Your resume is often the first impression you make on potential employers, and small mistakes can prevent you from moving forward in the hiring process. To increase your chances of landing an interview, avoid these 5 common resume mistakes.

#1: Submitting the Same Resume for Every Job

Nearly 40% of employers and over 98% of Fortune 500 companies rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to automatically scan resumes for keywords before they’re seen by a recruiter. (source: Indeed)

If your resume isn’t tailored to match the job description, it might not make it past this critical screening process.To increase your chances of getting noticed:

• Customize your resume for each role by incorporating relevant keywords from the job posting.
• Highlight experiences that align with the specific job, whether it’s a skill, a field, or a technology. Even if you have skills across different areas, you want to emphasize those that are most relevant to the position.
• Remove outdated or irrelevant information—keep the focus on your most recent and applicable experiences.

A tailored resume shows that you’ve invested time and effort into understanding the role and highlights your suitability for the job. Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach to boost your chances of getting past the ATS and into the hands of hiring managers.

#2: Incorrect or Missing Contact Information

Your contact information is the first thing recruiters and hiring managers need to reach you about job opportunities. Make sure it’s accurate and complete:

• Phone number: Double-check that it’s correct and ensure your voicemail is professional in case recruiters call.
• Professional email address: Use a dedicated email for job searching, ideally with your first and last name (e.g., john.doe@email.com). Avoid using unprofessional or outdated email addresses.
• Location: Include your general location (city and state) to give recruiters a sense of where you’re based. If you’re open to relocation, mention that as well, but ensure the information is clear and up-to-date.

Missing or incorrect contact details can lead to missed opportunities or communication delays. Take a few extra minutes to review and confirm this critical section.

#3: Grammar, Spelling, and Formatting Errors

Even the most qualified candidates can be overlooked due to typos or inconsistent formatting. To make a professional impression:

• Proofread your resume multiple times or use grammar-checking tools.
• Keep formatting clean and consistent (matching font sizes, bullet point styles, and spacing).
• Organize information clearly, typically in reverse chronological order.

A well-structured and error-free resume signals attention to detail and professionalism—qualities every employer values.

#4: Using Vague Job Duties Instead of Achievements

Focus on showcasing the value you added in each role rather than just listing job duties. Here’s how:

• Highlight achievements: Frame duties with specific accomplishments.

Before: “Handled customer inquiries.”

After: “Resolved customer inquiries by implementing a more efficient ticketing system, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate over six months.”

• Be honest: Avoid adding fluff just to fill space. Keep it authentic.
• Quantify results: Use numbers, percentages, or timeframes to show measurable success.
• Show your impact: Emphasize how your work made a difference, whether through ROI, efficiency, satisfaction, or growth.

Focusing on results helps your resume stand out and clearly demonstrates your potential.

#5: Too Long or Too Short

A resume that is too long can overwhelm recruiters, while one that is too short may fail to showcase key qualifications. Aim for a balanced approach:

• Keep your resume to one page if you have less than 10 years of experience, and no more than two pages for more extensive experience.
• Use 3-4 concise bullet points per role to highlight key responsibilities, contributions, and impact.
• Instead of listing general duties, focus on specific achievements and quantify them where possible. For example:

Using metrics and clear examples helps hiring managers see the value you bring to a role.