Don’t Make these Mistakes on Your Resume

At Adecco New Zealand, we see thousands of resumes every month. Whether someone is applying for their first role or making a career change, we often notice the same small mistakes that can hold candidates back. The good news is that most of these issues are easy to fix – and doing so can make a real difference in whether you get shortlisted for an interview.  Here are six common resume mistakes, along with practical tips to help you avoid them.

1. Keep it short and sharp.

   Hiring managers often skim resumes quickly, so it is important to make yours easy to read and immediately relevant. A one-page resume is ideal of professionals early on in their career, while two pages may be appropriate for those with more experience. Either way, the goal is to highlight the most relevant information without overwhelming the reader.

   Focus on your most recent and relevant roles and use bullet points to highlight your key achievements. Include only the details that support your application for the specific role. A cluttered resume can make it harder for employers to see your strengths.

   Use clear section headings like “Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills” to guide the reader. Plenty of white space helps make your CV easier to scan, so do not be afraid to leave room between sections.

2. Nail the Formatting

   A clean, professional layout helps your resume stand out and shows that you pay attention to detail. Formatting is not just about aesthetics – it is about readability and consistency.

   Here is a quick checklist to help you get it right:

   • Choose a simple, readable font such as Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica
   • Use font sizes like 11pt or higher for body text.
   • Align dates and headings consistently throughout the document.
   • Break up long sections with bullet points.
   • Maintain consistent punctuation and spacing.
   • Avoid dense blocks of text – white spaces improve readability.
   • Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting across devices.

   If you are unsure how your resume looks, try printing it out or viewing it on your phone. If it feels cluttered or hard to read, consider simplifying the layout.

3. Proofread Everything

   Spelling and grammar mistakes can undermine your credibility. They suggest that a lack of care and professionalism.

   Always proofread your resume and cover letter carefully. Reading them aloud can help you catch awkward phrasing or missing words. Asking a friend or family member to look over your documents is also a clever idea. A fresh pair of eyes can spot errors that you might overlook.

   Double check the spelling of the company names, job titles, and your own contact details. Mistakes in these areas can also lead to confusion or missed opportunities.

   For help writing a polished cover letter, read our article on creating personalised cover letters with AI.

4. Avoid Empty Buzzwords

   Generic phrases like “hard-working,” “team player”, or “results-driven” are common, but they don’t add much value unless it’s backed by real examples. Employers want to see what you have done, not just what you claim to be.

   Replace vague descriptors with specific, action-oriented language. Focus on measurable achievements and concrete contributions.

   Here are a few examples:

   • Instead of “strong communicator,” say “led weekly client meetings and presented quarterly performance reports.”
   • Instead of “detailed-oriented,” say “managed inventory systems with 90% accuracy over the past 12 months.”
   • Instead of “team player,” say “collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver a product launch two weeks ahead of schedule.”

   These kind of statements gives employers a clearer picture of your capabilities and impact.

5. Tailor it to the Role

   A generic resume rarely gets results. Employers want to see that you have taken the time to understand the role and that your experience align with their needs.

   Customizing your resume does not mean rewriting it from scratch for every job. Small adjustments can make a significant difference. Start by reviewing the job description and identifying key skills and qualifications. Then, highlight parts of your experience that match those requirements.

   You could also reorder sections if needed to emphasise the most relevant experience. Remove anything that is not related to the role. Tailoring your resume shows that you are serious about the opportunity and that you understand what the employer is looking for.

Final Thoughts: Be Honest

Honesty is essential when it comes to your resume. Exaggerating your experience or qualifications might seem tempting, but it can backfire. Employers always do reference checks during the hiring process, and any discrepancies can hinder your reputation.

Be truthful about your job title, responsibilities, dates of employment, and qualifications. If you are still developing a skill, it’s okay to say so. Employers appreciate transparency and a willingness to learn.

Confidence is important, but it should be grounded from facts.

Want to go Further?

Here are some useful reads to support your job search:

• Creating Personalised Cover Letters with ChatGPT: Tips and Tricks
• Tackling Tough Interview Questions: How to Respond Like a Pro
• Does Volunteering Help or Hinder your CV?
• Why Didn’t I Get the Job? Top Reasons You’re Not Hearing Back from Employers

Your resume is your personal marketing tool. It’s how you introduce yourself to potential employers, and it should reflect your strengths, achievements, and potential. With a few simple tweaks, you can make sure it does exactly that.