A resume is your first chance to make a lasting impression, and a poorly crafted one can undermine even the strongest qualifications. Unfortunately, you might not even realize your resume has issues—it’s easy to overlook flaws, especially when you’re too close to the document.
A bad resume doesn’t just fail to showcase your strengths—it can also make hiring managers question your suitability.
In this blog, we’ll highlight common resume mistakes and explore examples of resumes that miss the mark. Read on as we reveal:
- The difference between a good and bad resume
- 7 common pitfalls that make your resume bad
- Other resume mistakes to avoid
What makes a bad resume vs a good resume?
Having a bad resume is a detriment to your job search no matter how qualified you are. It is critical to submit a well-crafted resume that showcases your skills, experiences, and accomplishments, making you stand out in a competitive job market.
A strong resume can open doors to interviews and job opportunities, while a poorly constructed one can hinder your chances, even if you're highly qualified. In short, your resume is your personal marketing tool. Make it count.
Here are some distinct differences between a good resume and a bad one.
| Good Resume | Bad Resume |
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7 Of the worst resume mistakes and examples
The following bad resume examples happen more often than you would think. Some slip in amidst the haste and excitement to send off the application. Others arise out of laziness. If you want the job, take care to avoid all of them.
1. Unorganized format
Having an unorganized resume format can make it difficult for hiring managers to find key information. A cluttered layout, inconsistent fonts, and lack of clear sections can give the impression of carelessness and lack of attention to detail. Ensuring your resume is well-structured and easy to read is essential for making a strong first impression.
John Doe
123-456-7890
Dynamic Retail Manager with over 10 years of experience in driving sales growth, optimizing store operations, and leading high-performing teams. Proven track record in inventory management, customer service excellence, and implementing strategic initiatives to enhance profitability. Adept at fostering a positive work environment and developing staff to achieve their full potential while ensuring an exceptional shopping experience for customers.
Professional Experience:
Sales Associate at Retail Store Inc. January 2018 - March 2024
- Managed sales, customer service, inventory.
- Assisted with social media campaigns, conducted market research, created reports.
2. Poor grammar and typos
While the job may not require Shakespearean writing skills, the presence of basic grammatical errors or typos hints at a lack of attention to detail and a careless attitude toward the application. If you can’t proofread the resume, do you even want the job?
Having errors and typos in your resume can significantly undermine your credibility and professionalism. Such mistakes suggest a lack of attention to detail and can lead to an immediate rejection by hiring managers. Always proofread your resume multiple times to ensure it's error-free.
Detail-oriented accoutant with experiance in financial record-keeping and reconciling accouts. Skilled in using Excel and Quickbooks, but need to improve on some math skills. Proven ability to handle multiple task simultaniously and meet deadlines. Looking for a job where I can use my skills to help with number and stuff.
3. Weak verbiage and clichés
It is so easy to imagine everyone else writing resumes with impressive sounding claims, but general clichés will not impress a hiring manager who wants to understand whether you have what it takes to do the job. Using poor verbiage and clichés in your resume can make you appear unoriginal and unprofessional. Overused phrases and vague language fail to convey your unique skills and accomplishments effectively. So, be specific.
Dynamic HR professional with a proven track record of driving success through innovative strategies and out-of-the-box thinking. Known for being a passionate team player who consistently goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional results.
This example is full of overused clichés that diminish the uniqueness and value of what is being offered, avoid phrases like:
- Dynamic
- Proven track record
- Out-of-the-box thinking
- Team player
- Above and beyond
4. It’s too long
Having a resume that's too long can overwhelm hiring managers and dilute the impact of your key achievements. No one wants to read a novel about your work history—keep it concise and relevant to make a strong impression. Most resumes should be kept to one page, but can be extended to two if there is significant experience to present. Remember, a focused resume highlights your best qualities without the fluff.
5. Not specific enough
A lackluster resume that only includes bare minimum details without numbers or context fails to capture the hiring manager's interest. It doesn't showcase your achievements or the value you bring to a role, making you blend in with countless other applicants. To stand out, provide specific examples and quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact.
Retail Manager, Family Store (February 2022 – Present)
- Managed store operations.
- Supervised staff.
- Handled customer complaints.
6. Way too creative
Overly designed resumes can be distracting and difficult for hiring managers to read, detracting from the content and making it harder to focus on your qualifications. Flashy graphics, excessive colors, and unconventional layouts can also confuse applicant tracking systems, causing your resume to be overlooked. Some design is fine, but balance aesthetics with clarity and professionalism to ensure your resume is both appealing and functional. Impress them with your content.
For tips and inspiration on how to design a resume with a creative flair, check out our creative resume templates
7. Not tailored for the role
A resume that isn't tailored to the job can come across as generic and disinterested, which will likely reduce your chances of standing out to hiring managers. Employers want to see how your specific skills and experiences align with their needs. A one-size-fits-all resume fails to make that connection. Tailoring your resume demonstrates your attention to detail and genuine interest in the position, making you a more attractive candidate.
Professional Experience:
Business Professional (January 2020 – April 2024)
- Responsible for handling various tasks and duties
- Assisted with different projects and initiatives
- Managed routine operations and responsibilities
- Engaged in daily activities to ensure smooth functioning
John Doe
1234 Elm Street
Anytown, USA 12345
[email protected] | (123) 456-7890
linkedin.com/in/johndoe
Objective
A results-driven professional with a provn track record in diverse roles seeking to leverage my skills and experience to contribute to your esteemed organization. Looking for a dynamic role where I can make an impact and dive succcess.
Experience
Various Positions
Various Companies
January 2010 – Present
o Played a role in different types of tasks and projects.
o Handled several responsibilities and duties across multiple sectors.
- Worked on various initiatives that helped in some areas of business.
- Assisted in many activities and contributed to overall productivity.
Job Title
Company Name
June 2005 – December 2009
- Managed a range of daily activities and operational duties.
- Coordinated with teams and worked on several assignments.
- Participated in various company projects and programs.
- Engaged in different processes to ensure the functioning of the company.
Previous Job
Company Name
March 2000 – May 2005
- Completed assigned tasks and followed company procedures.
o Worked on several projects with minimal supervision.
o Helped in managing day-to-day operations and handled various roles.
o Assisted in different aspects of the business to achieve goals.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in General Studies
University Name
Graduated 1999 with 1.9 GPA
Certifications
- Basic Certificate in Business Management
- Advanced Training in Office Operations
Skills
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Communication Skills
- Customer Service
- Project Management
Additional Information
- Received numerous awards and recognitions for various achievements.
- Volunteered for several events and community activities.
- Fluent in English and other languages.
- Possess a strong work ethic and dedication to success.
Other resume mistakes to avoid
In addition to the major resume mistakes above, there are a few other mistakes that happen quite often that you want to steer clear of.
Using an unprofessional email address
An email address like "[email protected]" can appear unprofessional. Stick to a straightforward, professional format like "[email protected]."
Including irrelevant personal information
Avoid including personal details like marital status, age, or social security number. These are unnecessary and can introduce bias or privacy concerns.
Failing to quantify achievements
Not providing specific numbers or measurable outcomes makes your accomplishments less impactful. For example, saying "increased sales" is weaker than "increased sales by 20% over 6 months."
Ignoring applicant tracking systems (ATS)
Not optimizing your resume for ATS can result in it being overlooked. Use relevant keywords from the job description and avoid complex formatting that ATS may not parse correctly.
Omitting key contact information
Failing to include essential contact details in your header, such as your phone number or email address, makes it difficult for employers to reach you. Ensure that your contact information is clear and up-to-date.
Ready to make a lasting impression with your resume? Check out our expertly crafted resume templates to transform your application and stand out from the crowd.
Key takeaways
Common resume mistakes include poor formatting, grammatical errors, and generic language, all of which can undermine your credibility. A resume that is too long, overly designed, or not tailored to the job can confuse hiring managers and diminish your chances of landing an interview. Avoid common pitfalls like including irrelevant personal information or failing to optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). To stand out, ensure your resume is clear, concise, and specifically aligned with the job you're applying for, demonstrating your unique skills and achievements.
