Imagine this: You’ve just applied to your dream job, your heart is racing with excitement, and then… radio silence! No callbacks, no interviews—nothing. You start wondering if your resume is the culprit. My friend Sarah experienced the same, and after some self-reflection (and a little help from experts), she discovered that her resume was riddled with mistakes that made her qualifications hard to notice. If you’ve ever felt this frustration, you’re not alone. Today, let’s talk about the top 10 common resume mistakes and how you can tackle each one by partnering with skilled professionals.

1. Typos and Grammatical Errors

A resume with typos and grammatical errors creates doubts about your seriousness as a job seeker. Hiring managers may assume that if you can’t proofread your own resume, you might lack attention to detail when you are eventually employed. Even seemingly minor mistakes can be distracting and affect your credibility. The worst part? Many applicants don’t even realize they’ve made errors until it’s too late. A professional proofreader or resume editor can meticulously review your document and polish it to perfection, ensuring that your resume is error-free and professional.

2. Using a Generic Resume for All Applications

Sending the same resume for multiple job applications may seem efficient, but it often leads to rejection. Different roles require different skill sets, and a generic resume fails to highlight your most relevant qualifications. Recruiters can instantly tell when a resume hasn’t been customized, making it convenient for them to overlook your application. A specialist can tailor your resume for different roles, ensuring that the skills and experiences most relevant to each job stand out. A customized resume improves your chances of making it past the initial screening process.

3. Lack of an Appealing Design

A poorly designed resume can make it difficult for recruiters to find important information. If your resume is cluttered, uses inconsistent fonts, or has poor spacing, it can be visually unappealing. First impressions matter, and an outdated or hard-to-read resume may lead to an immediate rejection. A graphic designer or professional resume formatter can create a modern, clean design that enhances readability and makes a lasting impression. A visually appealing resume not only looks professional but also helps draw attention to your key qualifications.

4. Including Irrelevant Information

Your resume should be concise and focus only on information that is relevant to the job you’re applying for. Listing outdated job roles, hobbies, or personal details like marital status can take up valuable space and make it harder for recruiters to see what truly matters. A freelancer specializing in resume writing can help you curate content, ensuring every word works towards presenting you as the ideal candidate. They can refine your resume to highlight the most impactful and relevant details.

5. Weak or Generic Summary Statement

Your summary is the first thing recruiters see, and if it’s too vague, they may move on to the next application. A strong summary should quickly convey who you are, what you do, and what value you bring to an employer. Many people make the mistake of using generic phrases that don’t differentiate them from other candidates. An expert can craft a compelling, personalized summary that not only grabs attention but also sets the stage for your accomplishments. A well-written summary can immediately increase your chances of securing an interview.

6. Poor Formatting and Layout

A disorganized resume makes it difficult for recruiters to skim through your qualifications. If your text is too cramped, headings aren’t clear, or bullet points are inconsistent, your resume may be overlooked. Recruiters spend only a few seconds scanning each resume, so yours needs to be formatted for easy reading. Professional resume writers excel in resume layout design. They can restructure your resume with clear headings, bullet points, and strategic white space that guides the reader’s eye to the most important sections.

7. Lack of Quantifiable Achievements

Many job seekers list responsibilities instead of accomplishments, which doesn’t showcase their true value. Hiring managers want to see the impact of your work, and numbers help illustrate this effectively. Saying you “managed a team” is less impressive than saying you “led a team of 10 employees, increasing productivity by 25%.” Expert writers can help reframe your work history into quantifiable successes, turning vague responsibilities into impressive accomplishments that make you stand out.

8. Using Weak or Passive Language

The way you phrase your experience matters. Using weak verbs like “helped with” or “was responsible for” makes your contributions sound passive. Instead, strong action verbs like “achieved,” “led,” or “implemented” create a more powerful impact. Collaborate with a freelancer skilled in career writing to replace passive language with dynamic, action-oriented verbs that highlight your leadership and achievements. A strong, confident tone can make your resume more persuasive and impactful.

9. Not Optimizing for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Some companies use ATS software to screen resumes before a human reads them. If your resume lacks the right keywords, it might never reach a hiring manager. Using industry-specific terminology and phrases from the job description can help improve your chances. A specialist in ATS optimization can help you incorporate relevant keywords and structure your resume in a way that maximizes its chances of passing ATS screening.

10. Missing or Incorrect Contact Information

Imagine crafting the perfect resume, only for recruiters to be unable to contact you because of a simple mistake in your email or phone number. It sounds basic, but missing or incorrect contact details happen more often than you’d think. Even the most experienced resume professionals double-check contact details to ensure your resume is as accessible as possible. Having an up-to-date LinkedIn profile linked to your resume is also a great addition.

How to Find Expert Help

Fiverr is one of the best platforms to find professional resume writers, designers, and career consultants. The platform hosts a diverse range of experts at different price points, making it easy to find high-quality assistance within your budget. With verified reviews and a secure payment system, Fiverr ensures that you receive top-notch service.

Here are five Fiverr experts you can check out to redesign your resume or write it from scratch.

• Emily is a Certified Resume Writer with 5+ years of experience. She has completed more than 900 orders. She will rewrite your resume and make it ATS optimized.

• Don will create a resume and personal brand that wins interviews. He has been recognized by Forbes as a 2024 Leading Career Expert and Coach.

• With a passion to help people tell their story, create their own personal narrative, and find their voice, Robynne will create your Resume and Cover Letter.

•  With over 14 years of experience as a certified resume writer, digital career strategist, and recruiter, Jessica specializes in crafting modern, branded, and ATS-friendly resumes that stand out across all industries and experience levels.

Wrapping Up

Your resume is your personal marketing tool, and every detail counts. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of perfecting it on your own, remember that help is just a click away. Fiverr offers access to a range of experts—from writers and editors to graphic designers and ATS specialists—who can transform your resume into a document that truly reflects your potential.

Next time you’re prepping your application, take a moment to review these common mistakes and consider enlisting the help of a Fiverr freelancer. With the right support, you can create a resume that not only avoids these pitfalls but also opens doors to new career opportunities. Happy job hunting!