6 Common Resume Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Even the most qualified candidates can get overlooked because of simple resume mistakes. From formatting issues to unclear wording, the errors recruiters notice most often can prevent your application from standing out, even if your experience is impressive.  

Two seasoned Cox recruiters share the pitfalls they see every day and provide practical tips to help your resume make the right impression.  

Mistake #1: Missing key information  

It may seem obvious, but one of the most common mistakes recruiters see is missing basic information. 

“The section I pay most attention to first are the contact details,” said Cox senior recruiter Michele Ornoski. “You’d be surprised how many resumes I see without a phone number or an email, and sometimes even without a name.” 

Recruiters also frequently see resumes with missing employment dates or vague timelines that make a candidate’s work history difficult to follow. While some people may omit dates to avoid bias, recruiters say this often creates more confusion than clarity.

“Dates matter because they show your timeline and career progression,” said Cox senior recruiter Michele Ornoski. “We often see multiple jobs listed without end dates, so it looks like candidates are currently at all of these positions. That just adds confusion and makes it hard to understand their work history.” 

What works better: Include your full name and clear contact information at the top of your resume. List consistent start and end dates for each role so recruiters can easily follow your career progression. Transparency makes it easier for recruiters to understand your experience and advocate for you. 

Mistake #2: Trying to do too much on one page 

Many candidates try to cram their entire work history onto a single page instead of tailoring their resume for a specific job. This often results in tiny fonts, dense paragraphs and long bullet lists that are hard to scan. 

Recruiters note that a one-page resume is not a strict requirement, especially for candidates with longer careers. Forcing everything onto one page usually creates clutter and makes it harder to highlight the most important information.

“One misconception a lot of people have is that they have to put everything on one page, which is not true,” said Rebecca Reiss, a senior internal mobility advisor and longtime Cox recruiter. 

What works better: Focus on your most recent and relevant experience. Summarize older roles if needed to improve readability and remove experiences that do not support your candidacy for the specific role you’re applying for. Tailoring your resume helps recruiters quickly see why you are a strong fit. 

Mistake #3: Listing responsibilities instead of impact 

Another common issue is resumes that read like job descriptions. Candidates often outline their responsibilities but stop short of explaining what they actually accomplished. Recruiters say responsibilities alone do not differentiate candidates. What stands out are results: metrics, outcomes and concrete examples that demonstrate impact. 

“Tell me your story: what have you achieved? And put some numbers behind it,” Rebecca said. 

Vague language can also weaken an otherwise strong resume. “I see a lot of fluff that’s not really needed,” said Michele Ornoski. “Someone will say, ‘I’m a team player.’ That’s great, but what does that mean? If you’re going to include those qualities, make sure they connect back to specific examples so we can see how you demonstrated them.” 

What works better: Focus on outcomes. Whenever possible, include numbers, percentages, improvements or milestones to show the measurable difference you made in each role. Demonstrate your skills through specific examples and accomplishments, allowing your experience to speak for itself. 

Mistake #4: Bad formatting, grammar and spelling 

Overly complex formatting is a common mistake. When it comes to resumes, clarity and consistency matter more than design. Multiple columns, inconsistent fonts, graphics or heavy visual elements can be distracting and make it difficult to scan, both for recruiters and applicant tracking systems.  

“As recruiters, we’re looking at a lot of resumes, so can I get what I need from your resume in about two and a half to five seconds?” Rebecca said. “If it’s jumbled and not formatted well, I move on.” 

Spelling and grammar errors can also undermine an otherwise strong resume. “Spell check is right there,” Michele said. “There are a lot of simple spelling errors we come across, and it makes the resume look rushed or unpolished.” 

What works better: Keep formatting simple, use clear section headings and maintain consistent spacing. Proofread carefully to eliminate spelling and grammar errors. A clean, polished layout helps recruiters quickly understand your experience and qualifications. 

Mistake #5: Relying too heavily on AI-generated content 

As AI tools become more common, recruiters are starting to notice resumes that read like copy-and-paste versions of the job description or feel overly generic. In some cases, candidates also struggle to confidently speak about experiences listed on their resumes when they do not fully reflect their own voice or work. 

“If you’re going to use an AI tool, just make sure that you make it your own and read it over to make sure that it’s accurate because you have to speak on it,” Michele advised. 

What works better: Use AI as a tool to refine your language or improve structure, but make sure the content is personalized and accurately represents your experience. Your resume should sound like you and clearly reflect the work you have actually done. 

Mistake #6: Skipping the resume altogether 

One of the most surprising misconceptions recruiters see is candidates skipping the resume entirely, assuming the application alone tells the full story. 

“Some candidates assume their application has all their information, and that’s not true,” Michele said. “Your resume is your chance to tell your story and really highlight your relevant experience.” 

Applications are often structured and limited, which makes it harder to showcase your accomplishments or stand out from other candidates. 

What works better: Always include a resume, regardless of your level or whether you are applying internally or externally. A resume gives you the space to clearly present your experience, highlight your achievements and explain why you are a strong fit for the role. 

By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on clarity, accuracy and results, you give recruiters what they need to understand your experience and advocate for you quickly.  

Ready to put these tips into action? Explore open roles at Cox and take the next step in your career with confidence.