Common Resume Mistakes That Could Cost You an Interview

Your resume is often your first impression — and small mistakes can lead to missed opportunities. In this article, we'll explore the most common resume pitfalls that could keep you from landing interviews and how to fix them.

1. Typos and Grammatical Errors

Even a single typo can signal carelessness. Recruiters scan dozens of resumes — clean writing shows professionalism.

Tip Always proofread, use tools like Grammarly, and ask a friend to review your resume.

2. Using a Generic Resume for Every Job

One-size-fits-all resumes rarely work. Hiring managers want to see that you've read the job description and understand what they're looking for.

Tip Tailor your resume for each application by updating the summary, skills, and relevant experience.

3. Focusing on Duties, Not Achievements

Listing job responsibilities doesn't show how well you performed.

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Tip Emphasize results using numbers and action-oriented language.

4. Poor Formatting and Visual Clutter

Overly complex layouts or fonts make resumes hard to read (and ATS-unfriendly).

Tip Use clean, consistent formatting. Stick to one or two fonts, clear section headings, and logical flow.

5. Too Long or Too Short

A resume should be concise but informative. Two pages max for most professionals.

Tip Focus on relevant experience. Remove outdated roles or unrelated part-time jobs.

6. Leaving Out Keywords

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes.

Tip Use keywords from the job description, especially in your skills and experience sections.

7. Including Irrelevant Information

Details like age, marital status, or hobbies (unless relevant) can distract from your qualifications.

Tip Stick to content that supports your candidacy for the role.

Avoid These Mistakes with Revamaze

Revamaze helps you identify and fix resume red flags with built-in guidance, keyword checks, and AI suggestions. Get noticed for the right reasons — not the wrong ones.