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How to Fix Your Resume in 2024 [51 Essential Tips]

So you finally sat down, had some coffee, did some brainstorming, and finally wrote the perfect resume . 

Whew, that’s fantastic!

But does that mean you’re all done with your resume forever?

Unfortunately, not. 

Maybe the industry’s not the same, the recruiters’ expectations are changing, or you simply missed something on your first draft.

Whatever the case, a resume is a continuous work in progress.

There’s always room for improvement: if you want to stay on top of your game at all times, you should revisit and fix your resume periodically.

You might be wondering “Well, what exactly do I fix?”

That’s what we’re here to help you with!

In this article, we’ll go over 51 essential tips for fixing your resume. 

Without further ado, let’s get to work!

How to Fix Your Resume

Fixing your resume doesn’t mean deleting what you have and starting from scratch. 

On the contrary - you don’t have to throw your hard work away!

Instead, we’ll go over each section of your resume and give you some tips on how to upgrade it.

• Style and Layout
• Summary or Objective
• Work Experience
• Honors and Certifications

Other Fixes

Now, let’s get started with the first section:

Fix Resume Formatting

There are 3 main resume formats commonly used: reverse chronological, functional, and combination. After you’ve chosen the right one for the job you’re applying for, here’s what else you need to remember with regard to formatting:

• 1) Be consistent. You want to use the same type of font and size for all sections of the resume. If some of your sections come in italic and some in bold, and they all come in different sizes, you’ll end up with one messy resume. 
• 2) Every inch of your resume is valuable real estate and you want to make the most of it. Narrow down the margins of the resume to gain more room for text without making the format look weird. 
• 3) Clearly separate sections from each other. For a clean and organized look, make sure you leave some empty space or insert a line in between sections. This will also make it easier for the recruiter to skim.
• 4) Set line spacing between the text at 1.0 or 1.15 and use double lines after subheadings. These measurements are typically good numbers for most resumes, but you can make some adjustments based on the amount of text you have. The idea is to make lines divided and readable , without having to cut information.
• 5) Remember that (in most countries) the best resumes aren’t longer than 1 page in length . Unless you have a decade’s worth of experience, try to stick within the limit. 

Want to save yourself from the hassle of formatting your resume?

Use an online resume builder ! All you have to do is pick from a template, and all the formatting is done for you. You just have to fill in the contents, and your resume is good to go.

Fix Your Resume Style and Layout

The style and layout of your resume is the first thing a recruiter notices before even reading anything. It’s important to leave a good first impression by following these tips:

• 6) Pick a resume design type that’s relevant to your field. E.g. if you’re applying for a role in a bank, go for a traditional, black-and-white resume. Applying for a creative role? Pick a more colorful template.
• 7) Make sure you use the right font for your resume. Stay away from fonts that you’d never see on the company’s website or that distract from the text itself.
• 8) Be reasonable with your font size. In an attempt to fit more information, you might not realize it and end up with a small, uncomfortable text. Recruiters won’t like that.

Fix Your Resume Header

The next section you need to get right is the resume header . Here’s how you can do that:

• 9) Speaking of images, make sure you are familiar with the rules of the country/company where you are applying with regard to photos . Know if you should include your picture in your resume or not .
• 10) If you’re submitting your resume online, it’s a great idea to link to other related accounts or websites you might have, for example LinkedIn or Behance. Make sure the links function !
• 11) Include your location , but not your exact mailing or physical address. Recruiters simply want to know if you’re near their area or not so the name of the city and country will be enough.
• 12) Provide all the necessary contact information like phone number and email. Make sure you are not using your work phone number and that the email address listed is professional and easy to read.
• 13) If you have an online portfolio or personal website you would like the recruiter to see (i.e. Twitter, Behance, Quora, YouTube), this is the place to link to it.

Fix Your Resume Summary or Objective

Although a resume summary or objective is not absolutely required, it is recommended to have one. 

It’s important to note that they are NOT the same thing. 

A resume objective is what you would use if you don’t have a lot of experience, but want to convince the recruiter that you have the right skills for the job. It is typically 2-3 sentences.

A resume summary briefly mentions your professional experience, biggest achievements, and top skills. It’s about 1-2 sentences. 

So, to fix your resume summary or objective, do this:

• 14) Make sure you are clear with which one of the two you are using. Do you want to focus on your skills and career goals or your professional experience? If you’re a career changer or a recent graduate, go for a resume objective. Otherwise, a resume summary works best.
• 15) Both the resume summary or objective should be short and concise . Look at it as a trailer to your resume - it should be brief, but give the recruiter enough information to catch their interest and make them want to learn more about you.
• 16) Use quantifiable information or data whenever you can. Numbers are easy to skim and allow you to get the information across correctly.
• 17) When it comes to goals and qualifications, be as specific as possible, and make sure they are tailored to the job .
• 18) Stick to simple language and avoid using complicated words on purpose. If the recruiter notices you’re just trying too hard to sound smart, you won’t leave a good impression.

Fix Your Education

As easy as listing your education might sound, missing some key details might cost you some points with the recruiter. 

Here’s what you need to pay attention to in this section:

• 19) Usually, you should place it below work experiences , as it’s less important. However, if you’ve recently graduated college, it makes sense for the Education section to come first.
• 20) Your entries should be listed in reverse chronological order : latest to earliest.
• 21) Unless it is your highest level of education, do not include your high school . Having a college degree implies you went to high school. So, writing it down will only take up your precious and limited space.
• 22) Write each entry’s information in the following order : name of your degree, name of the educational institution, and years attended. Optional: location of the program, GPA (if above 3.5), Honors.
• 23) For any accomplishments or awards, you can write a brief note or include them in the Accomplishments section.

If you want to know more about this section, you can check out our article on how to list education on a resume .

Fix Your Work Experience

To get an idea of what you can do, recruiters are going to have a look at what you’ve already done. This is a section they’re going to pay great attention to, so there really isn’t any room for mistakes.

Here are our top tips for fixing your Work Experience section on your resume:

• 24) Only mention work experiences relevant to the position . Including other unrelated experiences will only distract from the fact that you’re the perfect fit for the job.
• 25) If you have a lengthy career, don’t go more than 10 to 15 years back with your experiences. Also, you don’t need to talk about part-time jobs. An exception to these rules is when there’s an experience that would add a lot of value to your resume.
• 26) As with education, your work roles should be listed in reverse chronological order (unless you are using a functional or combination resume format ).
• 27) For each entry, present the information in the following order: job title /position, company name, dates employed, responsibilities and achievements.
• 28) Use the month and year to indicate the start and end of a work experience. If still in the position, write “current” or “present” instead of an end date.
• 29) When talking about a position, avoid using buzzwords like “Coding Wizard” and use the actual, professional title.
• 30) When describing your duties, focus on achievements over responsibilities . You should also make use of numbers as much as possible and back those achievements up with quantifiable measurements .
• 31) If you have no work experience , you can include a summer job, university job, or personal project as an experience.
• 32) Gaps in between jobs? Make sure you give a brief, not-overly detailed explanation as to what happened. Otherwise, the recruiter might assume the worst and think you got fired.
• 33) If relevant to the position you are applying for, you can include volunteer experiences in the section. This addition is especially helpful if you have little to no work experience.

For more tips on this section, you can take a look at our article on everything you need to know about work experience on a resume . 

Like every other section, your Skills section requires the same attention to detail, especially if you are using a functional resume format.

• 34) Although soft skills are very appreciated by employers, it’s best if you focus more on hard skills in this section. Terms like “teamwork” or “critical thinking” have become so overused that they don’t phase recruiters anymore. If you are going to mention them, make sure they are backed by work experience .
• 35) All skills you list should be tailored and related to the position you are applying for.
• 36) Update your Skills section regularly to reflect any new experiences.
• 37) There are certain key skills for each industry you should consider including. You can even create a separate Skills section for skills directly linked to the position, i.e. programming languages or editing software.
• 38) It’s a good idea to use a proficiency scale, especially for hard skills. Note beginner, intermediate, advanced, or expert next to each of them.

Fix Your Honors and Certifications

Any certifications or honors you have earned will definitely improve your odds with the recruiter. To highlight them, you should give them their own section and remember the following:

• 39) Only include honors and certifications relevant to the position or field you are applying for. You can also include something that isn’t directly related, but highlights your character and would give your application a boost.
• 40) List your certifications and honors in reverse chronological order. If you have an extensive list of them, only mention the most recent ones.

For the cherry on top, here are some more general tips to perfect your resume:

• 41) Typos and grammatical errors are a big no-no. Run your resume through a spell checker like Grammarly before applying anywhere.
• 42) When you save your document, pay attention to how you name the file. Use a professional title like YourInitialsResume.pdf or FirstnameLastnameResume.pdf. It’s a detail that matters.
• 43) When sending over your application, write an appropriate and professional email subject like “Computer Science graduate seeks a programming internship position”. Avoid general and unserious titles like: “programmer resume for application”.
• 44) Detach yourself from the content and have a general look at the aesthetics of the resume. Are there any weird empty spaces? Or too many words or characters crammed into one area? Make sure everything is neatly organized and spaced out.
• 45) Assuming the company will most definitely be using an Applicant Tracking System, you need to make sure that the format and keywords are right and that your resume template is ATS-friendly .
• 46) Check that the information on your resume is consistent with what can be found on your online profiles like LinkedIn.
• 47) Re-read the job ad to make sure everything is in order with what the recruiters are asking for. If there are any specific requests, i.e. including your photo in your resume or other formatting rules, make sure you comply with them.
• 48) Unless it is explicitly stated in the job ad, do NOT include a list of references in your resume. You should also refrain from using the typical “references available upon request”. Recruiters usually reach out to your contacts after the first stage of the application is over. So, as of now, references are not needed. In case they are requested, make sure you follow the appropriate rules on how to list references .
• 49) The same thing can be said in different ways. When it comes to your resume, you can’t afford to use the wrong wording. Make sure to use the right action verbs and power words to talk about your achievements.

Key Takeaways

No matter how good your first draft is, a resume needs constant fixing and upgrading. Make sure you periodically go over it and make the necessary fixes on:

• Aesthetics. Pick the right format and layout for an organized look with distinguishable sections. Make sure to use the right font and font size so that everything looks neat and professional.
• Content. Check that your information is up to date and consistent with what you have in your own profiles. Tailor your work experiences and skills to the job you are applying for.

Go over these tips every time you update your resume to make sure you aren’t missing anything. 

Suggested Reading:

• The Complete Guide to Remote Work [W/ Tips & Tricks]
• Resume Examples & Guides for Any Job [50+ Examples]
• 26+ Biggest Interview Mistakes (To Avoid in 2024)

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Resume Checker

The Resume Checker analyzes your existing resume for gaps, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement to determine your holistic resume score. Get an accurate, detailed assessment of your current resume with recommendations you can act on.

Resume Insights to Strengthen Your Next Application

Quickly Uncover Key Gaps in Your Resume

Get a detailed breakdown of the existing issues with your resume, and how to fix them.

Teal automatically checks your resume for weaknesses to quickly surface key opportunities where you can improve.

Watch your overall resume score increase in real-time as you make progress.

Check Your Resume for Quality Issues & Misalignments

Scan your resume for quality issues to avoid overlooking subtle yet important details.

Check your professional summary, achievements, and skills to ensure that your resume is aligned with best practices.

Identify qualitative issues that you can improve to showcase your career in the strongest possible light.

Find Ways to Enhance Key Sections of Your Resume

Receive personalized recommendations to strengthen the crucial parts of your resume.

Find opportunities to enhance your resume content with more strategic use of keywords in each of the main sections.

Leverage the Resume Checker to tailor your resume so you can make a meaningful impression on potential employers.

Is Your Resume in Good Standing?

Our Resume Checker examines each individual section of your resume to identify pressing issues that we have seen be influential in the hiring process.

The resume check is designed to deliver personalized recommendations for how you can enhance your resume content and appearance in meaningful ways.

We developed the resume score to give job seekers an easy, accurate mechanism to make sure their resume is in good shape, before they apply.

Get immediate feedback on the current state of your resume, and see how it stacks up in different categories:

• Resume Structure
• Information Completeness
• Measurable Results
• Language & Keyword Usage
• Quality Signals

How to Use the Resume Checker

Import your existing resume into the resume builder.

Don’t have an existing resume? Import your LinkedIn profile, or build a resume from scratch in minutes.

Go to the “Analysis” section to check your Resume Score

To check your resume score and review the findings, simply head to the "Analysis" section by clicking the following tab.

Your resume analysis will run automatically, so there's no need to manually start or run anything. You'll see your results and recommendations immediately.

Review Your Results and Start Making Improvements

Once you’re in the “Analysis” section, you’ll see a list of your existing issues.

To view details about each issue, click the issue card to see the description, and click “Show Me” to see exactly where this issue exists on your resume.

Make Improvements to Increase Your Resume Score

From here, simply make the appropriate changes to resolve the issues, and you'll see your resume score updated in real-time.

That's it! Check your resume score to start making enhancements within minutes.

What's Free & What's

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Resume Checker uses a scoring system that factors in a variety of data points from different types of resume information. Some of these include:

• Keyword Usage

Using this criteria, we grade your resume on a scale of 0-100%, according to best practices that have been proven to drive hiring decisions.

A good resume score is 80% or higher.

This means that your current resume version aligns with most of the recommended best practices, and is not missing any vital information.

While we recommend addressing all of the issues that are highlighted by in the resume analysis, they won’t always have equal importance.

The exact order of priority will depend on your particular situation and which position you're applying for, but we urge you to address the issues from the “Resume Structure” group first if present. These issues are related to missing sections, missing information, or information that lacks completeness.

You want to maximize every inch of your resume to make the greatest possible impact/impression, so we suggest first making sure that your resume has all of the information it needs. Once you’ve taken care of that, then move on to updating/optimizing the information in the best possible way.

The Resume Checker analyzes your resume on many of the same factors and criteria that the ATS looks for.

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GPT-4 Resume Rewriting

Let AI rewrite and improve your resume.

Do you feel like your resume is good — but not quite there yet? Our AI Resume Rewriter can improve your CV and give it that extra polish in a matter of seconds. GPT-4 will fix any mistakes in your resume and even make it sound more professional.

Powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4 language model.

GPT-4 is an AI language model so capable, it has begun to scare even its own creators. Now you can use it to rewrite and polish your CV. And while with most resume rewriting services you have to wait at least 24 hours to get the final result, our automatic resume rewriting tool can generate a professional resume in an instant. Try it for free and have it write or rewrite your resume in no time at all.

• The world’s most advanced language model
• Indistinguishable from human writing

Resume Enhancer

As if (re)written by an industry insider.

Our AI-powered Resume Rewriter uses industry-specific jargon and terminology. It will rewrite and improve your CV in a way that showcases your expertise and familiarity with the field. This will make potential employers more likely to see you as an industry insider who can easily adapt to the new role.

• Uses industry-specific jargon and terminology
• Fixes mistakes in your resume

AI Resume Review

Tailors your resume to a job description.

Give the AI Resume Rewriter a job description or a specific job post and it will automatically tailor your resume to it. Not only will that make it easier for you to pass the initial ATS screenings, it will also help you get noticed by hiring managers.

• Helps you pass through ATS checks
• Makes you appear like a more relevant candidate

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AI Generated Resume

Ai-generated resume examples.

What does an AI-generated resume look like? See for yourself! These resumes were generated by our AI resume builder.

Your frequently asked questions.

While we’ve tried to make this tool as easy to use as possible, it’s okay to have questions. If you don’t find your answers here, contact our customer support.

How does the AI Resume rewriter work?

The AI Resume rewriter uses advanced natural language processing (NLP) algorithms to analyze the content of your existing resume, as well as job postings for your desired job or industry.

The system extracts the key information from your resume, such as:

• your work experience

Then it generates a new version of your resume that is optimized for your desired job or industry.

AI Resume rewriter suggests new resume phrasing, keywords, as well as formatting that can improve your chances of getting noticed by recruiters and hiring managers.

Is AI Resume rewriter free, or do I have to have a premium Kickresume subscription?

Even with a free account, you get a limited number of uses. Every premium subscription (starting at $5/month) includes a substantially higher number of AI requests.

At the beginning of every billing period, credits are added to your account (whether it’s a month, three months, or a year).

GPT-4 is a paid tool, and we have to pay Open-AI for every API request. We’re “buying” the use of their AI technology. Because of that, we had to put a limit on how many times you can use the AI Writer per month.

What is a Kickresume AI rewriter?

The Kickresume AI Resume rewriter is a powerful tool that can help you create a highly effective resume in a fraction of the time it would take to do it manually.

It uses advanced natural language processing (NLP) algorithms to analyze the content of your existing resume so it can rewrite in the way that will be the best fitting for your desired job or industry.

How do I rewrite my CV in Kicresume AI rewriter?

With Kickresume’s AI Resume Rewriter, it's really simple. All you have to do is:

• Sign up or log in to your Kickresume account. When logged in, on the dashboard, scroll down to Your Documents and click on Create New.
• When filling in the “ Work Experience section ”, enter your job title, click “Use AI Rewriter” and the AI will generate a number of bullet points for your work experience subsection.
• If you don't like these bullet points, you can either edit them or delete them and click the button again.
• If you like the bullet points but feel like that section is still too short, simply click the button again, and the AI will add more phrases to it.

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Is your resume ready to impress?

Our free and fast Resume Critique tool will provide detailed feedback on key things like resume sections, grammar, and design.

A resume critique tool that makes sure your resume stands out for all the right reasons

Resume critique is a free and quick tool that generates a personalized checklist that helps you fix your resume, ats compatibility checklist, visual appeal checklist, consistency and error checklist, content variety checklist, impactful wording checklist.

Extra functionalities to boost your resume and pass the ATS

Content analyzer.

With the content analyzer, you’ll not only correct spelling errors but also get practical tips on how to improve your content. If you’ve missed adding quantifiable achievements, the content analyzer will underline the problematic section. Its algorithm is based on studying thousands of resumes, ensuring you're showcased in the best possible way.

Referral Link

Sharing your resume with someone who can offer a fresh perspective is a step towards landing that job. Use the referral link to your resume and send it to someone who’s been employed at the same company, or even better, in the same department or position. Connect with ex-employees on LinkedIn or join relevant Facebook Groups. Their opinion on your resume can provide valuable insights and feedback.

In This Guide:

What checklists do professional resume writers use to provide a resume critique.

Professional resume writers use a detailed set of criteria to assess and critique resumes. While there may be variations based on individual experience and expertise, here's a general checklist they use:

• Contact Information : Are the name, phone number, email, and location (optional) correct, current, and prominently displayed?
• Formatting : Is the resume easy to read, with consistent fonts and font sizes? Is it neatly arranged with a clear hierarchy and good use of whitespace? Is it free of grammatical errors and typos?
• Length : Is the resume concise, ideally fitting onto one or two pages? Does it avoid unnecessary information?
• Objective/Summary: Is there a clear and concise objective or summary that effectively communicates the candidate's career goals and qualifications?
• Experience : Are the roles listed in reverse chronological order? Are job titles, companies, and dates of employment clear and accurate? Do the descriptions focus on achievements and impact rather than just job duties? Do they use action verbs and quantify achievements where possible?
• Skills : Are key skills highlighted, and do they match with the job description? Are there any generic or outdated skills that should be removed?
• Education : Is the education section clear and accurate, with the name of the institutions, the degree(s) obtained, and the dates of attendance?
• Customization : Has the resume been tailored to the specific job description, highlighting relevant experience and skills?
• Keywords : Does the resume use keywords from the job description, which could help it pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)?
• Professional Development : Are relevant certifications, trainings, or continued education listed?
• References : Rather than listing references, does it state "References available upon request," if at all?
• Avoiding Red Flags : Does the resume avoid controversial information, such as political affiliations or religious beliefs? Does it exclude personal information, such as age, marital status, or social security number?
• Accomplishments : Is there a clear focus on achievements and results in each role, instead of just responsibilities?
• Cover Letter : If applicable, does the cover letter complement the resume, with a tailored message that conveys enthusiasm and fits the company culture?
• Consistency : Is there consistency in terms of language, tense, formatting, and style?

A resume is not just a list of past jobs and education. It's a marketing document designed to sell the candidate's skills, experience, and potential to prospective employers. The best resumes are carefully crafted with this purpose in mind.

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Resume Worded

Set your resume’s grammar right, instantly, upload your resume to our resume grammar checker, which uses ai to identify grammatical errors and suggest changes. our resume scanner will also grade your resume and tell you what needs to be improved so you can score higher, get through the ats, and land interviews..

Check for grammatical mistakes in your resume

Whether you’re looking to break into the job market or would like to change careers, resumes play an important role in seeing these aspirations through. the last thing you want to happen is your potential employer brushing past your application because of a simple but devastating grammatical mistake. worse yet would be if an applicant tracking system decides not to send your resume to the hiring manager. an applicant tracking system (ats) is software recruiters use to automatically detect which applications to review and which ones to ignore. so, to get through the ats, and reach and impress the hiring manager, you should run your resume through our resume grammar checker. the grammar checker not only points out grammatical errors and typos but can also give your resume a score based on some different resume criteria hiring managers look for. a score on its own, though, can only tell you so much, which is why this free tool can tell you which aspects of your resume need to be improved and exactly what you can do to get a higher score, a better resume, and more invites to interviews. what's more, you'll also get access to our other ai features, including our ai resume writer. the tool will rewrite lines on your resume so they're not only free of grammar mistakes, but also more effective at showing your impact and getting you interviews., what sets this tool apart from other grammar-checking tools, this online tool is much more than just proofreading your resumes. it can measure, analyze and refine your resume..

• Not just a proofreading tool Our tool is not just a grammar-checking software tailored for resumes, it has more features and capabilities that’ll help your resume slide through applicant tracking systems and impress hiring managers.
• Resume scores You can upload your resume and within just 30 seconds, get it graded. This grade will help you weigh the competition and know what you need to add and lose before the ATS or the hiring managers have their say.
• AI rewrites More than just fixing grammar or proofreading, this feature actively rewrites your resume bullet points for clarity and impact. It saves you the trouble of pondering over each word and sentence, and wondering if they're written in the best way possible and error-free.

Find out if your resume passes key recruiter checks

💡     tip: our resume ai, score my resume, is built with all applicant tracking systems in mind and acts as a powerful resume test. it'll detect far more than basic spelling and grammar issues, and tell you if your resume covers specific things recruiters look for, like evidence of impact and leadership, or if you're using the right grammatical tenses..

Examples of common grammatical errors people make on their resumes

The simplest of mistakes could be the most costly

Imagine being more than qualified for a job that has great benefits and room for growth. you think you’ve found the perfect fit, so you apply. the hiring manager takes a look at it, and a few weeks later, you’re notified that you didn’t get the job. now imagine that you didn’t make the cut because of a few silly grammatical mistakes or because you didn’t put much thought into the impression that those mistakes create. frustrating, right what adds insult to injury is the fact that you could have avoided those mistakes and crafted a far better resume in a minute or two using our resume grammar checking tool. clear grammatical errors send all the wrong messages to your potential employer. it’ll give them the thought that you don’t have an eye for detail, but they’re not the only culprits that lower your resume’s quality. the grammar in your resume could have no big mistakes, but it may lack the standard structure that hiring managers expect to see in excellent resumes., grammar rules for resumes, generally speaking, your resume may not have obvious grammatical errors that could instantly make hiring managers reject your application. however, hiring managers expect a certain structure and prose that’s characteristic of a great resume. now, the question is what are these unwritten rules that you must follow when drawing up your resume well, for starters, you should use active voice sentences instead of passive ones. by their very nature, passive sentences are longer and more difficult to read and understand. the hiring manager doesn’t have all the time and focus in the world, meaning you’ll have to make your sentences concise and direct—active voice sentences let you do just that. another rule that job seekers often violate when they’re writing resumes is using casual and unprofessional language. you don’t have to be overly eloquent and antiquated, but you definitely shouldn’t write your resume like a text to a friend..

Our tool can help improve your resume

We can’t talk about all the ins and outs of resume grammar in this piece alone. in fact, you don’t need to know everything there is to know about crafting a grammatically sound resume. our ai-powered resume grammar-checking tool can tell you exactly what your resume needs in seconds. you can then fix your resume in a few more clicks. but that’s not all. our tools can do more than just tell which words to change and what to say where, they also grade your resume against numerous relevant factors that help determine whether your resume can get you that job. the tool then gives you important insights on how you can make your resume stand out, along with rewritten bullet points that you can copy and paste into your resume..

•   Resume Scanner Get a free ATS resume scan instantly. You'll find out if your resume will get past automated resume screeners and Applicant Tracking Systems.
•   Job Description Keyword Finder Your resume needs to include the right keywords to get past resume screening systems. Find out what those keywords are, using the job description.
•   How To Write an ATS Resume In 2022, you need a resume that can be read correctly by hiring systems, specifically applicant tracking systems. Read this guide to learn how to craft an ATS-friendly resume, with templates you can download.

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Clever Dude

12 Common Resume Mistakes and How to Fix Them for Your Dream Job

Posted: March 22, 2024 | Last updated: March 22, 2024

Whenever you’re looking for a new job, creating a good resume can sometimes be the most difficult part of all! What do you include? What do you not include? There’s so much to think about! Luckily for you, we’ve got 12 mistakes that you might be making and how to avoid them.

1. The Novel-Length Resume

Imagine you’re an exhausted hiring manager, and you stumble upon a resume the length of “War and Peace.” Before you’ve reached the halfway point, you’re fast asleep. The trick? Keep it crisp, folks. If your work history is spilling over two pages, it’s time for a trim. Your resume should highlight your greatest hits and leave the audience wanting more.

2. The Mystery of Missing Contact Info

Believe it or not, some resumes are completely anonymous! If the hiring team can’t find your contact info, you’re out of the game. Make sure that you’ve put your name, phone number, and email on your resume – and make them clear! It should be easy for any hiring company to reach out to you.

3. The Typhoon of Typos

Nothing screams “attention to detail” quite like spelling the company’s name wrong. Proofread, then proofread again, and maybe even get a friend to give it the once-over. And remember, relying solely on spellcheck isn’t going to cut it. Sure, it might catch the big mistakes, but the subtle ones can slip right through.

4. The Fiasco of Font Overload

A resume with crazy fonts is going to get a hard pass. Stick to one or two clear fonts, and for goodness sake, let Comic Sans rest in peace! If you choose a clean, professional font, it’ll make it clear that you’re serious about the job. Your font is like your text’s suit – you want to look sharp, not like you’re dressed for a clown convention.

5. The Black Hole of Blank Space

Too much white space can make your resume look like it’s missing something – like your qualifications. Balance is key. Use bullet points for achievements and skills to create layouts that are easy to read and draw your readers’ eye to the important stuff. If you’ve got white space, use it to emphasize your points, not make it awkward.

6. The Jargon Jamboree

Ease up on the industry jargon and acronyms – it’s helping nobody! Clear, concise language demonstrates that you can communicate effectively with any audience. If you overuse jargon, it can come across as if you’re trying too hard, which is definitely not the impression you want to give a potential employer.

7. The One-Size-Fits-All Approach

Sure, sending the same resume to every job is easy, but it’s probably not going to get you results. Customize your resume to match the job description by talking about how your experience and skills match what they’re looking for. Show them you’re not just any candidate – you’re the candidate. 

8. The Reference Roulette

“References available upon request” is the equivalent of saying nothing at all – of course, you’ll give references if you’re asked! Save that precious resume real estate for more compelling content about your awesome self. You’re wasting words by stating the obvious, so use them on something else.

9. Skills Section Overkill

Don’t just give a laundry list of skills like “I can use Microsoft Word.” That isn’t going to turn heads! Focus on the skills that set you apart and are relevant to the job – it’s quality over quantity, people. Listing every skill under the sun makes you look more desperate than distinguished. Cherry-pick the cherries, not the entire tree.

10. Missing Metrics

Supporting your achievements with numbers makes them seem more credible and adds a sense of scale to your accomplishments. “Increased sales by 20%” is far more impressive than simply stating you improved sales. Numbers speak louder than adjectives, so when you can, always let them do the talking.

11. Overusing Objective Statements

Gone are the days when you’d start your resume by talking about your job-seeking desires. Instead, we’re in the era of the summary statement, where you dazzle your potential employer with your skills and career triumphs. You want to mesmerize the hiring manager from the get-go, not send them scrolling past in search of excitement.

12. The Trophy Case Update

Are you still showing off your high school glory days? Unless you’re fresh out of the cap and gown, it’s time to retire those achievements. Today’s employers are scanning for the here and now – what impressive things have you done lately? If you’re only able to talk about very old achievements, that’s very telling for an employer.

Avoiding Mistakes

Each careful step you take will bring you closer to the job of your dreams. Remember, your resume is your personal billboard – make every word count, keep it relevant, and always, always proofread. If you follow these tips, then you’ll be well on your way to making an unforgettable first impression – for the right reasons!

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How to Address a Resume Gap When Switching Careers

• Rebecca Knight

The do’s and don’ts of navigating a career transition that’s taking longer than you hoped.

The prospect of a new career can hold a sense of excitement. But what should you do if your job search has become a disheartening slog and the gap on your resume just seems to be growing wider by the day? What can you do to protect your mental health and rekindle your optimism for the future? In this article, the author offers practical advice  to help you navigate your career switch when you’re worried about a widening gap on your resume. 

You likely felt a surge of excitement when you made the decision to switch careers . But what should you do if your job hunt starts to become a tedious and disheartening slog — and the  gap on your resume is growing wider by the day? How can you address your extended absence from the workforce without making excuses? And how can you stay motivated and resolved in the face of setbacks?

• RK Rebecca Knight is a journalist who writes about all things related to the changing nature of careers and the workplace. Her essays and reported stories have been featured in The Boston Globe, Business Insider, The New York Times, BBC, and The Christian Science Monitor. She was shortlisted as a Reuters Institute Fellow at Oxford University in 2023. Earlier in her career, she spent a decade as an editor and reporter at the Financial Times in New York, London, and Boston.

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The 3 biggest red flags hiring managers look for in resumes, according to new research

If you use artificial intelligence to write your resume — or get a bit too creative with the design — you could be hurting your chances of landing a job. 

The biggest red flag hiring managers look for in job candidates is an AI-generated resume, according to new research from Resume Genius, which surveyed 625 hiring managers across the U.S. Other resume faux pas include poor formatting and typos.

Here are the three biggest resume red flags that could cost you a job offer, and how to avoid them, according to a hiring expert:

AI-generated resumes 

More than half (53%) of hiring managers say they have reservations about resumes that include AI-generated content, with 20% calling it a "critical issue" that might prevent them from hiring someone.

"It's extremely important that your resume is a truthful, authentic reflection of the skills and experience you bring to the table," says Michelle Reisdorf, district director at recruitment firm Robert Half. "If you use AI to write a resume for you in minutes, it tells me you didn't put a lot of time and thought into applying to my job."

Reisdorf, who has worked in recruiting and hiring for over 30 years, still encourages jobseekers to use AI to review and edit their resume — but says you should write the first draft.

"AI is great for proofreading and enhancing what you've already written, but it's not a one-stop shop to generate the perfect resume," she adds. "Recruiters will be able to tell if you're not including specific details from your past jobs or writing in a personal, human voice."

DON'T MISS: The ultimate guide to acing your interview and landing your dream job

Frequent job-hopping

Similarly, resumes showing a pattern of frequent job-hopping make 50% of hiring managers hesitant to move forward with a candidate, Resume Genius found. 

This red flag is trickier to avoid: If you've switched jobs a lot, you can't lie about your employment history. Plus, hiring managers have different definitions of what constitutes excessive job-hopping. 

For some, it might be changing jobs every 1-2 years, while others would argue it's a shorter timeframe (opting to move after less than a year). 

You don't have to explain every time you switched roles, "as most recruiters aren't looking for that on the first pass," Reisdorf says. "They want to know if you have the skills and the experience to do the job well — your past experiences and commitment to work are usually saved for the interview."

If you have several short stints on your resume, however, Reisdorf recommends including a brief context (1-2 sentences) of your job changes elsewhere on your application. 

"Most online applications will have text fields for additional comments or 'reasons for leaving' after you upload your resume," she explains. "That's a good place to acknowledge any job-hopping without drawing too much attention to it."

Otherwise, save any explanations of your career choices for the interview.

Poor formatting

Another red flag hiring managers look out for on resumes is poor formatting, whether it's a disorganized layout, using an obscure font or simply forgetting to spell-check. 

Reisdorf says clean, simple resumes are the most effective as they're easy for anyone to read and understand. That means using a basic black font, trimming it to one page and having clearly labeled, organized sections. 

Put simply, you want a recruiter's attention to be focused on your accomplishments — not a bold typeface choice or cluttered layout. 

Proofreading for any spelling or grammar mistakes before submitting your resume is important, too, Reisdorf says, because it shows your potential employer that you're detail-oriented and conscientious. 

"Ultimately, you want the hiring manager to focus on you, as the candidate, versus the mistakes on your resume," says Reisdorf. "Your resume should make them excited to interview and, hopefully, hire you."

Want to land your dream job in 2024?   Take CNBC's new online course How to Ace Your Job Interview  to learn what hiring managers are really looking for, body language techniques, what to say and not to say, and the best way to talk about pay. CNBC Make It readers can save 25% with discount code 25OFF.

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