Resume Format Mistakes: Common Errors & How to Fix Them
Avoid these common resume format mistakes that can cost you job opportunities. Learn what not to do and how to fix formatting errors that could prevent your resume from being read.
Top 10 Resume Format Mistakes
1. Using Graphics, Images, or Logos
Why it's a mistake: Graphics and images break ATS systems and can't be read by applicant tracking software.
How to fix: Remove all images, logos, and graphics. Use text-only formatting.
2. Using Tables or Complex Formatting
Why it's a mistake: Tables confuse ATS systems and may cause information to be read in the wrong order.
How to fix: Use simple bullet points and standard formatting. Avoid columns and tables.
3. Inconsistent Formatting
Why it's a mistake: Inconsistent fonts, spacing, and styles look unprofessional and sloppy.
How to fix: Use consistent fonts, font sizes, spacing, and formatting throughout your resume.
4. Too Much Text, No White Space
Why it's a mistake: Dense text is hard to read and scan. Recruiters spend only 6-7 seconds on initial review.
How to fix: Use bullet points, add white space between sections, and keep paragraphs short.
5. Wrong Font Size
Why it's a mistake: Fonts smaller than 10pt are hard to read, fonts larger than 12pt waste space.
How to fix: Use 10-12pt font for body text, 14-16pt for headers, 18-24pt for your name.
6. Using Headers and Footers
Why it's a mistake: ATS systems often ignore content in headers and footers.
How to fix: Keep all important information in the main body of the resume.
7. Wrong File Format
Why it's a mistake: Some file formats (.pages, .rtf) aren't compatible with ATS systems.
How to fix: Save as .docx or .pdf (text-searchable). Avoid .pages, .rtf, or image formats.
8. Creative Section Headers
Why it's a mistake: ATS systems look for standard headers like "Work Experience" and "Education".
How to fix: Use standard section names: Work Experience, Education, Skills, Summary.
9. Missing Keywords
Why it's a mistake: Without keywords from the job description, ATS systems will rank your resume lower.
How to fix: Include relevant keywords from the job posting throughout your resume.
10. Too Long or Too Short
Why it's a mistake: One-page resumes with 0-10 years experience look incomplete; two-page resumes for entry-level look padded.
How to fix: Use one page for 0-10 years experience, two pages for 10+ years. Never exceed 2 pages unless in academia.
How to Avoid These Mistakes
Before Submitting Your Resume:
- ✓ Test your resume with an ATS checker tool
- ✓ Copy-paste text into a plain text editor to check formatting
- ✓ Print your resume to see how it looks on paper
- ✓ Have someone else review it for errors
- ✓ Compare it to job description keywords
- ✓ Check for consistent formatting throughout
Quick Checklist:
- ✓ No graphics, images, or logos
- ✓ No tables or columns
- ✓ Standard section headers
- ✓ Consistent formatting
- ✓ Proper font sizes (10-12pt)
- ✓ Adequate white space
- ✓ Correct file format (.docx or .pdf)
- ✓ Appropriate length (1-2 pages)
- ✓ Keywords from job description
- ✓ No headers/footers for important info