If you’re just starting your career, your resume is like your personal billboard. It’s the first thing hiring managers see, and in many cases, it decides whether you get an interview or not. Many fresh graduates and entry-level job seekers unknowingly make mistakes that keep them from getting noticed.
It’s not always about having zero experience. In fact, even seasoned recruiters say that simple errors, like vague descriptions or poor formatting, are what push resumes to the “no” pile before they’ve even been read. According to TechTarget, most resume issues aren’t about what’s missing; it’s about what’s done wrong.
You can fix most of these mistakes quickly and make your resume stand out. Let’s look at the top errors entry-level candidates make, starting with the most common one.
1. Sending the Same Resume to Every Job
One of the biggest slip-ups new job seekers make is using a “one-size-fits-all” resume. You know the kind you create one version, save it on your laptop, and send it to every single employer. The problem? Recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can tell when your application isn’t tailored to the role.
For example, if a marketing assistant job posting mentions “social media campaign management” but your resume only says “handled online promotions,” you’ve missed a chance to match the employer’s keywords. And in today’s hiring process, ATS filters are often the first hurdle you have to clear.
How to fix it:
- Read the job description carefully and mirror important phrases in your resume.
- Highlight relevant skills and projects that match the role.
- Keep a base resume, but tweak it for each application. This small step can make a big difference.
2. Using Vague Descriptions Instead of Results
Another common mistake is describing your experience in a way that sounds like a generic job description. Saying “assisted in events” or “helped with reports” doesn’t really tell employers what you achieved. Recruiters, like the ones interviewed by Business Insider, often recommend that candidates focus on impact, not just duties.
If two people say they “worked on social media,” but one adds “increased engagement by 35% in three months,” who’s going to stand out? Employers want to see numbers, improvements, or tangible outcomes.
How to fix it:
- Add metrics wherever possible (percentages, time saved, revenue earned, etc.).
- Replace task-based bullet points with results-based statements.
- Use action verbs like “increased,” “launched,” “reduced,” or “achieved” to make your impact clear.
3. Leaving Out or Misplacing Key Contact Details
It might sound unbelievable, but many fresh job seekers forget to put the most basic details on their resumes—like a phone number or email address. Others include an email that screams “not serious,” like cuteboy2024@gmail.com. According to TechTarget, this is a quick way to make recruiters question your professionalism.
Your contact details should be easy to find—usually at the top of your resume. And if your LinkedIn profile is updated and professional, include that too. Just make sure all the information is correct and up-to-date.
How to fix it:
- Use a professional email address with your name in it (e.g., firstname.lastname@gmail.com).
- Include your phone number, city, and state (no need for a full address anymore).
- Add a link to your LinkedIn or portfolio if relevant to your field.
4. Forgetting About Keywords for ATS
Even if your resume looks good to the human eye, it might not get past the company’s software filter if you don’t use the right keywords. Applicant Tracking Systems are designed to scan for specific words that match the job description.
How to fix it:
- Pull keywords directly from the job posting (skills, software names, qualifications).
- Place them naturally in your bullet points and summary, don’t stuff them in.
- Use both the full term and common abbreviations (e.g., “Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)”).
5. Overcrowded Formatting and Distracting Designs
You might think adding colourful backgrounds, fancy fonts, and headshots will make your resume pop, but in reality, they often make it harder to read. Worse, some designs confuse ATS software, causing your resume to be rejected automatically.
How to fix it:
- Stick to one or two easy-to-read fonts.
- Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs.
- Keep margins clean and sections clearly labelled.
- Limit your resume to one page if you have less than five years of experience.
6. Typos, Grammar Errors, and Inconsistent Formatting
Nothing makes a recruiter lose interest faster than sloppy writing. A single typo in your email address can make you unreachable. According to Allied OneSource, grammar errors can make employers question your attention to detail, even if you’re perfect for the job.
How to fix it:
- Proofread your resume at least twice, once on screen and once on paper.
- Use free tools like Grammarly to catch small errors.
- Ask a friend to review it; fresh eyes spot mistakes you might miss.
7. Making It All About Tasks, Not Value
This is a mistake that goes beyond vague wording; it’s about mindset. Many entry-level resumes focus entirely on what the candidate did, not what they achieved. As Business Insider points out, employers want to know how you’ll add value to their team.
Instead of “answered phone calls,” say “resolved customer issues, improving satisfaction scores by 15%.” Instead of “managed inventory,” try “streamlined stock tracking, reducing shortages by 20%.” It’s about showing how your presence made a difference.
How to fix it:
- Think in terms of results, not just responsibilities.
- Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to shape bullet points.
- Even school projects, volunteer work, and internships can be written with impact.
8. Ignoring the Power of a Strong Summary or Objective
Some entry-level resumes jump straight into education or work history without a brief summary. While optional, a strong opening statement can immediately tell recruiters who you are and what you bring to the table. As HR Fraternity explains, this is especially useful when you don’t have years of experience to show.
Your summary shouldn’t be a generic line like “looking for a challenging role in a dynamic organisation.” That’s vague and forgettable. Instead, make it specific and skill-focused:
“Recent marketing graduate with hands-on experience in social media campaigns, eager to help brands grow their online presence.”
How to fix it:
- Keep it 2–3 sentences max.
- Highlight your strongest skills or achievements right away.
- Tailor it to the role you’re applying for.
Conclusion
Your resume is often your first (and sometimes only) chance to make an impression. While it’s tempting to believe that having a degree or some internship experience is enough, the truth is that presentation and relevance matter just as much. Many fresh graduates and first-time job seekers lose opportunities simply because of avoidable mistakes.
By personalising each application, focusing on results instead of just tasks, cleaning up your formatting, and including the right details and keywords, you can stand out, even in a crowded job market. As Business Insider points out, the difference between a “maybe” and a “yes” often comes down to small but impactful changes.
