Free Resume Proofreader

The most common resume mistakes recruiters notice

Most resume errors aren't spelling mistakes — they're structural and stylistic issues that signal inexperience or carelessness. Recruiters review hundreds of resumes and have pattern-matched these problems in seconds.

1. Inconsistent tense

Past jobs should use past tense; your current role uses present tense. Mixing them (using present tense for a job you left three years ago) looks careless. Check every bullet point.

2. Starting bullets with "I" or a weak verb

Bullets that start with "Responsible for managing..." or "I helped with..." signal junior-level thinking. Every bullet should start with a strong past-tense action verb: Built, Led, Reduced, Launched, Designed.

3. No quantified results

Bullets like "Improved the sales process" tell a recruiter nothing. "Shortened the sales cycle from 45 days to 28 by implementing an automated follow-up sequence" is specific, credible, and memorable.

4. Using first person

Never write "I" or "my" on a resume. Drop the subject and start directly with the verb or your name (for a summary's opening sentence).

5. Vague buzzwords without evidence

Listing "results-driven," "detail-oriented," or "team player" in your summary or skills section wastes space and impresses no one. These only carry weight as demonstrated evidence inside a bullet point.

6. Periods or no periods, not both

Pick one convention for bullet point endings and apply it consistently across the entire resume. Most modern resumes omit periods on bullet points.

For a deep guide on common resume mistakes, see: Words to Avoid on a Resume.