Written by: Rajat Bhardwaj

Let’s face it—your resume is like your online dating profile, but for jobs. It’s got to catch the recruiter’s eye and make them swipe right (or at least not swipe left immediately). But sometimes, without even realizing it, you might be throwing up some red flags that send your resume straight to the “no” pile. Don’t worry, though! I’ve got your back with five common mistakes that recruiters hate and, more importantly, how to fix them so your resume gets the attention it deserves.

Red Flag: Saying you were “responsible for” something without explaining what you actually did is like telling someone you’re “fun” on your dating profile. It’s just too vague and not convincing.

Fix: Ditch the generic phrases and get specific. Instead of “responsible for increasing sales,” try “boosted sales by 20% in three months by launching a social media campaign that went viral.” See the difference? Numbers and specifics make your achievements pop!

Pro Tip: Sprinkle in keywords like “achievements,” “results,” and “impact” to make sure your resume shines.

Red Flag: You might think packing your resume with every single thing you’ve ever done will impress recruiters. Newsflash: it won’t. They don’t have time to read your life story.

Fix: Keep it short and sweet. Highlight the experience that’s most relevant to the job you’re gunning for. Think of your resume like a movie trailer—just give them enough to be interested in the full story (aka, the interview).

Pro Tip: Focus on keywords like “relevant skills” and “key achievements” to keep things concise and targeted.

Red Flag: A resume that’s a mess to look at—cluttered, with too many fonts, or just plain hard to read—can make a recruiter’s eyes glaze over. And no, they’re not going to try harder to read it.

Fix: Go for a clean, simple layout. Use a font that’s easy on the eyes (think Arial or Calibri), keep it consistent, and leave some white space so it doesn’t look like a wall of text. Trust me, a little breathing room makes all the difference.

Pro Tip: Keywords like “clean design,” “professional format,” and “easy-to-read” are your best friends here.

Red Flag: Listing every job you’ve ever had—especially the ones that have nothing to do with the job you want—is a sure way to bore a recruiter. They want to know how your past experiences make you the perfect fit, not your entire job history.

Fix: Tailor your resume for each job. Highlight the roles and skills that match the job description. If something doesn’t add value to the story you’re trying to tell, cut it out.

Pro Tip: Use keywords like “tailored experience” and “customized resume” to show that you’ve done your homework.

Red Flag: Nothing screams “I didn’t care enough” louder than a resume full of typos. Even one little mistake can make a recruiter think you’re not detail-oriented.

Fix: Proofread like your job depends on it—because it does! Run it through a spell checker, read it out loud, and get a friend to take a look. You don’t want to miss a golden opportunity because of a silly mistake.

Pro Tip: Keywords like “error-free,” “polished,” and “attention to detail” can help convey the importance of a flawless resume.

Your resume is more than just a list of jobs and skills—it’s your personal brand on paper. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll be well on your way to making a killer first impression. And hey, if you’re still not sure, why not get a second opinion? Karmix’s Resume Health Check service can give your resume the TLC it needs to stand out in a crowded job market.

Now go out there and show those recruiters why they need to swipe right on you!