8 Common Resume Blunders That Can Cost You the Job

Your resume is your first chance to make a lasting impression on recruiters. However, small mistakes in format, content, or how you share it can undermine your professionalism. In this article, we’ll cover some common mistakes to avoid and tips to make your resume stand out.

1. Avoid Using Online Resume Builders

Online resume builders such as Canva and resume.io may seem convenient, but they have significant drawbacks:

Generic Templates: Recruiters can easily identify resumes created with these tools, giving the impression that you lack proficiency with basic word processors like MS Word.
Limited Customization: These platforms offer minimal customization options, making it harder for your resume to stand out.
Paid Features: Most online builders are either not free or offer only limited templates for free, leading to repetitive designs that recruiters have seen multiple times.
Unnecessary Details: These builders often include fields for unnecessary information, which can clutter your resume.
Designed for Users, Not Recruiters: These templates are visually appealing to users but may not resonate well with hiring professionals.

What to do instead: Use a word processor like MS Word to create a custom, clean resume. Ensure it includes necessary information such as work experience, education, and skills. Leverage AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini for proofreading and suggestions.

2. Don’t Have Someone Else Create Your Resume

If you don’t even know how to create your resume by yourself and you have to ask others to get it created, trust me, you lack computer literacy, and in today’s digital era, you need basic computer education, not the job.

3. Don’t Edit Someone Else’s Resume

Again, if you can’t create your resume by yourself and have to edit the one created by your friends, trust me, you lack computer literacy. In today’s digital world, you need basic computer education, not the job.

4. Ensure Consistent Fonts and Formatting

Your resume’s layout should be clean and professional. Use professional fonts and consistent font sizes, styles, and alignments throughout the document to maintain symmetry and readability.

Always send your resume as a PDF. Avoid sharing it in formats like DOCX, JPG, or as a screenshot. DOCX files can render differently depending on the device or browser, which may distort the formatting and layout of your resume. A PDF ensures that your document remains consistent and professional, as it is non-editable and universally accessible.

Recruiters don’t appreciate having to access resumes via cloud links (e.g., Google Drive or Adobe). There’s also the risk of forgetting to grant access permissions, leading to rejection. Send your resume as an attached PDF file.

Submitting a scanned or photographed version of a printed resume signals that you don’t have a soft copy or that you’re unable to create one digitally. Always send a properly formatted digital version.

8. Don’t Forward Your CV — Make It Personal

Sending your CV via WhatsApp as a forwarded message can raise concerns about authorship. Forwarded messages suggest the CV was created by someone else. Always attach the CV directly or copy and paste the text into a new message to ensure it appears professional and personal.

9. Bonus Tip: Be Prepared to Recreate Your Resume During an Interview

Your proficiency with word processing tools like MS Word should be such that, if asked, you could recreate your resume during an interview. This shows not only your technical skills but also your understanding of your own resume.

Conclusion:

A well-crafted resume can significantly increase your chances of landing a job. By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on personalization and professionalism, you’ll be better prepared to showcase your skills and qualifications. Your resume should reflect both your technical abilities and attention to detail, so invest time in perfecting it!