Recruiters spend an average of just 7 seconds on a first resume scan. That means small mistakes have an outsized impact on whether you get a callback.
1. Generic, One-Size-Fits-All Resumes
Sending the same resume to every job is the fastest way to get filtered out. Recruiters and ATS systems both look for alignment with the specific role.
2. Listing Duties Instead of Achievements
"Responsible for managing a team" says far less than "Led a team of 8, improving delivery speed by 30%." Numbers and outcomes matter.
3. Weak or Missing Summary
Your top section is prime real estate. A vague or missing summary wastes the few seconds a recruiter spends scanning.
4. Skipping Keyword Optimization
If your resume doesn't reflect the language of the job description, both ATS software and human recruiters may pass you over — even if you're qualified.
5. Formatting That Confuses the ATS
Fancy templates with graphics, columns, or icons often get mangled when parsed by tracking software, scrambling your actual content.
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