Stop Hurting Your Chances: Fix These Resume Mistakes

Your resume doesn’t need to be fancy. It just needs to work. If it’s missing the basics, you’re making the hiring manager’s decision way too easy and not in a good way.

Everywhere you look, employers are scanning resumes fast. They have limited time and a lot of candidates. So, if your resume isn’t clear, complete, and easy to skim, you might be out of the running before anyone gets to your name.

The good news? These common resume mistakes are fixable.

Missing or Outdated Contact Information

This might seem obvious, but it’s one of the top reasons we can’t get in touch with applicants. Some resumes have no phone number. Others list an old email or a number that doesn’t work anymore. In that case, there’s no way to move forward.

💡 Quick fix: Make sure your name, phone number, email address, and city are right at the top of your resume. Double-check every single one. If they can’t reach you, they can’t hire you.

No Work History? No Callback.

Every week, we see resumes that list a few skills or a certification and nothing else. No job titles. No dates. No story. That sends a clear message: the person either hasn’t worked or didn’t bother to include it. Either way, it’s a red flag.

💡 Quick fix: Add your recent work history. Show where you’ve worked, what you did, and when you did it. Even if the job wasn’t impressive, it shows you’ve got experience. If you have a gap, add a short explanation so there are no questions.

Including a Photo (Please Don’t)

Putting a photo on your resume might seem like a creative touch, but it creates risk. Bias is real, and most companies want to avoid any hint of it. In fact, some might skip over your resume altogether just to stay on the safe side legally. That sounds harsh, but it happens.

💡 Quick fix: Don’t include a photo. Let your experience and skills be the focus. Employers are hiring based on what you bring to the table, not how you look.

Why This Matters

Hiring managers aren’t reading every word. They’re skimming for reasons to call someone or to toss a resume in the “no” pile. If yours is hard to read, missing info, or looks rushed, they’ll move on fast.

The truth is, you don’t have to be perfect. But you do have to show that you’re serious about getting the job. A solid resume makes it easier for someone to say yes to the next step.

Want More Tips?

We’ve got more resume advice on our YouTube channel:
Synergy HR on YouTube

And if you struggle with layout, this post will help:
Why Formatting Your Resume Is Like a Restaurant Menu