Your resume is the first impression you make on a potential employer. It can open doors, land interviews and set the tone for your entire job search. But even strong candidates can unintentionally include resume red flags that raise doubts for hiring managers. These red flags often lead to missed opportunities, especially when you do not even realize they are there.
The good news? Most resume red flags are fixable. Here are the top five mistakes that can hurt your chances — and what you can do to correct them.
Gaps in Employment Without Explanation
Long periods of unemployment often raise questions. Employers wonder what you were doing during that time and whether you have stayed current in your field.
How to Fix It: Be honest, but proactive. Use your resume or cover letter to explain the gap in a simple and professional way. For example, you might write “Took time to care for a family member” or “Pursued additional training.” You can also mention volunteer work or freelance projects to show continued growth.
Job Hopping Without a Clear Pattern
Having many short-term jobs in a short span of time can be a red flag. Hiring managers may worry about your reliability or question your ability to commit to a role.
How to Fix It: Provide context. If jobs were temporary assignments or contract-based, say so. If you were exploring different industries, explain your path in the summary section. Showing a pattern of growth or learning helps shift the focus from the number of jobs to the value of your experience.
Lack of Specific Results or Achievements
A resume filled with duties but lacking accomplishments can make your work sound flat. Hiring managers want to know what you achieved, not just what you were responsible for.
How to Fix It: Use numbers and action words. Instead of saying “Handled shipping orders,” say “Processed 100-plus shipping orders per shift with 98 percent accuracy.” Show how your work made a difference. Even small improvements in speed, quality or customer service can stand out.
Unprofessional Formatting or Typos
Your resume may be the only tool you have to get a foot in the door. Sloppy formatting, inconsistent fonts or spelling mistakes send the wrong message.
How to Fix It: Keep your layout simple and clean. Stick to one font style and size. Run a spell check, but also ask a friend to review it. Reading it out loud can help catch awkward phrasing. Tools like Grammarly can also spot easy-to-miss errors.
Missing Keywords from the Job Description
If your resume does not reflect the language used in the job posting, it may get filtered out by automated systems before anyone sees it.
How to Fix It: Customize your resume for each job. Use the keywords listed in the job description — especially those related to skills, software, certifications or job titles. Make sure they fit naturally into your experience. Tailoring your resume shows that you understand the role and makes it easier for recruiters to see you as a match.
Final Thoughts
Resume red flags are more common than you might think. The key is not to panic — it is to be intentional. When you take the time to fix these issues, you will stand out as a thoughtful and qualified candidate. Each edit brings your resume closer to landing the job you want.
Need more help getting your resume ready? Visit our For Candidates page at Balance Staffing. We offer tips, tools and personal guidance to help job seekers like you put your best foot forward.
