Resume Red Flags That Hiring Managers Notice

With the job market being so competitive these days, a meticulously crafted resume is crucial. When putting together a resume there are certain subtle mistakes that can be easily overlooked, and that can raise red flags for hiring managers and recruiters. Today we’re going to delve into some common resume red flags that hiring managers notice. Let’s begin.

Typos and Grammatical Errors

Starting off with the most obvious issue, even minor spelling mistakes or grammatical errors can signal a lack of attention to detail. Recruiters and hiring managers may interpret these errors as a reflection of your professionalism and communication skills.

To avoid this problem, always proofread your resume multiple times. You can also have an experienced friend or family member take a look at it if you aren’t sure. If that isn’t possible, consider using tools such as Grammarly to help you catch mistakes you might have missed.

Generic or Non-Specific Content

When we say “generic” in this context, it refers to a resume that lacks specific, real instances of your work. For example, a statement like “Responsible for managing projects” doesn’t exactly convey the impact of your work.

For the best results, use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your contributions. Here, you might say, “Managed 5 projects simultaneously, leading to a 20% increase in team productivity.” If you don’t have quantifiable examples, don’t panic—check out our previous advice here.

The One-Size-Fits-All Approach

When you’re applying to multiple jobs in succession, it can be tempting to send the same resume out to every job application to save time and energy. If you don’t tailor your resume to each role, it might get overlooked by applicant tracking systems (ATS) or the hiring manager.

Indeed, recruiters and hiring managers can quickly identify a generic resume that doesn’t address the job’s requirements. Be sure to customize your resume for each position by aligning your skills and experiences with the job description and highlighting relevant accomplishments that match the role’s demands.

Unexplained Employment Gaps

There are many reasons for having gaps in your employment history. If you were laid off, it could have taken a year to find a new job, or perhaps you left a toxic situation without finding alternative employment first.

In any case, significant gaps in employment without explanation can raise concerns about your reliability or skill retention. Always be transparent about employment gaps, briefly explaining the reason when asked. For creative ways to deal with employment gaps, check out our previous blog here.

Overly Complex Formatting

Some job seekers will create resumes that include flashy images, or that are otherwise visually complex. Using elaborate designs, unusual fonts, or graphics can make your resume difficult to read and may not be compatible with the dreaded ATS.

Your best bet is to stick to a clean, professional format that includes standard fonts such as Arial or Calibri. To make your resume ATS-friendly, avoid using tables, images, or excessive formatting.

Inconsistent Formatting and Presentation

Building off of our last entry, inconsistencies in font sizes, bullet points, or spacing can make your resume appear unprofessional and disorganized. This may reflect poorly on you, and can damage your candidacy.

Be sure to maintain a consistent format throughout your resume. Use uniform bullet points, align text properly, and ensure consistent spacing to enhance readability. It’s always a good idea to review your resume every time you send it out, as some of these issues can be tough to spot at first glance.

Including Irrelevant Information

Your resume should be streamlined and focused. Adding personal details like your age, marital status, or unrelated hobbies can distract from your qualifications and may lead to unconscious bias.

This should be an easy enough problem to avoid, but if you’re not sure, focus only on information that is pertinent to the role at hand. Include relevant skills, experiences, and certifications that align with the position’s requirements.

Using an Unprofessional Email Address

If you’re still using that same goofy email address you created when you were 13, it could be a problem. An email address that seems unprofessional can and will undermine your credibility in the eyes of the hiring manager.

If you need to, set up a new email address specifically for your job search. Ensure that it sounds professional to convey seriousness, preferably using a variation of your name.

Failing to Highlight Career Progression

One of the most important things you can do with your resume is demonstrate your career growth. A resume that doesn’t show growth or advancement might suggest stagnation, which is not a good look.

Be sure to emphasize any promotions you’ve received, describe instances where you gained more responsibilities, and showcase skill development. This will demonstrate your career trajectory, growth, and ambition.

Remember, your resume is a reflection of your professional identity. The goal is to present a clear narrative of your career, showcasing your achievements and potential. Always take the time to review and refine your resume, ensuring it accurately represents your qualifications and aligns with the job you’re applying for.

Rob Porter is an editor at Vault.