11 resume mistakes that get you rejected (and quick fixes)
20 June 2026 · 8 min read
Most resumes are not rejected for one big flaw - they are quietly filtered out by a handful of small, common mistakes. Here are eleven that cost people interviews, each with a quick fix you can apply today.
1. A multi-column or table-heavy layout
Columns, tables and text boxes often scramble when an ATS parses them. Fix: use a clean, single-column, top-to-bottom layout.
2. Missing the job's keywords
If your resume does not use the job's language for required skills, the ATS may rank you low. Fix: mirror the exact terms from the ad for skills you genuinely have.
3. A generic, one-size summary
A summary that fits any job answers none. Fix: rewrite the top lines to address the specific role's top requirements.
4. Duties instead of achievements
"Responsible for X" is forgettable. Fix: lead with outcomes and impact - what changed because you were there.
5. No numbers
Vague claims do not stand out. Fix: quantify with percentages, dollars, team sizes and timeframes wherever you honestly can.
6. Submitting an image or unusual file
Scanned images and exotic formats break parsing. Fix: export real, selectable text as a PDF or Word document.
7. Creative section headings
Headings like "Where I have made an impact" can be misclassified. Fix: use standard headings - Professional Summary, Work Experience, Education, Skills.
8. Typos and inconsistent formatting
Errors signal carelessness and dates that do not line up confuse parsers. Fix: proofread, and keep dates, fonts and spacing consistent.
9. Too long or too short
A five-page resume buries your value; half a page looks thin. Fix: aim for one to two focused pages of relevant, recent experience.
10. Outdated or irrelevant content
A decade of unrelated roles dilutes your fit. Fix: prioritise the experience that matches the job and trim the rest.
11. Fabricated or exaggerated skills
Inventing skills to beat the ATS backfires at interview or reference stage. Fix: only claim what you genuinely have - and if a job wants a skill you lack, say so and address it honestly.
Fix them all in minutes
CrackMyJob.ai scores your resume against a specific job for free, flags these issues, and helps you fix them with a tailored, honest, ATS-optimised resume - without fabricating anything.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common resume mistake?
Not matching the job's keywords. Even strong candidates get filtered when their resume does not use the language of the specific role for skills they genuinely have.
How long should my resume be?
One to two pages for most roles - long enough to show relevant, quantified achievements, short enough to stay focused.
Should I use a creative resume template?
Keep a clean, ATS-friendly version for applications. Save heavily designed layouts for situations where a human reads them directly, like a portfolio or networking.
How do I know which mistakes my resume has?
Run it against the specific job. CrackMyJob.ai's free score highlights formatting, keyword, experience and quality issues, then helps you fix them.
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