10 common mistakes to avoid when writing your first resume

Writing your first resume can feel like staring at a blank page, unsure of where to begin.

How do you impress an employer when you’re just starting out? What do you include if you don’t have years of experience to highlight?

If you’ve been there, you’re not alone — nearly everyone struggles with their first resume, and it’s easy to make avoidable mistakes along the way.

In this article, I’ll guide you through 10 of the most common resume mistakes so you can feel confident and create a document that leaves a lasting impression.

1. Ignoring the importance of tailoring your resume

Here’s the deal: one resume does not fit all jobs.

Many first-time job seekers use a single generic resume to apply to every position. It’s understandable — you’ve worked hard to create it, so why not send it everywhere?

But hiring managers can spot a generic resume instantly, and it signals that you didn’t put in the effort to tailor it to their company’s needs.

A strong resume highlights the most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that match the job description.

Pro Tip: Review the job posting carefully. Pay attention to keywords like “problem-solving,” “teamwork,” or “customer service,” and ensure these skills appear in your resume (if they’re relevant to you).

Tailoring your resume shows the employer you’re serious about their job—not just any job.

2. Overloading your resume with unnecessary information

Do you really need to list that summer camp art award from middle school? Or the fact that you were “Team Captain” of your weekend video game squad?

I know it’s tempting to include everything on your resume, especially when you don’t have much work experience.

But guess what?

Filling it with irrelevant information will only distract the hiring manager. Your resume should be clear, concise, and focused on showcasing your potential for the job.

Instead of padding your resume with every detail, prioritize:

  • Recent education achievements (e.g., GPA, honors, or coursework if relevant).
  • Extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, or dedication.
  • Volunteer work or part-time jobs that show real-world experience.

Think of it this way: every piece of information on your resume should answer the question, “Why am I a strong candidate for this position?” If it doesn’t, leave it off.

3. Skipping a professional summary

Do you need a professional summary if you have no work experience?

Surprisingly, yes.

Many first-time resume writers skip this section, assuming it’s only for seasoned professionals — but that’s a mistake.

A professional summary is your opportunity to introduce yourself and provide a snapshot of who you are and what you can bring to the role. It sets the tone for the rest of your resume.

For example:
“Motivated and detail-oriented recent high school graduate with strong organizational and teamwork skills. Proven ability to manage projects and meet deadlines through volunteer and school leadership roles. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to a dynamic team in a customer-focused role.”

It’s short, impactful, and tailored to the position you’re applying for. Think of it as your 3-line elevator pitch.

4. Too much focus on job duties instead of achievements

Here’s a question: Would you rather read a list of tasks or a list of accomplishments?

Most employers prefer the latter. One of the most common resume mistakes is writing descriptions that focus only on job duties instead of achievements.

For instance, don’t just write:

  • “Worked as a cashier at XYZ Store.”

Instead, emphasize what you achieved:

  • “Managed a high-volume checkout counter and maintained 98% customer satisfaction ratings by delivering quick and friendly service.”

Even if your experience is limited, you’ve likely made an impact.

Did you handle a big project? Solve a problem? Improve efficiency?

Quantify your successes wherever possible—numbers and outcomes stand out.

5. Leaving out volunteer work and extracurriculars

What if I don’t have any job experience?

That’s one of the most common worries when writing a first resume.

But here’s the thing: experience doesn’t have to come from paid work.

Volunteer roles, internships, school clubs, or leadership positions in extracurricular activities all count as experience and can help you stand out.

Employers aren’t just looking for work history — they’re looking for skills, initiative, and dedication.

For example:

  • Volunteer experience: “Assisted at a local food pantry, organizing donations and coordinating with volunteers to distribute supplies efficiently.”
  • Extracurricular activity: “Led a debate team to regional championships, developing public speaking and leadership skills.”

Your experiences outside of work can speak volumes about your character and abilities. Don’t leave them out.

6. Forgetting to proofread your resume

Imagine this: a hiring manager reads your resume, and they’re impressed — until they see a glaring typo.

Suddenly, your attention to detail doesn’t seem so strong after all.

Well, typos and grammatical errors are a huge red flag for employers. A single mistake can make you look careless, even if you’re the perfect candidate.

Before submitting your resume:

  • Read it out loud to catch awkward phrasing.
  • Ask a friend, family member, or teacher to review it.
  • Use free tools like Grammarly to check for mistakes.

Here’s the reality: proofreading takes just a few extra minutes, but it could mean the difference between getting an interview and getting overlooked.

7. You neglect the power of keywords

Have you ever wondered how companies filter through hundreds of resumes?

Many use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)—software that scans resumes for keywords before a human ever sees them.

This means that if your resume doesn’t include the right keywords, it might never make it to the hiring manager’s desk. So, how do you get past the ATS?

  • Use words and phrases directly from the job description.
  • Include skills, tools, or software mentioned in the posting (e.g., “Microsoft Excel,” “time management,” or “problem-solving”).
  • Avoid overloading with buzzwords—be natural.

Think of keywords as secret handshakes. Without them, you may not get through the door.

8. Cramming too much onto one page

It might seem logical to squeeze every detail about yourself onto one page, but a cluttered resume is hard to read and looks unprofessional.

Less is often more.

Hiring managers spend an average of 6-7 seconds scanning a resume before deciding whether to keep reading. If yours is packed with dense text, they may move on to the next applicant.

Here’s how to fix it:

  • Use clear headings and white space to make the resume easy to scan.
  • Keep your sections concise and to the point.
  • Use bullet points instead of paragraphs for descriptions.

Ask yourself: Is this information essential? Does it showcase my value to the employer?

If not, it’s safe to cut it.

9. You make your resume too flashy

You might think adding bright colors, funky fonts, or creative designs will help your resume stand out — but for most jobs, this is a mistake. A flashy resume can distract from your qualifications and look unprofessional.

Unless you’re applying for a creative role like graphic design, it’s better to stick to a clean, simple format. Hiring managers care more about content than style.

Stick to:

  • Standard fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri.
  • Black text with minimal formatting.
  • A clear, easy-to-read layout.

Remember, your resume’s goal is to communicate — not to compete for the “Best Design Award.”

10. You lack confidence in your writing

I remember writing my first resume and thinking, Is this even good enough?

That feeling of self-doubt is normal, but it can sometimes seep into your writing.

Phrases like “helped a little,” “assisted sometimes,” or “tried to” weaken your resume and undermine your achievements.

Instead, write with confidence. Use action verbs like “managed,” “organized,” “led,” or “achieved” to describe your experiences. Even small accomplishments matter, so own them!

For instance:

  • Instead of “helped with a fundraiser,” write “organized and promoted a school fundraiser that raised $2,000 for local charities.”

You have valuable skills and experiences, so don’t sell yourself short.

Conclusion: Avoid these mistakes to stand out

Your first resume isn’t about proving you have it all figured out — it’s about showing potential, effort, and a clear understanding of what makes you a strong candidate.

Every word on your resume is an opportunity to highlight your skills, experience, and personality, even if you’re just getting started.

Instead of worrying about perfection, focus on what you do bring to the table: your hard work, your achievements, and your unique perspective.

Mistakes happen, but by learning to avoid these common pitfalls, you’re already one step ahead of the competition.

With focus, clarity, and a bit of confidence, you can create a resume that gets noticed — and lands you that interview.

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