Recruiters spend 6–10 seconds per resume. These mistakes end yours early — each is fixable tonight.
The list
- 1. Skill dumping: "C, C++, Java, Python, R, MATLAB, ML, AI" — nobody believes it, and interviewers will test the weakest one you listed
- 2. Fancy Canva templates: columns, photos and icons break ATS parsers. Single column, standard fonts
- 3. Lab programs as projects: "Implemented stack in C" is homework. Deployed apps with links are projects
- 4. No links: GitHub + live demo + LinkedIn in the header — clickable
- 5. "Objective: seeking a challenging role…": delete; use a 2-line skills summary
- 6. Two pages: freshers get one page, no exceptions
- 7. Vague bullets: "worked on website" → "Built responsive result-checker used by 200+ students (React, Node)"
- 8. Typos: "attention to detail" next to "recieved" — instant no
- 9. Weak file name: send
Priya_S_WebDeveloper.pdf, neverresume_final2.pdf - 10. Same resume everywhere: mirror 3–4 keywords from each job description — ATS filters match on them
Full guide: Fresher's A–Z job guide.