5 Warning Signs That Your Resume Stinks

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Here’s a common scenario: You’ve sent out a handful of resumes to different companies for positions that you are qualified for. Yet, the phone doesn't ring. What’s the problem? Is it your resume? And if it is, how can you fix it?

To determine whether your resume needs a complete revision, consider these five warning signs that your resume stinks:

1. Your resume that is more than 1 to 2 pages long.

A hiring manager’s busy schedule does not give him much time to read resumes, so he/she just scans it for something that catches his attention. This means that he/she may not have the patience to flip through and scrutinize multiple pages. On the other hand, even if you’ve managed to fit your resume on a single page, does it still look presentable and readable? The hiring manager will not want to read a page that has barely any margins, very small font sizes and is missing key information. Basically, if your skills and experiences don’t fit on one page, then use two or three pages. However, don’t make your resume unnecessarily long.

2. Your resume looks generic.

If you haven’t given much thought in writing your resume and instead opted for the easy way by using a template design, you may be in trouble. A template design can be easily downloaded from the Internet. However, imagine the hundreds of individuals who are also copying this template. How will your resume stand out then? Resume writing requires careful planning and researching. Take the time to do this if you want to catch the employer’s eye.

3. You don`t customize your resume to each application.

Did you remember to change the job description before sending it in? That’s what I thought. Occurrences when you mix up one job description with another usually happen. The danger in making generic resumes is you have not considered the qualifications needed by the company. Try to find out about the job and check if the qualifications match with your skills. If it does, then make a resume that will showcase the skills that best fit with the job.

4. You're using too many different fonts and sizes.

To emphasize entries you used different font sizes and various text emphases. Excuse me, you’re not making an art project. A resume is an important document that should signify your professionalism. Use the standard font size of 12. For the font styles, don’t use artsy ones, stick to standard styles like Courier, Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri. Don’t overemphasize entries. Keep it clean, simple, concise, and evenly spaced.

5. You have an unprofessional email address.

Have you thought about making a special email address just for job application purposes? If you have one, then good. If you don’t, make one now. Choose one that’s easy to remember and that is connected to your name. Think about how it will sound if you have an email address that says sexyhotchic@gmail.com or chickmagnet@ymail.com. Writing a resume should be taken seriously if you don’t want it to suck big time. If you’re really determined in getting an interview for the job you want, then step on it.
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  • Charmelle Ross
    Charmelle Ross •
    The points you make are so important in trying to land a job. I was told that my resume should be 1 page long, include bullets to highlight my skills/experiences and keep the resume as simple as possible.
  • Diana LHeureux
    Diana LHeureux •
    Great advice!
  • cheri
    cheri •
    Never even thought to create separate email for job searches/contacts.  
  • Gregg
    Gregg •
    It is sad that companies don't care enough to hire the best people available rather than one that is only "good enough" - that is what happens when an HR or hiring manager doesn't take the time to review real qualifications & experience.  A 1 or 2 page resume is great for a recent graduate that hasn't accomplished much yet, but for people that have numerous accomplishments (probably crossing several fields of work) 1 or 2 pages isn't enough - so what should be left out?  It seems that many HR and hiring managers actually prefer people without much experience because they don't have the breadth of experience that might upstage their new boss or cause them to question decisions.  Poor hiring leads to poor managers and poor managers lead to poor hires.
  • Vallerie P
    Vallerie P •
    I think it is also important to target your resume to the field you are trying to work in.  A resume geared towards marketing is much different than one for law.  Also make sure to check for spelling errors and typos!  Those are clear resume killers right from the start!
  • Cathy Stewart
    Cathy Stewart •
    Very good information given.
  • Kimberly McClure
    Kimberly McClure •
    Loved this article!  Fantastic writer!
  • Carl Pierce
    Carl Pierce •
    Have several resumes highliting accounting and medical billing  and coding. Most medical billing and coding positions require 2-3 years expirence. All I have is 8 month class work. My accounting resume has problems I know, but I don't want to overstate prior duties in prior jobs. (Embelish). Please advise.
  • sanjoy das
    sanjoy das •
    2 or multiple pages? It really depends on the position one is applying for. Most Engineering and Technical type people like to send and see a complete resume with dates and each job responsibility. Yes...we are interested to see what the person has done throughout his/her career. We are not simply a one or two page thing...if you have something to add that increases ones value....it's always beneficial to add rather than not mentioning it.  Be mindful about what you write, spelling and ptoper punctuation.
  • Cora Sharp
    Cora Sharp •
    While you are at it, run spellcheck.  Double check your contact information. I had a friend who was getting no responses because she transposed a couple of letters in her e-mail address.
  • Sagar R.
    Sagar R. •
    The third and fourth pointers are key, so I spruced up my resume a bit to make it visually stand out more. That was a good article.
  • raymond short
    raymond short •
    The comments are valid. A resume must speak to the reader as if you are one of the people who they are looking for. In most cases it is your voice to create a gut feeling in the reader that they might have struck gold. We think that  people use logic (experience and qualifications) only . Read the requirement and get information on the company and arrange the resume to speak their language. When you get face to face develop a new strategy. Act as if you are the person to fix their problem.
  • Annette Barzal
    Annette Barzal •
    I took the tip of changed fonts to make my resume pop.  Let'ssee what happens.
  • Cassandra G
    Cassandra G •
    There are so many different opinions on what a resume should look like or how long it should be.  I had one company tell me they loved how detailed my resume was and said nothing about it being 2.5 pages.  I heard make it as long as you need it to be.  Who really knows.  Everyones opinion is different.
  • Karen Jackson
    Karen Jackson •
    Thanks for the information.  I was recently told by a temporary service that my resume was too long, so I shortened it tremendously.  I was also told to customize the resume, so it would not appear generic by placing a table of qualifications in it, which I did.  I also recently changed my email address to a more catchy and professional one.  I am sure it is one that will be remembered.
  • A M
    A M •
    I've seen this type of advice on several sites. The only pointer here that may be useful is the suggestion to keep the resume' to 1-2 pages.  There's nothing wrong with using a template.  There's value in following the customs of your industry when presenting your work history.  Starting from a template may be the only way for some people to get started.  Also, a template helps the applicant refrain from adding too much, or forgetting essentials.  If you are too original, you will appear to be eccentric, and that's not good.  Using multiple fonts, when done correctly, can enhance readability.  These fonts may not matter, however, as most resumes are sent through an optical reader searching for keywords.  The pretty layout that the applicant paid $399 for might never be seen by human eyes.Despite the current fever about adjusting your resume for every application, that is not feasible.  First, you should use the real job title you had at your job, not a new, made-up title to fit a job inquiry.  Second, job sites don't work that way.  Most people upload a resume' to various online services, and the resume' on file is used to send to multiple postings found on that site.  The applicant provides the tailored message in the cover letter.Certainly a fanciful email address that indicates something too personal would be sort of inappropriate, but not all fanciful email addresses are a deal-breaker.  If I saw a resume with great qualifications, but an email address like nascardad33@gmail..com, I wouldn't toss the resume'.  Sometimes fanciful is better, when it reflects the industry, or if the person's name is so common it's hard to get that email address.One factor not mentioned is accuracy and honesty.  If you're changing your resume' for each job, fluffing up the description of the tasks to sound like a brag sheet, that's not good, either, whether you get caught or not.I hope everyone resists this tide, and writes an honest and clear resume' that is descriptive, truthful, and most of all, one that gets the job.Good hunting, everybody.  :-)
  • Gary Anthony
    Gary Anthony •
    I find your article very realistic and highlighted some key points that reflect the true nature of experiential learning.
  • Michael Mulquin
    Michael Mulquin •
    I disagree with the first bullet "1. Your resume that is more than 1 to 2 pages long" I have 18 years of experience in the I.T industry and I cannot remove 5 years of experience because it takes away a lot of skills I have to show like Unix which was in the first 5 years of my career.  Although the last 13 years has been in App Development / SQL Developement a great deal of companies are using Unix platforms.
  • Robert DePriest
    Robert DePriest •
    I have a 2 page resume, only because I have so much experience in many types of jobs. It is hard to give a complete picture of all my talent and experience in an abbreviated resume. Yet I wonder if it (my resume) is to long for potential employers to read. If you can help me please contact me through the e-mail address I provided. Thank You.
  • Sharon Dahlquist
    Sharon Dahlquist •
    HELPFUL ARTICLE...GAVE ME SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
  • richard c.
    richard c. •
    thanks really help me to update my resume. thanks again. rich.
  • C. Hunter
    C. Hunter •
    I have a single page resume, very concise resume in standard font (Arial 11 pt).  Recruiters are asking for more detailed versions outlining each position held and area of responsibility. When you've advanced at each company, the resume gets longer and longer.  What is the standard...1pg or 2pg maximum.  Recruiter indicated that several individuals they had contact with had reported the same information...resumes maximum of 1pg, scannable fonts, no pictures, etc.  What is the standard?
  • Carla Griffith-Willis
    Carla Griffith-Willis •
    Thank you, this information is very helpful.
  • John Tri
    John Tri •
    I do disagee on one issue, my resume is 2 pages and I feel I must have that to show the employer the the positions I have had.  I do agree that an unprofessional e-mail address will hurt chances.   I also believe many employers are seeking a more experienced person. I have been in outside sales for over 30 years and do feel my experience should be a benefit to an employer, however, I do sense age descimination.
  • kenneth
    kenneth •
    Very helpful

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