Hey job seeker: I see you being dedicated, driven, and applying to every job that feels like a fit. You’re putting in the work, so why isn’t it paying off?
Here’s the tough love: your resume might be working against you.
Hiring managers aren’t ignoring your effort, but common mistakes like unreadable formatting, generic applications, or small details you’ve overlooked are holding you back.
If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start landing interviews, it’s time to rethink your approach.
Here are the 5 resume pitfalls that might be keeping you from standing out:
1. Your Formatting is Unreadable by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Over 75% of recruiters today use ATS to screen resumes. That means that if the system can’t read your resume, it’s game over before a human even sees it.
Also... Fancy designs created in Canva, InDesign, or Illustrator might look stunning, but many export the text as images—making them next to invisible to ATS. Stick with Word or a plain-text resume builder to ensure your application gets through.
2. You’re Not Tailoring Your Resume for Each Job Posting
Sending out a generic resume is like throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t work.
Recruiters are looking for resumes that reflect the exact skills and keywords mentioned in the job posting, so take time to tweak your resume for each role.
Not sure how? Tools like ChatGPT can help you rephrase and optimize your experience to match the job description (or hiring a resume coach like me to makeover your resume and accelerate your progress!)
3. You Have Typos or Misspellings
A simple mistake can cost you big time.
Employers see typos as a lack of attention to detail. Use tools like Grammarly or have a trusted friend review your resume to ensure it’s spotless.
4. Your Location Doesn’t Match the Job
This one’s tricky. If the job is in Chicago and your resume says you’re in Orlando, you might be automatically disqualified.
The solution? Just remove your location altogether. Problem solved!
5. You’re Not Building Relationships
Applying online is like buying a lottery ticket—low odds of success.
Want to stack the deck in your favor? Network!
Reach out to people in the department or company you’re targeting. A quick coffee chat or Zoom call can give you valuable insights and help you stand out when they’re hiring.
Pro Tip: Submitting your resume is just one piece of the puzzle. Pair it with strategic networking, a tailored approach, and error-free formatting, and you’ll dramatically increase your chances of getting an interview.
Ali Goodin Certified Career Coach in Central FL
I'm a former Disney employee, graphic designer turned career coach, and job transition expert. I created Ful Life Coaching to give professionals of all ages & stages a safe space to navigate career transition. My passion is equipping professionals with the tools and confidence they need to transition in their careers – from launch to retirement – so they can live happier, healthier lives.