5 Common Resume Mistakes Students Make

If you’re a student or recent grad, your resume is often the first impression you’ll make on potential employers. This means avoiding resume mistakes is essential for creating an application that stands out—and for landing that all-important initial interview. Here are five common mistakes to watch out for as you build your resume.

1. Spelling and grammar errors

Misspellings and grammar mistakes are among the quickest ways to make a poor impression. Employers expect attention to detail, and even minor errors can suggest a lack of professionalism or care. Before you submit your resume, take the time to proofread carefully, or ask a friend to review it. Automated spell-checkers can help, but they don’t catch every mistake, especially when it comes to grammar and context. Reading your resume aloud can also reveal awkward phrasing or overlooked errors.

2. Including irrelevant information

It can be tempting to fill your resume with every accomplishment, project, or job you’ve had. However, including irrelevant information can dilute the impact of your resume. Try to only highlight experiences and skills most relevant to the role. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing internship, your experience leading a campus social media group would be more relevant than an unrelated part-time jobs. Employers want to see how your background aligns with the job requirements, so focus on quality over quantity. This approach makes your resume more targeted and demonstrates your understanding of the position you’re applying for.

3. Lack of specific achievements

Employers are looking for evidence of your potential to contribute to their organization, so general statements about responsibilities don’t make as much impact as specific achievements do. Instead of including, “Responsible for managing a team project,” you could highlight the outcomes like this: “Led a team project that increased event attendance by 30%.” Quantifying your achievements, wherever possible, demonstrates your effectiveness and ability to drive results. This practice is especially important for students who may lack extensive work experience but can still showcase their skills through impactful accomplishments.

You might also consider including relevant coursework, volunteer work, or even personal projects that reflect your initiative and willingness to go the extra mile. Showing employers tangible examples of your achievements can help your resume stand out from the crowd.

4. Poor formatting and design

A visually cluttered resume can be hard to read and may distract from your qualifications. While creativity is valued, a resume should be clean, easy to navigate, and professional in appearance. Use a simple, consistent font and avoid overly decorative elements. Ensure your headings are clear and leave enough white space to make reading easier. Keep in mind that many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes, which can struggle with complex designs or unusual fonts. A straightforward, professional layout increases your chances of getting your resume through the initial screening and into the hands of a recruiter.

5. Not tailoring your resume to each job

Sending out the same resume for every job application may save time, but it’s unlikely to yield the best results. Employers look for candidates who show a genuine interest in their companies and understand the specific job requirements. To stand out, customize your resume for each job by highlighting relevant skills, experiences, and keywords from the job description. A tailored resume not only shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the role but also increases your chances of passing ATS scans. This targeted approach demonstrates your commitment and readiness for the position, making you a much more attractive candidate.

Andrew Fennell is the founder and director of StandOut CV, a leading CV builder and careers advice website. He is a former recruitment consultant and contributes careers advice to publications like Business Insider, The Guardian, and The Independent.