8 Common Resume Mistakes That Could Cost You Your Dream Job—A Recruiter's perspective

Introduction

Over the years, I've been on both sides of the hiring process—applying for roles and selecting candidates for various positions. I learned one hard truth: nobody enjoys reviewing resumes. It's a tedious task, often involving hours of sifting through piles of applications. It's hard to work out whether someone would be a good fit. Hiring managers often skim through applications, looking for any excuse to discard them. It may sound harsh, but it's reality. Interviewing someone takes a lot of time and energy, and I can't afford to waste effort on candidates who don't stand out.

What many job seekers fail to recognise is that a resume isn't just a list of qualifications—it's an advertisement. One that sells you. With such a small opportunity to make an impression, you've got to have an exceptional resume. Avoid these eight common mistakes, and you won't give me a reason to toss your resume back on the pile.

Mediocre Presentation

A bland looking resume won't just be uninviting, it will quickly get lost amongst the competition. Think of it as your first impression, if it's not neat and engaging, it's like you walking into an interview in crumpled clothes with a scowl on your face.

Take time perfecting your creative layout and design. Focus on the right hierarchy of content. The most valuable piece of information should come first. Pay careful attention to your line spacing, font choice and line length—small details can make the difference between a resume that grabs my attention and one that I might overlook.

Look to the publishing industry for inspiration. Magazines structure their content with short, neat columns, clean formatting and easily digestible sections, making them easy to scan and inviting to read. Apply the same principles to your resume.

Information Overload

Say what you need to say and no more.

Your resume is only as strong as its weakest part. Irrelevant experience or hobbies will only dilute your impact. If something doesn't add value to your application, just leave it out. A recruiter isn't interested in your love of cinema or rock climbing—unless, of course, you're applying for a job in those fields.

Keep your resume focussed, concise and in line with the role you want.

Assuming Recruiters Know What You're Talking About

When listing specific courses, programs, or groups you've been a part of or have experience in, keep in mind that not all employers will be familiar with the details, acronyms, or jargon involved. The last thing you want is a recruiter having to guess what something means.

This version removes ambiguity and provides context, making it easier for recruiters to understand your qualifications.

Lack of Evidence

When reflecting on your past experiences, whether from previous employment or education, avoid making generic statements about your achievements.

Not Paying Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is crucial. All employers notice meticulous resumes—the lack of care and attention is one of the easiest reasons to discard one.

Improper formatting, improper capitalisation, spelling errors, broken web links, and grammatical errors all have a huge impact on your chances. Why? Because they signal how much care you put into your work. Your resume is the first sample of your efforts, and if it's not polished, it raises a red flag about your performance on the job. This is you at your best, without time pressures. If you can't get it right now, how will you operate under pressure?

You'll become a representative of the company if we hire you. The emails you send, the work you produce—all of it needs to be precise and of high-quality. Demonstrating strong attention to detail on your resume shows us that we won't have to constantly review your work or babysit you to ensure it's done right.

Passive Writing and Weak Action Verbs

Avoid needlessly complex writing to sound impressive, it often results in vague statements with little substance.

This version is clearer, more impactful, and quantifies the value of your contribution—making it a strong talking point in an interview.

Not Conveying Passion for the Role

Let's be honest—everyone works to earn a living. But recruiters don't want to hear that. They want to know why you are the right person for this role. What sets you apart? Why should they invest in you?

We're looking for people who are genuinely interested in the work we do. Passionate employees grow faster in the role, work more autonomously, bring fresh ideas to the table and are a multiplying force to the team.

We are looking for people who are passionate about their work. This is demonstrated by how much effort you put into learning, developing your skills and sharing your knowledge. Your resume's opening paragraph is where you prove it.

Make me believe in you. Show me that this isn't just another job to you. Not just a way to earn a living, but an opportunity to work towards something that genuinely excites you!

Underestimating the Value of a Portfolio

If you're early in your career you may not have a long list of previous experience to showcase your skills or prove you're a great team player. That's where your portfolio comes in, it's your chance to demonstrate what you can do. For anyone with more experience, your portfolio is your opportunity to seal the deal.

I have made hiring decisions in the past based solely on the strength of a portfolio. One candidate in particular stands out. She hadn't been to university, and her work experience was only loosely related to the role. But her portfolio told a different story—it showed skill, creativity, and a deep understanding of the work. When we spoke, her passion was undeniable. She was eager to learn, driven to succeed, and determined to break into the industry. That portfolio got her through the door.

I can't stress this enough. A well crafted portfolio can be a game changer. It's the ultimate way to sell yourself beyond your resume.

In Closing: Make Your Resume Work for You

Crafting the perfect resume isn't easy. It requires conscious design, strategic presentation, and a sharp eye for detail to ensure it grabs the attention of a hiring manager and gets you a step closer to an interview. Don't fall into the trap of thinking "good enough" will cut it. You may be competing with 250 other candidates for this role, all of whom are thinking the same thing and making the same mistakes. To stand out, you need to go above and beyond—outshining the competition, securing that interview, and ultimately landing the job.