Resume Déjà Vu: 6 Mistakes That Keep Coming Back — and How to Finally Fix Them

Same Mistakes, New Resumes: Why This Advice Still Matters

We get it - some of these tips sound like a broken record.

But here's the thing: we're still seeing the same resume mistakes over and over again.

New week, new candidates… same red flags.

If it feels like déjà vu, that’s because it is. And if you're still making these mistakes, it's probably costing you interviews.

The good news? They're easy to fix - and we’ll show you how.

The good news? They’re all fixable.

The Top 5 Resume Mistakes

1. Messy or Outdated Formatting

❌ Resumes with overly complex layouts are hard to scan.

✅ Use a clean, modern layout with clear sections. Recruiters spend <15 seconds on a first glance!

• Stick to standard fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica in 10–12 pt size.

• Use bold for headings and bullet points for responsibilities - avoid dense paragraphs.

2. Job-Hopper Confusion

❌ Short tenures with no context can raise concerns.

✅ Briefly explain transitions (e.g. “Contract role,” “Plant closure,” or “Relocation to”).

• Group similar short-term roles under one umbrella if freelance or contract-based.

• Add a one-line explanation in italics or parentheses under the job title if needed.

3. No Tailoring to the Role

❌ A generic resume that does not align with the position.

✅ Align your wording with the job description. Yes, it’s ok to have multiple versions of a resume.

• Customize your summary and top bullet points to match the role’s key requirements.

• Incorporate keywords from the job ad to improve ATS (Applicant Tracking System) visibility.

4. Missing or False Contact Information

❌ Wrong phone numbers or old email addresses.

✅ Double-check that your contact info is easy to find and up to date.

• Use a professional email (e.g. firstname.lastname@gmail.com). “JodleQueen@” or “Chucklechief@” are not appropriate for resumes.

• Include your LinkedIn URL (and make sure your LinkedIn is consistent with your resume).

5. Too Much Information

❌ Resumes that list every task from a 2001 internship are overwhelming.

✅ Focus on the last 10–12 years, with bullet points showing impact, not just duties.

• Keep early-career roles brief unless they’re directly relevant to the target job.

• Use bullet points that highlight accomplishments using metrics (e.g. “Reduced downtime by 20%”).

6. Too Little Information

❌ Job titles alone don’t tell your story.

✅ Add around 3–4 bullet points with specific achievements.

• Describe how you added value (e.g. “Implemented a new quality check that reduced rework by 30%”).

• Include tools, systems, or processes you worked with to show technical depth.

Why It Matters

If it feels like déjà vu - seeing the same resume mistakes again and again - that’s because we do. These repeated errors slow down your path to an interview.

A polished, tailored resume isn’t just a formality - it’s your chance to break the cycle and make a strong first impression.

Helping candidates fix these issues early can:

✅ Speed up the hiring process

✅ Improve match quality

✅ Boost candidate confidence and engagement

At Expert Connections, we make sure candidates don’t get stuck in resume déjà vu.

From tips to prep, we help them stand out and put their best foot forward.

We are here to raise the bar by helping candidates present their experience with clarity and impact.