Resume: The 10 Most Common Mistakes

✕ Don’t

Neglect to proofread your resume and rely solely on autocorrect. Errors in company names or contact persons are particularly embarrassing.

✓ Do

Proofread your resume several times carefully. Ask a second person to review it as well. Tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor can provide additional help.

✕ Don’t

Create a single, generic resume and send it to dozens of companies. This signals a lack of interest and effort.

✓ Do

Tailor your resume for each application. Highlight the most relevant qualifications and use keywords from the job description to be positively evaluated by ATS systems.

✕ Don’t

Merely list daily tasks and responsibilities (e.g. “Responsible for customer support”). This is not impactful.

✓ Do

Present concrete achievements and measurable results. Show the value you brought to the company (e.g. “Increased customer satisfaction by 15 % by implementing a new feedback system”).

✕ Don’t

Provide outdated or incorrect contact details. A wrong digit in your phone number can make you unreachable for an interview.

✓ Do

Double-check all contact information. Ensure your email address is professional (firstname.lastname@email.com) and that you check it regularly.

✕ Don’t

Clutter your resume with irrelevant hobbies (e.g. “Watching TV”), outdated school grades, or skills that don’t match the job.

✓ Do

Only include information relevant to the desired position. If you list hobbies, they should relate to the job or highlight positive traits like teamwork (team sports) or strategic thinking (chess).

✕ Don’t

Hide, embellish, or lie about gaps in your resume. This destroys trust and can lead to termination even years later.

✓ Do

Proactively and honestly explain gaps (of 2 to 3 months or more). A professional reorientation, further education, or travel can be presented positively. Use “seeking new opportunities” instead of “unemployed”.

✕ Don’t

Use a cluttered, overloaded layout with multiple fonts and sizes. This looks unprofessional and is hard to read.

✓ Do

Choose a clear, structured, and consistent layout. Use a readable font (Arial, Calibri) in an appropriate size (10 to 12 pt) with enough white space to improve readability.

✕ Don’t

Write a novel or squeeze a resume onto one page when you have more relevant experience. Both are frustrating for recruiters.

✓ Do

Adjust the length to your experience. For entry-level professionals, one page is ideal. With several years of experience, up to two pages are acceptable.

✕ Don’t

Use a non-serious email address (e.g. cutiepie99@email.com) or a vacation photo. This creates an unprofessional first impression.

✓ Do

Use a professional email address (firstname.lastname@provider.com). If you include a photo, use a professional headshot that fits the industry. Note: photos are less common in English-speaking countries.

✕ Don’t

Use outdated terms like “EDP skills” when the job description talks about “IT skills”. ATS systems may filter out your resume.

✓ Do

Adopt the language of the job description and use relevant keywords. Tailor your resume to the specific requirements of the posting to increase your chances with automated pre-screening.

✕ Don’t

Literally translate your English job titles into German without understanding German hierarchy structures. This often leads to inflated titles that create unrealistic salary expectations.

✓ Do

Research the appropriate German equivalent by comparing your actual responsibilities, team size, and decision-making authority with German job descriptions. Consult HR experts if needed.