Every year, recruiters receive thousands of resumes that don’t meet the requirements due to easily avoidable mistakes. In 2025, hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS) are more selective than ever, so neatness and accuracy are essential to grab their attention. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just entering the job market, correcting common errors can make the difference between landing an interview and being overlooked.
1. Including Obvious or Irrelevant Skills
A common mistake is including skills like “Microsoft Office” or “email proficiency,” which are now taken for granted for almost any job. Instead, highlight technical skills that set you apart, such as Google Analytics, Python, or Salesforce. Tailor each skills section to the requirements of the industry you’re targeting.
Fast Fix: Review the job description, eliminate generic skills, and add unique, in-demand expertise.
2. Using Infographic or Overly Designed Resumes
While they may look appealing on social media, resumes with lots of infographics or highly stylized designs cause problems for applicant tracking systems (ATS) and recruiters outside of creative fields. These designs can make them difficult to read and prevent resumes from being properly scanned for keywords.
Fast Fix: Stick to professional, single-column templates with clean fonts and clear headings.
3. Writing a Resume That’s Too Long or Too Short
Resumes that are too long or too short are generally not well-received by recruiters. A multi-page resume dilutes your most important achievements, while a half-page resume may be insufficient. The ideal resume is one to two pages long, focusing on relevant responsibilities and accomplishments.
Fast Fix: Edit ruthlessly—include only points that relate directly to the job sought, and trim old or entry-level experiences unless they demonstrate transferable skills.
4. Listing Responsibilities Without Results
Simply describing what you did isn’t convincing. Employers want to know what your impact was; therefore, instead of writing “I handled customer inquiries,” write “I resolved over 100 customer inquiries weekly, improving the satisfaction rate by 20%.” Action verbs and quantifiable data are essential.
Fast Fix: Add numbers and strong verbs to every bullet point in your work history.
5. Typos, Grammatical Errors, and Formatting Issues
A sloppy format and errors convey an image of carelessness, which is especially detrimental for positions that require attention to detail. Errors can also cause your application to fail to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) filters and reduce confidence in your candidacy.
Fast Fix: Use tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor, set spell check in your word processor, and have a friend or mentor proofread for you.
6. Submitting One Size Fits All Resumes
Recruiters quickly spot generic applications. Each job requires a customized resume that reflects its specific requirements and preferred terminology. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) search for industry-relevant keywords that appear in the job posting; omitting them will cause your resume to be overlooked.
Fast Fix: Customize each application—mirror language from the job posting, update the skills section, and focus on experience for every new role.
7. Poor Verb Usage
Weak verbs like “I worked,” “I did,” or “I was responsible for” convey little information. Inconsistent use of verb tenses creates confusion. Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb, using the past tense for previous jobs and the present tense for your current position.
Fast Fix: Replace weak verbs with “managed,” “developed,” “optimized,” or “led.”
8. Using Unprofessional Contact Information
Emails like “partyguy@email.com” or missing LinkedIn details hurt your credibility immediately. Make your contact section tidy and up to date, using a standard email and including digital portfolio links when relevant.
Fast Fix: Use firstname.lastname@email.com, verify phone and LinkedIn URL, and add a professional portfolio if available.
9. Including Irrelevant Experience
Space is limited. Summer jobs unrelated to the position or old school awards distract from your suitability for the role. Keep older entries brief or group them under an “Additional Experience” section if necessary.
Fast Fix: Prioritize jobs and projects that directly support your career goals, cutting all non-essential details.
10. Missing or Vague Keywords
Using generic business terms instead of specific language related to the job will cause your resume to be rejected by applicant tracking systems and recruiters. Every industry and job role has essential terms and certifications.
Fast Fix: Identify and use targeted keywords from each job description, role, and industry publication.
Conclusion
Creating a modern resume in 2025 involves balancing clarity, relevance, and personal branding. Eliminate generic content, avoid design errors, and quantify your achievements. Constant review, the use of appropriate keywords, and an impeccable format demonstrate your attention to detail and professionalism. Start by updating your draft with action verbs, relevant accomplishments, and designs adapted to digital platforms to boost your career.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I avoid ATS rejection?
Use one-column layouts, avoid graphics/tables, and mirror language from the job post.
2. What’s the best length for my resume?
One page for less than 5 years’ experience; up to two pages for more senior roles.
3. Are colored or styled templates okay?
Minimal accents are fine; flashy designs harm readability and ATS compatibility.
4. Why do I need strong verbs?
They clarify your role and impact, replacing vague “responsible for” lines.
5. Should I add a headline or summary?
Yes, use a strong headline focusing on your role, skills, and an achievement.