Avoiding Common Resume Mistakes in 2024: And Key Pitfalls to Sidestep

Recruiters sift through hundreds, if not thousands, of resumes daily. Some get immediate attention, while others are quickly dismissed. Why does one resume catch a recruiter’s eye while another doesn't?

This article will help you understand what makes a resume effective and what pitfalls to avoid.

Good vs. Bad Resumes

Creating a winning resume requires attention to detail. Even minor errors can ruin your chances of getting an interview. We will explore the differences between good and bad resumes and provide examples to guide you.

Characteristics of a Good Resume

A good resume should be:

• Simple and precise
• Reader-friendly
• Able to grab the hiring manager’s attention
• Optimized to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS)
• Capable of securing an interview and the job

Bad Resume Examples

Recent studies highlight that certain resume mistakes are immediate deal-breakers for recruiters:

1. Grammatical Errors and Typos (89%)
2. Unprofessional Email Addresses (42%)
3. Task-Based Duties Without Metrics (40%)
4. Lack of Bullet Points (35%)
5. Generic Resumes Not Tailored to the Job (27%)
6. Overly Long Resumes (22%)
7. No Attached Cover Letter (12%)

Detailed Bad Resume Examples

Example 1: Poor Layout

• Avoid long blocks of text.
• Use designated sections and bullet points.
• Follow standard resume formats (chronological, functional, or combined).
• Keep it concise and engaging.

Example 2: Excessive Information

• Focus on relevant experience and achievements.
• Avoid unnecessary details.
• Tailor your resume to the job description.

Example 3: Incorrect Formatting

• Avoid random capitalization, special characters, unnecessary spacing, and large fonts.
• Ensure your resume is easy to read and professionally formatted.

Example 4: Irrelevant Skills

• Highlight skills relevant to the job.
• Make sure your skills section reflects your suitability for the role.

Example 5: Spelling Errors

• Proofread multiple times to catch errors.
• Consider having someone else review your resume to catch mistakes you might miss.

Example 6: Lack of Action Verbs

• Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb to clearly convey your responsibilities and achievements.

Example 7: Including a Photo

• Only include a photo if explicitly requested in the job listing.
• Poorly added photos can make your resume look unprofessional.

Should You Use a Resume Template?

Using a common resume template can make your resume blend in with others. A custom resume template tailored to your experience and the job can help you stand out.

Tips to avoid creating a bad resume

Follow these tips:

• Craft a compelling resume summary.
• Include accurate contact information with a professional email address.
• Use clearly labeled sections and reader-friendly headings.
• Choose an appropriate resume format.
• Tailor your resume to each job application.
• Thoroughly proofread to eliminate typos.
• Use legible fonts and concise language.
• Focus on metric-driven accomplishments.
• Always include a well-written cover letter.

By following these guidelines, you can create a resume that stands out and increases your chances of landing an interview.

REJECTED RESUMES VS ACCEPTED RESUMES

The "Accepted" resume on the right is a better example of a perfect resume according to 2024 standards for several reasons:

Clarity and Readability:

• The accepted resume has a clean, professional layout that is easy to read.

Clear section headings and consistent formatting make it simple to navigate.

Contact Information:

• The accepted resume includes a professional email address, LinkedIn profile, and phone number, which are essential for modern resumes.

Summary/Objective:

• Although not explicitly shown, the accepted resume could include a professional summary or objective statement, which is common in modern resumes.

Detailed Work Experience:

• The accepted resume provides detailed descriptions of responsibilities and achievements under each job role.
• It quantifies achievements (e.g., "increased client base by 20%") which is highly valued.

Skills and Competencies:

• The accepted resume lists relevant skills, such as language proficiencies and technical skills, which are critical for many employers.

Volunteer Experience:

• Including volunteer work demonstrates well-roundedness and a commitment to community or professional development.

Consistency and Professionalism:

• The accepted resume maintains a consistent format for dates and locations.
• It uses bullet points effectively to highlight key information, making it more readable.

Education:

• Education details are clearly listed with institutions, degrees, and dates.
• It also highlights relevant coursework or projects, which can be beneficial.

Additional Information:

• The accepted resume includes a hobbies and interests section, which can help personalize the resume and show a candidate's well-rounded character.

The "Rejected" resume on the left has several issues that make it less likely to be accepted by employers according to 2024 standards:

Visual Appeal and Readability:

• The rejected resume has a cluttered and less professional layout.
• It uses a color scheme and design elements that can distract from the content.

Contact Information:

• The email address provided looks unprofessional. A professional email address (usually a combination of the first and last name) is preferred.

Lack of Summary/Objective:

• The resume does not include a professional summary or objective statement at the top, which is often helpful in giving employers a quick overview of the candidate's qualifications and career goals.

Work Experience Descriptions:

• The job descriptions are brief and lack detail about responsibilities and achievements.
• They do not quantify achievements (e.g., specific increases in sales, efficiency improvements, etc.), making it harder for employers to gauge the impact of the candidate's work.

Inconsistent Formatting:

• There is inconsistent formatting for dates and locations, which can make the resume look unorganized.
• The use of bold and italics is inconsistent, detracting from readability.

Skills Section:

• The skills section is less prominent and detailed. Modern resumes often include a skills section that clearly lists relevant technical and soft skills.

Activities and Honors:

• The activities and honors are not highlighted effectively. They are listed in a way that makes them easy to overlook.

Language Proficiency:

• The language proficiency section is presented in a less formal manner. Modern resumes often list languages with proficiency levels clearly indicated.

Other Information:

• The "Other Information" section contains personal information that may not be relevant or necessary. Modern resumes focus more on professional qualifications and achievements.

General Professionalism:

• Overall, the resume appears less polished and professional. Employers look for resumes that demonstrate attention to detail and professionalism in both content and presentation.

How to Prevent Creating a Bad Resume

Proofread

Tip: Use tools like AI-powered resume scanners to catch and correct errors quickly.

Less is More

Tip: Focus on relevant and recent experiences. Use targeted resume tools to streamline content.

Leverage AI-Resume Tools

Tip: Utilize AI tools for personalized feedback on formatting, keywords, and overall effectiveness. Our "Score My Resume" tool provides detailed insights and suggestions for improvement.

The Font Abuser

Common Mistake:

• Using unprofessional, stylized fonts that are difficult to read and process.

Example:

• A bad resume featuring highly stylized, “hand-written” style fonts that make the professional experience hard to read.

Why It’s a Problem:

1. Unprofessional appearance
2. Difficult for hiring managers and application software to read

The 10 Worst Resume Fonts to Avoid in 2024

Using the wrong font on your resume can make a negative impression and hinder your chances of getting noticed. Here are the top 10 fonts to avoid for your resume in 2024:

1. Papyrus

Why it’s bad:

• Overused and unprofessional
• Difficult to read, giving an amateurish look

2. Comic Sans

Why it’s bad:

• Informal and childish appearance
• Lacks the seriousness needed for professional documents

3. Impact

Why it’s bad:

• Bold and bulky, making it hard to read
• Conveys an overly aggressive tone

4. Mistral

Why it’s bad:

• The handwritten style is hard to read
• Unprofessional and unsuitable for formal resumes

5. Brush Script

Why it’s bad:

• Flowery and difficult to read
• Gives an unprofessional, casual impression

6. Courier

Why it’s bad:

• Monospaced font that looks like typewriter text
• Dated and hard to read in longer texts

7. Algerian

Why it’s bad:

• Decorative and overly stylized
• Extremely hard to read and unprofessional

8. Vivaldi

Why it’s bad:

• Script font that’s fancy and difficult to read
• Inappropriate for professional documents

9. Jokerman

Why it’s bad:

• Whimsical and playful appearance
• Completely unprofessional for a resume

10. Curlz MT

Why it’s bad:

• Decorative and playful, similar to a party invitation
• Gives a childish and unprofessional look

Conclusion

Avoiding these fonts will help you present a clean, professional, and readable resume. Stick to classic, professional fonts to ensure your resume makes a strong and positive impression in 2024.

Breaking Down The 10 Best Resume Fonts in 2024

Choosing the right font for your resume is crucial for making a professional impression and ensuring readability. Here are the top 10 resume fonts for 2024:

1. Times New Roman

Why it works:

• Classic and widely accepted
• Easy to read in both print and digital formats

2. Georgia

Why it works:

• Traditional serif font with a modern touch
• Highly legible at various sizes

3. Helvetica

Why it works:

• Clean and contemporary sans-serif font
• Professional appearance suitable for various industries

4. Arial Narrow

Why it works:

• Compact and clean, ideal for fitting more information on one page
• Readable and professional

5. Calibri

Why it works:

• Modern sans-serif font included in Microsoft Office
• Clear and easy to read on screens

6. Cambria

Why it works:

• Designed for on-screen reading and printing
• Professional and easy to read serif font

7. Garamond

Why it works:

• Elegant and traditional serif font
• Gives a polished and sophisticated look

8. Verdana

Why it works:

• Simple and highly readable sans-serif font
• Great for both print and digital resumes

9. Tahoma

Why it works:

• Clear and straightforward sans-serif font
• Excellent legibility on screens and print

10. Trebuchet MS

Why it works:

• Friendly and modern sans-serif font
• Balances professionalism with a bit of personality

Conclusion

Using any of these fonts will ensure your resume is both professional and easy to read, helping you make a strong impression on potential employers. Stick to one of these top 10 fonts to enhance your resume’s effectiveness in 2024

Please stay tuned, as more articles are coming soon. This article is just the beginning; we will continue to provide valuable insights and tips to help you craft the perfect resume and navigate the job market successfully. Your career growth is our priority, and we are committed to offering comprehensive guidance on various aspects of professional development. Stay with us for more expert advice and resources. Thank you!

HR Manager / Sara Sajjad, CRYMZEE NETWORKS (Pvt) Ltd - LinkedIn: www.dhirubhai.net/in/sarasajjadch