3 Resume Mistakes Costing You Interviews in 2023

Your resume is the #1 most important document when it comes to your job search. It’s often the make-or-break reason for getting an interview for that target role you got your eyes set on.

So if you have been submitting your resume to a few places and only hearing crickets… there’s probably a reason behind it, and we can probably find the problem (and solution!) when looking at your resume. 

In this article, we’ll reveal the top three resume mistakes you should avoid in 2023 and what to do instead. Think of this as your helpful guide to help navigate the confusing do’s and don’ts of resume writing and give you the real recruiter-approved solutions you need to land your ideal career sooner rather than later. 

So, take a seat, pull up your current resume, and let’s get ready to build a winning one! Ready to go? Let’s get started!

Mistake 1: Using ONE Resume For 10+ Job Openings

The first and most common resume mistake is using the same old resume for every new role you see. I know it’s tempting to use the spray and pray method and hope your resume sticks… but it’s NOT effective! Glassdoor’s research shows that have shown that on average, average job postings attract approximately 250 resumes. Only 4-6 will get called to interview, and one will get the job from those who apply.

The most important reason to avoid using the same resume for all your applications is that recruiters can see right through it. Recruiters aren’t looking for a generalist who can do a little bit of everything. They aren’t looking for candidates with “potential” that they can take a chance on. The reality is… they are looking for subject matter experts — specialists who have tailored their resumes for the specific role they are recruiting for!

Using the same resume for all your job applications is like using the same shirt for every occasion. Let’s say you wear a white T-shirt to the beach or a barbeque. And then wear that same white T-shirt to an interview or wedding. You get the idea.

You want to dress your resume for the new job you want (pun intended). In 2023, it’s crucial to break free from this common pitfall and embrace the power of tailoring your resume to each job description.

And if you’re looking for a template to get started, you can download our tried and tested free resume template to help you optimize your current resume and tailor it for your target role.

Mistake 2: Downplaying Your Achievements

If you can relate to this, you’re not alone. According to Joblist’s survey of over 800 job seekers, 55% suffered from Imposter Syndrome. 

As a Career Coach to thousands of amazing talent from all over the world, mindset is often the most common hurdle for these candidates to overcome. When you come from a background that didn’t reward your wins and/or was trained to be humble & modest, It’s easy to overlook all the great things we’ve already done in your career.

But that mindset has only gotten you so far. And I know you want more. I know you deserve more too.

So instead of playing it safe, I want you to play BIG. I want you to step into the shoes of your alter ego, the confident you. I want you to ask them: how would you describe your accomplishments so far in your career? And THAT’S what I want you to start emphasizing on your resume.

Because when we can break from that mindset holding us back, we can really let our achievements shine and proudly demonstrate our unique skills and experiences to recruiters and hiring managers.

If you feel stuck coming up with these bullet points, here’s a series of questions you can ask yourself (or your alter ego):

• What are the projects you are most proud of?
• What are the projects that got the best out of you?
• What are the projects that you want to do again and again?

Once you have those projects fresh in your head, then ask:

• What was my role in that project?
• Who did I work with and help in this project?
• What was the result and impact this project had?

Now, once you have some good stories written down, I want you to use this formula for your bullet points:

STRONG ACTION VERB + DETAILS + IMPACT

Here’s an example:
Created and rolled out the first global Leadership Training Program (LTP) for the executive team and trained 102 managers across 8 countries with a 99% satisfaction score. 

It’s easy to common to downplay what we have done but don’t do that on your resume. Let your achievements shine on, and proudly demonstrate your skills & experiences to the hiring manager. 

Mistake 3: Keeping Unnecessary Information

Another common resume mistake is Including unnecessary and outdated information. If you’re in the process of building your resume and you end up adding every small detail — from your high school job to that one internship from 5+ years ago, it will end up being over 5 pages! , 

Your resume is meant to show highlights that are relevant to the role you are going for. So, it’s time to declutter and simplify. Here are some things you should avoid including:

• Personal details: Exclude irrelevant personal information like full address, marital status, headshot, date of birth, etc.
• Irrelevant work experience: Only include work experience directly relevant to the job you’re applying for. Project experience is okay to include as long as it helps your case!
• High school information: Generally, omit details about high school education unless you’re a recent graduate with limited work experience.
• Outdated or irrelevant skills: Focus on including relevant skills to the job and avoid including outdated or irrelevant ones. Hint: Look at the job description and see what you can include.
• List of soft skills: While soft skills are, of course, essential for the job, almost everyone in the entire world can say that they are “hard workers, detail oriented, and have good communication skills.” Focus on technical skills that will help you stand out!
• Excessive details about past roles: Provide concise and impactful descriptions of your previous job responsibilities and achievements without including unnecessary details. The more relevant, the better!

Remember, the goal is to keep your resume concise, focused, and tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. You get to write your own story, so write the one that best helps you get the new job!

Bonus Tip: Mind The Length Of Your Resume

I touched on this earlier, but it’s also crucial not to overwrite your resume with pages upon pages of experience.

Yes, you want to do your skills & experience justice, but you also want to be aware of the six-second rule from recruiters and know that they will only review it for a limited time!

So how long should your resume be? Use this formula as a guide:

If you have less than 5 years of experience = 1 page is good
If you have 5-15 years of experience = 1 to 2 pages of works
If you have 15-20+ years of experience = 1 to 3 pages is acceptable

More is not always better, and that definitely applies to your resume.

P.S. If you want to work with me to build your own winning resume, join Blueprint: Winning Resume, and let’s work together to land your ideal career!

Ready to have a WINNING RESUME? Let’s get started!