Resume Mistakes to Avoid — 7 Errors That Can Cost You the Job

Your resume is your first impression — and often your only chance — to convince an employer to call you for an interview. For international students and skilled migrants, the stakes are even higher. Competition can be fierce, and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can filter out your application before a human ever sees it.

Unfortunately, many job seekers unknowingly make mistakes that cost them opportunities. In this article, we’ll cover the 7 most common resume mistakes, explain why they matter, and show you how to fix them so you can start landing more interviews.

Mistake #1: Using a Generic Resume

A one-size-fits-all resume may feel efficient, but it’s one of the quickest ways to get ignored. Recruiters can tell instantly when an application hasn’t been tailored to their specific role.

Example: Sending the same marketing resume to both a social media role and a content writing position will make you appear unfocused.

Fix: Customise your resume for each role. Highlight relevant skills and achievements that match the job description exactly.

Mistake #2: Ignoring ATS Requirements

An ATS scans your resume for keywords and formats it into plain text for recruiters. If you use complex designs, text boxes, or unusual fonts, the system might not read it correctly.

Example: A beautifully designed PDF resume with multiple columns may look great to you, but appear as scrambled text in an ATS.

Fix: Use a clean, single-column format with standard fonts like Arial or Calibri. Avoid graphics and keep section headings simple.

Mistake #3: Focusing on Duties Instead of Achievements

Employers don’t just want to know what you did — they want to know how well you did it.

Example: 'Responsible for managing budgets' is vague. Instead, write 'Managed a $500K annual budget, reducing costs by 15% through vendor negotiations.'

Fix: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to write bullet points that demonstrate measurable achievements.

Mistake #4: Using Weak or Vague Language

Phrases like 'helped with' or 'involved in' downplay your role. Strong verbs show leadership and ownership.

Example: Instead of 'Helped with project delivery,' say 'Led the delivery of a $200K IT project, meeting all deadlines.'

Fix: Start each bullet point with an action verb and be specific about your contribution.

Mistake #5: Not Including Keywords

If the job ad lists 'data analysis' as a requirement, but your resume only says 'worked with numbers,' you’re missing critical keywords.

Fix: Identify the top 5–10 keywords from the job description and weave them naturally into your resume.

Mistake #6: Overloading with Irrelevant Information

Every inch of your resume should be selling you for the role. Outdated jobs, irrelevant skills, or personal details like age and marital status take up space and can hurt your chances.

Example: Listing a part-time retail job from 10 years ago for a senior engineering role.

Fix: Focus on the last 10–15 years of relevant work and the skills that match the role.

Bonus Mistake: Skipping a Professional Summary

The top third of your resume is prime real estate. Without a compelling summary, recruiters might not see your value quickly.

Fix: Write a 3–4 line professional summary that highlights your top skills, years of experience, and career goal. Make it keyword-rich so it’s both recruiter- and ATS-friendly.

Avoiding these mistakes can transform your resume from being overlooked to being shortlisted. Your resume is a marketing document, not just a career history — every line should be tailored to sell you for the role you want.

Get Your Resume Noticed

If you want to avoid these mistakes and create a resume that gets interviews, download the Skilled Job Starter Kit. It includes:
- An ATS-friendly resume template
- A proven cover letter template
- A LinkedIn profile checklist
- Interview strategies that convert offers

Get it here: https://www.theaho.co/free 

FAQs

How long should my resume be?

Ideally 1–2 pages, focusing on the most relevant roles.

Can I use a creative resume design?

Only if sending directly to a person. For online applications, stick to ATS-friendly formats.

Should I list all my work experience?

No. Prioritise relevant and recent experience to keep your resume focused.

Do cover letters still matter?

Yes — they can be a powerful way to complement your resume and stand out.