A resume isn’t a biography — it’s a sales pitch. A quick, sharp snapshot that convinces an employer you’re worth interviewing.

But most resumes fail because they’re cluttered, unfocused, or simply too generic.

Common resume mistakes

• Overusing fancy templates with weak content.
• Adding irrelevant details like full address, hobbies, or too many personal details.
• Using long paragraphs instead of clean bullet points.
• Listing duties instead of achievements.
• Not customizing the resume for each job role.

What a strong resume actually looks like

A resume that works is:

• Concise: 1 page for beginners, 2 pages max for experienced people.
• Achievement-focused: “Improved sales by 20%” hits harder than “Worked in sales.”
• Cleanly formatted: Easy to skim in 6–8 seconds (that’s all hiring managers spend).
• ATS-friendly: Simple fonts, no heavy graphics, proper keywords.

Quick fixes students can apply today

• Replace generic statements with measurable results.
• Start every bullet point with action verbs (Led, Managed, Developed, Designed).
• Add a short 2–3 line summary instead of a long objective.
• Match your resume to the job description keywords.
• Keep font simple: Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman.

Final takeaway

Your resume doesn’t need to be beautiful — it needs to be effective. One page, clear achievements, and clean formatting is all it takes to turn silence into interview calls.