Top 10 Resume Mistakes to Avoid in 2026

Your resume can make or break your job application. Even highly qualified candidates get rejected because of preventable resume mistakes. Learn about the most common errors that cost job seekers interviews and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Typos and Grammatical Errors

Nothing damages your credibility faster than spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. These mistakes signal carelessness and poor attention to detail—qualities no employer wants. A single typo can eliminate you from consideration, especially for positions requiring strong communication skills.

How to fix it: Proofread your resume multiple times. Read it aloud to catch awkward phrasing. Use spell-check tools, but don't rely solely on them—they won't catch "form" when you meant "from." Ask a friend or family member to review your resume with fresh eyes. Consider using grammar tools like Grammarly for an extra layer of verification.

Mistake #2: Using a Generic Resume for Every Application

Sending the same generic resume to every employer is one of the biggest mistakes job seekers make. Hiring managers can immediately tell when you haven't tailored your application to their specific role, and generic resumes rarely make it through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

How to fix it: Customize your resume for each application. Read the job description carefully and mirror the language they use. Highlight experiences and skills most relevant to that specific position. Adjust your professional summary to align with their requirements. This doesn't require rewriting everything—just emphasizing different aspects of your experience.

Mistake #3: Listing Responsibilities Instead of Achievements

Many resumes read like job descriptions, listing duties and responsibilities without demonstrating impact. Employers don't just want to know what you were responsible for—they want to know what you accomplished and how you added value.

How to fix it: Transform responsibility statements into achievement-focused bullet points. Use the formula: Action Verb + What You Did + Quantifiable Result. Instead of "Managed social media accounts," write "Grew social media following by 250% in 8 months, driving 35% increase in website traffic and generating 50+ qualified leads per month."

Mistake #4: Poor Formatting and Design Choices

Overly creative designs, inconsistent formatting, and hard-to-read fonts make your resume difficult to scan and can confuse ATS software. While you want your resume to look professional, creativity should never compromise clarity and readability.

How to fix it: Use a clean, professional template with consistent formatting. Stick to standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, Times New Roman) in 10-12 point size. Maintain uniform spacing between sections. Use bold and italics sparingly for emphasis. Ensure adequate white space— a crowded resume is hard to read. Avoid graphics, tables, text boxes, and columns that ATS can't parse.

Mistake #5: Including Irrelevant Information

Many job seekers include personal information, outdated experiences, or irrelevant hobbies that waste valuable space and distract from their qualifications. Remember: every line of your resume should support your candidacy for the specific position you're applying for.

How to fix it: Remove personal details like age, marital status, religion, or photo (unless specifically requested in certain countries). Eliminate jobs from 15+ years ago unless highly relevant. Cut hobbies unless they directly relate to the job or demonstrate valuable skills. In most cases, references, high school education (if you have a degree), and outdated technical skills can also be removed.

Mistake #6: Unexplained Employment Gaps

Large gaps in employment history raise questions for recruiters. While gaps are increasingly common and understandable, leaving them unexplained makes hiring managers wonder about your work ethic or whether you're hiding something.

How to fix it: Be honest and brief about employment gaps. If you took time off for family care, education, health issues, or career transition, you can note this with a one-line entry. Emphasize any productive activities during the gap: freelancing, volunteering, coursework, or skill development. Focus on what you learned and how you stayed engaged in your field.

Mistake #7: Using Passive Language and Weak Verbs

Passive voice and weak verbs make your accomplishments sound less impressive. Phrases like "was responsible for," "helped with," or "involved in" diminish your role and impact. Strong, active language conveys confidence and competence.

How to fix it: Start every bullet point with a strong action verb. Use words like "led," "developed," "implemented," "achieved," "optimized," "streamlined," "launched," or "exceeded." Write in active voice to emphasize your direct contribution. Instead of "was involved in launching new product," write "launched new product line that generated $500K in first-quarter revenue."

Mistake #8: Omitting Keywords from the Job Description

Applicant Tracking Systems scan resumes for specific keywords that match the job description. If your resume doesn't include these terms, it may never reach a human recruiter—even if you're perfectly qualified. Up to 75% of resumes are rejected at this stage.

How to fix it: Carefully analyze the job description and identify key skills, qualifications, and requirements. Incorporate these exact terms naturally throughout your resume, especially in your skills section and experience descriptions. If the posting mentions "project management," use that phrase rather than "managing projects." Spell out acronyms at least once: "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)" to ensure both versions are captured.

Mistake #9: Writing a Resume That's Too Long or Too Short

A resume that's too long (more than two pages for most professionals) suggests you can't prioritize information or communicate concisely. A resume that's too short may indicate limited experience or lack of detail about your accomplishments.

How to fix it: For early-career professionals (0-10 years of experience), aim for one page. For senior professionals or those with 10+ years of relevant experience, up to two pages is acceptable. Every line should add value—remove filler content and outdated experiences. If you're struggling to fill one page, expand on your achievements with more details and metrics. If you're over two pages, remove older or less relevant positions and consolidate similar experiences.

Mistake #10: Unprofessional Contact Information

Your contact information creates the first impression before recruiters even read your resume. An unprofessional email address, missing phone number, or broken LinkedIn link can immediately disqualify you from consideration.

How to fix it: Use a professional email address—ideally [firstname].[lastname]@email.com. Avoid addresses like "partygirl123" or "cooldude88." Include your phone number with a professional voicemail greeting. Add your LinkedIn profile URL (customize it to remove random numbers). Include your city and state but not your full street address. Ensure all links work and information is current before submitting.

Final Thoughts

Avoiding these common resume mistakes significantly improves your chances of landing interviews. Remember that your resume is often your only chance to make a first impression—make it count. Take the time to proofread, customize for each application, and present your accomplishments in the best possible light. A well-crafted, error-free resume opens doors to opportunities.

Review your current resume against this checklist. If you're making any of these mistakes, fix them before your next application. Small improvements can make a big difference in your job search success.