Manage CareerEdge Alerts I recently reviewed a batch of resumes for a job posting, and some of what I saw could easily knock strong candidates out of the running – not because they weren’t qualified, but because of avoidable mistakes.
Recruiting is way too competitive to let sloppy details get in your way. Here’s what keeps showing up:
🧠 Content Issues
- Using first-person language (I, my, we)
- Not starting bullets with strong action verbs (“Responsibilities included…”)
- Using verbs in the wrong tense or repeating the same few endlessly
- Including a summary section (you don’t need it!)
- Writing weak bullets that don’t show results or impact
- Listing syllabus-style course descriptions under relevant coursework
🧾 Formatting Issues
Honestly, more than I can count – but here are the biggest offenders:
- Two-page resumes
- Education not listed first
- Inconsistent formatting, including:
- Inconsistent font size, style, bullets, or date formatting
- Bullets, locations, and dates that aren’t aligned neatly or consistently
- Uneven spacing throughout the document
The list goes on and on. And while this may seem mundane or tedious, in a highly competitive market, even small mistakes can get an otherwise great resume tossed aside.
Don’t Waste Time with a Mediocre Resume
Applying to dozens of positions with a sloppy or outdated resume is a waste of your time. If you do, you might find yourself sitting in the Career Development Center in April wondering why you don’t have an internship or job.
Fix the issues now – before it’s too late.
You Own Your Resume
As Jerry Maguire famously said…
Before you come in for a review, make sure you’ve done the prep work:
- Use one of the recommended templates
- Review the resume section of the Launch Your Finance Career Guide and follow the guidelines
- And remember: We can’t write your bullets for you – you did the work, so you are e in the best position to describe it
Once you’ve made updates, the Career Development Center team is happy to help you fine-tune your resume during an appointment or drop-in!
You’ve worked too hard to let an easily fixable resume stand between you and your next opportunity!
