7 Common Resume Mistakes That Get You Rejected
The avoidable resume mistakes that cost candidates interviews — typos, vague bullets, ATS-breaking formatting — and exactly how to fix each.
Most resumes are rejected for avoidable reasons. Here are the seven that cost the most interviews — and the fix for each.
1. Typos and grammar slips
A single typo signals carelessness. Proofread, read it aloud, and have someone else check it.
2. Vague, duty-based bullets
"Responsible for sales" says nothing. Show outcomes: "Grew regional sales 22% in 12 months."
3. No numbers
Quantify wherever you can — people, percentages, dollars, time saved. Numbers make claims believable.
4. ATS-unfriendly formatting
Columns, tables, text boxes, and graphics break applicant tracking systems. Use a single-column layout with standard section headings.
5. One generic resume for every job
Sending the same resume everywhere tanks your response rate. Tailor it to each posting's keywords.
6. Wrong length or tiny font
Don't cram everything into 9pt to hit one page. Cut weak content and keep 10–11pt text. (See [how long a resume should be](/blog/how-long-should-a-resume-be).)
7. Missing or buried contact details
Put your email, phone, and location at the top in real text — never inside an image, which an ATS can't read.
Catch them before a recruiter does
[Score your resume free](/score) to spot these issues in seconds, then [improve it with AI](/improve) to fix them — stronger wording, quantified bullets, and an ATS-safe structure.
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