Grab your resume and set a timer for 5 seconds. Now, scan the top half of the page.
If a recruiter can’t instantly tell who you are, what you do, and why you’re a great fit, your resume fails the test.
Let’s break down the top mistakes that cause instant rejection, and how to fix them.
1.) The First Bullet Points Are Generic and Boring
If your first few bullet points sound like a job description, you’re in trouble.
❌ Bad Example: “Responsible for managing social media accounts.”
✅ Better Example: “Increased social media engagement by 200% in six months, leading to a 50% boost in website traffic.”
✅ Fix it:
- Start every bullet point with an action verb (e.g., “Led,” “Optimized,” “Implemented”).
- Quantify your achievements - numbers make your impact clear.
- Focus on results, not just responsibilities.
2.) Your Formatting Is a Mess (So Nobody Can Skim It)
Recruiters don’t read every word. They skim and if your resume isn’t easy to scan, they move on.
❌ Common mistakes:
- Huge blocks of text that are hard to read.
- Tiny fonts or fancy, hard-to-read designs.
- Inconsistent spacing that makes it look unprofessional.
✅ Fix it:
- Use bullet points, not paragraphs.
- Choose a clean, professional font (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, size 11-12).
- Keep plenty of white space - avoid cramming too much in.
Pro Tip: Recruiters should be able to find your job titles, skills, and key achievements within seconds.
3.) There Are No Keywords (So ATS Filters You Out)
Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes. If yours doesn’t include the right keywords, it gets auto-rejected.
❌ Bad Example: “Worked on team projects in sales.”
✅ Better Example: “Collaborated on cross-functional sales initiatives, increasing revenue by 30%.”
✅ Fix it:
- Use keywords from the job description. If they mention “Project Management” and “CRM Software,” include those exact phrases.
4.) Your Contact Information Isn’t Clear (Or You’re Using an Unprofessional Email)
Believe it or not, some people get rejected simply because their email looks unprofessional.
❌ Bad Example: PartyAnimal97@gmail.com
✅ Better Example: FirstName.LastName@gmail.com
✅ Fix it:
- Make sure your email and phone number are easy to find at the top of your resume.
- Use a professional email address (Gmail is best - avoid outdated providers like AOL or Yahoo).
If you’ve been applying to jobs and hearing nothing but crickets, don’t panic. Your resume just needs a strategic upgrade to pass the 5-second test.
Here’s what to do today:
✅ Give your resume a clear, bold headline.
✅ Make sure the first bullet points showcase impact (not just duties).
✅ Use clean, skimmable formatting with bullet points and white space.
✅ Optimize with the right keywords so ATS doesn’t reject you.
✅ Check your contact info - no embarrassing email addresses!
Still not sure if your resume is working? I help job seekers create resume makeovers that actually get interviews. If you want to stop getting ghosted and start getting real callbacks, let’s talk!
Click here to get your resume revamped today!