In over half a decade I spent doing project management and hiring talent for outsourcing companies, I reviewed more than 1,000 resumes in the process. I can tell you this: most people undersell themselves. The result? They blend in when they should be standing out.
Ready to change that? Here are three common resume mistakes I see all the time and how to fix them in a way that actually makes you feel good about what you’ve accomplished.
1. Listing Job Duties Without Telling Your Story
It’s tempting to copy and paste your responsibilities into each section. You were a manager, you managed people. You were a writer, you wrote things. The problem? Everyone else applying did too.
💡The Feel-Good Fix: Celebrate Your Impact
Instead of just saying what you did, talk about what changed because you were there. Did you grow a team? Boost engagement? Launch a project that turned heads?
If you’re stuck, here are a few reflection prompts to guide you:
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What were you proud of in this role?
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How did your boss or coworkers recognize your efforts?
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When did you feel most energized or successful?
Here’s how to turn that into a compelling bullet point:
“Led a cross-functional campaign that improved customer retention by 20%, praised by leadership as a best-in-class initiative.”
Not every win needs numbers — you can also showcase soft skills and influence:
“Known for fostering an inclusive, high-energy team culture; selected to mentor new hires across departments.”
You’ve made an impact. Now’s the time to own it.
2. Using the Same Resume for Every Job
Years ago, I was hiring for a Director of SEO Content. The very first bullet in the job description asked for “significant SEO experience.” But I got dozens of resumes that didn’t mention SEO even once. No matter how talented they were, I couldn’t guess their qualifications — and I didn’t have time to find out.
💡 The Feel-Good Fix: Align with the Role (Without Losing Yourself)
Your resume doesn’t have to be reinvented every time — just refocused. Start by reading the job description with a highlighter in hand. What skills or tools are mentioned again and again? Do you have them? Great — say so, clearly and confidently.
A few ideas to make this easier:
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Keep 2–3 core versions of your resume for different role types (like marketing vs. project management).
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Use tools like ChatGPT or AI resume editors to tweak language quickly.
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Think of it like dressing for an occasion — same you, different outfit.
3. Overpacking the Pages
Your resume shouldn’t read like a novel. I once saw someone use four pages to describe four years of work. It felt like a diary — not a career snapshot.
💡 The Feel-Good Fix: Prioritize What Feels Powerful
Here’s a liberating truth: you don’t have to include everything. Focus on the roles and achievements from the past 5–10 years that light you up and align with where you’re headed. If you’ve been working for over a decade, it’s totally okay to let early jobs fade into the background (or off the page entirely).
Aim for:
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1 page if you’re early in your career (less than 5 years of experience).
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2 pages max if you’re mid-to-senior level.
And remember: your resume isn’t a historical record. It’s a highlight reel. Show us your greatest hits.
You’re More Than a List of Jobs
Updating your resume doesn’t have to feel like a chore — it can be a moment to reconnect with your own journey. The moments you were proud, the teams you lifted, the goals you crushed.
You’re not just looking for a job. You’re telling a story about your growth, your strengths, and the kind of impact only you can make.
And that? That’s worth feeling good about.
Written by Jin How
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