In the fast-paced world of staffing, recruiters see hundreds of resumes every week. Whether you’re a recent grad or a seasoned professional, a few common mistakes can keep your resume from making it to the top of the pile. If you’re working with a staffing agency or applying directly to employers, understanding what recruiters look for—and what turns them off—is crucial.

Here are the seven most common resume mistakes recruiters encounter and tips on how to fix them:

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1. Typos and Grammatical Errors

The Problem:
Nothing undermines a candidate’s professionalism faster than a resume riddled with typos, spelling errors, or poor grammar. These mistakes suggest a lack of attention to detail.

The Fix:
Proofread your resume carefully. Use tools like Grammarly, and always have at least one other person review your resume before submitting it. Reading your resume out loud can also help you catch awkward phrasing or errors.

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2. A One-Size-Fits-All Resume

The Problem:
Many candidates send out the same generic resume to every job posting, regardless of the role. This makes it harder for recruiters to see how your experience fits their client’s specific needs.

The Fix:
Tailor your resume to each job. Use keywords from the job description, and emphasize experience and skills that are most relevant to the role. Even small tweaks can make a big difference.

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3. Too Much or Too Little Information

The Problem:
Some resumes are cluttered with unnecessary details, while others are so sparse that they raise red flags.

The Fix:
Keep your resume concise—ideally one to two pages—and focus on your most recent and relevant experience. Use bullet points to make it easy to scan, and quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., “Increased sales by 30% over six months”).

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4. Vague Job Descriptions

The Problem:
Recruiters often see resumes filled with vague language like “responsible for” or “worked on,” without explaining what was actually accomplished.

The Fix:
Use action verbs and be specific. Instead of “Responsible for managing projects,” try “Led five cross-functional teams to deliver projects 15% under budget and ahead of deadline.”

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5. Unprofessional Formatting

The Problem:
A cluttered or overly stylized resume can distract from your qualifications. Recruiters typically spend just a few seconds on an initial scan, so a confusing layout can be a dealbreaker.

The Fix:
Stick to a clean, professional layout. Use standard fonts like Arial or Calibri, and ensure consistent spacing and alignment. Avoid images, charts, or unusual color schemes unless you’re applying for a design role.

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6. Missing Contact Information or Broken Links

The Problem:
You’d be surprised how many resumes are missing phone numbers, emails, or contain outdated LinkedIn URLs.

The Fix:
Always include your full name, phone number, professional email address, and a working link to your LinkedIn profile. Double-check all links to make sure they work.

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7. Job Hopping Without Explanation

The Problem:
Frequent short stints at multiple jobs can be a red flag for recruiters, especially if there’s no explanation.

The Fix:
If you’ve had several short-term roles, especially through staffing agencies, group similar assignments under one heading and note that they were contract or temporary roles. Include brief explanations when appropriate (e.g., “Project-based contract,” “Company-wide layoff”).

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CONCLUSION

Recruiters are trained to spot potential—but they also notice red flags. A polished, targeted resume that clearly communicates your value can be the difference between getting a call back or getting passed over. Whether you’re working with a staffing firm or applying independently, taking the time to refine your resume is always worth the effort.

Need help perfecting your resume? Contact our team of staffing professionals—we’re here to help you put your best foot forward.