professional fonts like Arial or Calibri and stick to black and white. The design should support, not overshadow, your qualifications.
4. Cliché Buzzwords
🔴 Lose this:
“Hardworking team player,” “Go-getter,” “Self-starter,” etc.
These terms are overused and don't show any real value.
🟢 Add this:
Actionable results.
Example:
"Led a team of 10 to successfully deliver a $3M project two months ahead of schedule."
Quantifiable achievements speak volumes and show that you can produce results.
5. Your Entire Life Story
🔴 Lose this:
A 5-page resume listing everything you've ever done since high school.
Recruiters don’t need to know about every job or experience you’ve had. The focus should be on what’s most relevant to the position.
🟢 Add this:
1-2 pages highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
Focus on the last 10–15 years of your career and what applies directly to the job you’re aiming for.
6. Outdated Information
🔴 Lose this:
Details like your high school GPA or your PSLE score (unless you’re a fresh graduate with no work experience yet). These facts aren’t helpful to recruiters once you've entered the workforce.
🟢 Add this:
Your key career highlights.
What accomplishments or skills do you bring to the table? Focus on what’s important now, not what you did decades ago.
7. Unnecessary Personal Details
🔴 Lose this:
Instagram handles, your pet’s name, or the fact that you love playing tennis on weekends.
While it’s great to be personable, your resume should be professional and focused on what you can contribute to the job.
🟢 Add this:
Relevant professional info, LinkedIn, and portfolio links.
These are the details that will help recruiters learn more about you in a professional context.
💡 Final Tip:
Your resume is your ticket in. Make sure it’s sleek, focused, and packed with results. If you follow these tips, your resume will not only capture attention but open the door to the opportunities you’re seeking.
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