10 Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid in 2025

1. Ignoring ATS-Friendly Formatting

Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to automatically scan resumes before a human even sees them. Overly designed templates, columns, or graphics can confuse these systems and cause your resume to be rejected.

✅ Tip: Keep your layout simple with clean fonts, clear section titles such as Experience and Education, and minimal visual clutter. Try an ATS-friendly resume builder like BrainUp that ensures your resume looks great for both recruiters and tracking software.

2. Using Too Many Buzzwords

Recruiters can easily spot overused phrases like “team player” or “results-driven professional.” These clichés don’t say much about your actual contributions.

✅ Tip: Replace vague terms with real examples. Instead of saying “Excellent communicator”, write “Led weekly collaboration sessions between design and engineering teams, improving delivery timelines by 30%.”

3. Skipping Important Keywords

ATS software filters resumes based on keywords from the job description. If your resume doesn’t include the right terms, it might never reach a recruiter’s inbox.

✅ Tip: Use keywords from the job post naturally throughout your resume, especially in your summary and experience sections.

4. Sending the Same Resume Everywhere

Every role has unique expectations. Using a single generic resume for all applications can seriously lower your chances of getting noticed.

✅ Tip: Customize your resume for each position by emphasizing the skills and achievements most relevant to that particular role.

5. Overlooking Readability and Visual Balance

A resume that looks cramped or inconsistent makes it hard for recruiters to focus on what matters most.

✅ Tip: Maintain consistent spacing, heading styles, and font sizes. A well-structured layout instantly conveys professionalism.

6. Failing to Highlight Measurable Impact

Employers care about results. Listing duties without outcomes doesn’t help you stand out.

✅ Tip: Use measurable results wherever possible:

“Improved conversion rate by 45%.”
“Handled over 200 customer queries each week.”
“Trained five new hires, reducing onboarding time by 20%.”

7. Missing a Personal Summary

A short, well-written summary at the top of your resume helps employers understand who you are right away.

✅ Tip: Add a concise summary that clearly states your role, experience, and key strengths.

8. Forgetting Contact Details or LinkedIn

It happens more often than you’d think, people forget to update their contact info or leave out LinkedIn links entirely.

✅ Tip: Double-check that your phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL are current and professional.

9. Using Unprofessional File Names

File names like “resume_final_v9.pdf” look careless and unpolished to hiring managers.

✅ Tip: Save your file with a clean and clear name such as JohnDoe_Resume_2025.pdf.

10. Not Reviewing Your Resume Before Sending

Even the best resumes benefit from a final check. Typos or formatting issues can cost you an interview.

✅ Tip: Use tools like BrainUp Resume Builder to review formatting, keyword placement, and overall presentation before downloading your final version.

✉️ Final Thought

A strong resume is clear, focused, and results-oriented. Keep it organized, use relevant keywords, and present your achievements with confidence.

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