Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid

Employers often skim a resume for just a few seconds before deciding whether to read on. Small problems — a cluttered layout, vague wording, a typo — can cost you that moment. The good news is that these mistakes are easy to spot and fix once you know what to look for.

Formatting and presentation mistakes

• Too long. One to two pages suits most people; two to three once you are experienced. Trim anything that does not help.
• Cluttered or hard to scan. Use clear headings, consistent spacing and short bullet points so a reader can skim it quickly.
• Inconsistent dates and fonts. Pick one date format (Month Year) and one or two fonts, and stick to them throughout.
• Fancy design over readability. Heavy graphics, columns and colour can look cluttered and can confuse some systems. Clean and simple reads best.

Content mistakes

• Listing duties instead of achievements. "Reduced wait times by reworking the roster" says far more than "responsible for rostering".
• Sending the same resume everywhere. Tailor your summary and key skills to each role, using the words from the job ad.
• Vague claims with no evidence. Back up "great communicator" or "team player" with a short, specific example.
• Burying the important parts. Put your most relevant experience and skills near the top where they will be seen.

Australian-specific mistakes

• Including a photo, date of birth, age, gender or marital status. These are left off Australian resumes and can work against you.
• Using American spelling. Use Australian spelling for local roles (organise, specialise, centre).
• Calling it a "CV". For everyday jobs, use "resume". "CV" suits academic, research or medical roles.
• Leaving off licences and tickets. List relevant ones — White Card, RSA, Working with Children Check, First Aid, driver's licence — as they matter to Australian employers.

Language and proofreading mistakes

• Typos and grammar slips. Read it aloud, and have someone you trust check it too.
• Long, dense sentences. Keep bullet points short and start each with an action word.
• Jargon and clichés. Plain, specific language is more convincing than buzzwords.
• Wrong or unprofessional contact details. Double-check your phone and email, and use a professional-looking email address.

How to check your resume

Before you send, take a few minutes to review it properly. Read it aloud to catch wording and typos, check it against the job ad, and make sure the formatting is consistent. Our free resume checklist walks through each point, and if you want to start fresh, the resume templates give you a clean, Australian-format base. For the bigger picture, see how to write a resume and cover letter in Australia.