Resume Mistakes That Keep You from Getting Interviews

amclamb89
Oct 11
2 min read

The Harsh Truth About Resumes

You’ve put time into writing your resume, sent out dozens of applications, and… crickets. No callbacks. No interviews. The truth is, most resumes are skimmed for less than 10 seconds before a decision is made. If yours has avoidable mistakes, it may be tossed aside before it even gets read.

The Top Resume Mistakes I See

1. Weak or Generic Language

Resumes filled with phrases like “responsible for” or “duties included” don’t stand out. Employers want strong action verbs and clear achievements that show impact.

2. Poor Formatting & Layout

Hiring managers (and applicant tracking systems, or ATS) hate cluttered layouts. Too many fonts, inconsistent spacing, or walls of text make your resume hard to read — and easy to dismiss.

3. One-Size-Fits-All Resumes

Sending the same resume to every job rarely works. Without tailoring keywords to match the posting, your resume may never make it past ATS filters.

4. Leaving Out Results

Listing job duties is common, but employers want results. Instead of “managed a team,” try “led a team of 5 to increase sales by 20%.” Numbers and outcomes make you memorable.

5. Typos and Inconsistencies

It may sound minor, but a single typo can signal carelessness. Inconsistent date formats or punctuation can have the same effect. Attention to detail matters.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Resume Type

Another mistake job seekers make is using the wrong type of resume for the job they want. Different roles require different approaches:

Traditional Resumes: Best for private-sector roles, focusing on skills, achievements, and career progression.
Federal Resumes: Required for U.S. government jobs. These are much longer and more detailed, including specific job series, GS levels, and key phrases from the job announcement.
Functional Resumes: Highlight skills over work history — sometimes used by career changers or those with gaps in employment.
Combination Resumes: Blend chronological history with a strong skills section, often the most flexible option.

Using the wrong resume type can hurt your chances before your application even reaches a hiring manager.

Why Professional Resume Editing Matters

A polished resume does more than eliminate errors — it tells your professional story in a way that gets attention. Editing ensures your:

Skills and achievements stand out with strong, clear language.
Formatting is professional and ATS-friendly.
Resume is tailored to highlight your fit for the role.
Type of resume fits the job (private sector, federal, or specialized roles).

In today’s job market, you can’t afford for your resume to blend in.

How McLamb Consulting & Support Can Help

I specialize in turning “good enough” resumes into interview-winning tools. My editing process focuses on clarity, professionalism, and impact — so when your resume lands on a desk (or in an inbox), it works for you, not against you.

Take the Next Step

If your resume isn’t getting results, it may not be your skills — it’s how they’re presented. Let’s make sure your resume opens doors instead of closing them.

📅 Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward landing your next opportunity.

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