Top 10 Resume Mistakes to Avoid in 2025

Your resume is your first impression—it speaks before you do. But in 2025’s highly competitive job market, even a small error can send your application to the rejection pile. With recruiters spending less than 7 seconds on average per resume, there’s no room for mistakes.

At Untold You, we’ve listed the Top 10 Resume Mistakes to Avoid so you can craft a winning, professional, and ATS-friendly resume that gets you shortlisted faster.

1. Including Irrelevant Information

Many candidates fill their resumes with every job, project, or activity they’ve done—even if it’s unrelated to the role.

Fix: Tailor your resume to the job. Highlight only the skills, achievements, and experience relevant to the role you’re applying for.

2. Using a One-Size-Fits-All Resume

Using the same resume for every job application is a major red flag to recruiters.

Fix: Customize your resume for each job. Use keywords from the job description and tweak your summary or skills accordingly.

3. Poor Formatting & Design

Cluttered layouts, inconsistent fonts, or too much color distract from your content and make resumes hard to read.

Fix: Use clean, professional templates. Stick to font sizes between 10–12 pt, use consistent margins, and highlight headings clearly.

4. Grammatical Errors and Typos

Mistakes like “manger” instead of “manager” scream carelessness and can ruin your credibility instantly.

Fix: Proofread! Use tools like Grammarly or ask a friend to review your resume. Pay attention to spelling, punctuation, and sentence clarity.

5. Lack of Quantifiable Achievements

Statements like “Responsible for team management” sound vague and unimpressive.

Fix: Use numbers and outcomes. Say “Led a team of 5 and increased project efficiency by 30%.”

6. Not Making It ATS-Friendly

Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes. If your resume isn’t optimized, it won’t even be seen by a human.

Fix: Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri), avoid graphics, and save your resume in .docx or .pdf formats. Include job-specific keywords.

7. Writing in Paragraphs Instead of Bullet Points

Long paragraphs reduce readability and may hide key information.

Fix: Use bullet points for achievements and responsibilities. Keep each point concise—ideally under 2 lines.

8. Ignoring Soft Skills & Transferable Skills

In 2025, employers are valuing communication, adaptability, and leadership more than ever.

Fix: Include a “Skills” section with both technical and soft skills relevant to the role.

9. Using an Unprofessional Email Address

An email like “cooldude123@gmail.com” might cost you a job interview.

Fix: Create a professional email ID using your real name (e.g., rajiv.sharma2025@gmail.com).

10. Missing Contact Information or Incorrect Details

It sounds basic, but many people forget to include their phone number or add outdated info.

Fix: Ensure your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile are clearly mentioned and up to date.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Lie or Exaggerate

Recruiters and ATS systems can detect inconsistencies. Fabricating your experience can backfire during interviews or background checks.

Fix: Be honest. Even if you lack experience, focus on internships, certifications, or freelance work that demonstrates your potential.

Pro Resume Checklist by Untold You

• Custom resume for each job
•  Clear format and professional layout
• Quantified achievements
• ATS-friendly file format
• Updated contact info
• 1–2 page limit (for freshers and mid-level roles)

Final Words from Untold You

In a world where your resume could be one of hundreds, standing out means avoiding common pitfalls and focusing on clarity, relevance, and professionalism. Whether you’re a fresher or experienced professional, a polished resume is your ticket to the interview.

For free resume templates, career guides, and job preparation tips, visit Untold You—your ultimate career development companion.