Avoid These Student Resume Mistakes to Get Interviews

As a student entering the job market in New Zealand, crafting a standout resume is crucial. Many candidates make common mistakes that can severely limit their chances of landing interviews. By reviewing your resume carefully, you can avoid these pitfalls and enhance your job prospects.

Mistake #1 – Poor Formatting

Why this hurts

Unprofessional formatting can make your resume hard to read and unappealing to recruiters.

Example

• Bad: Overly complex layouts with multiple fonts and colors.
• Better: A clean, simple layout with consistent font and size.

How to fix

• Stick to standard fonts like Arial or Calibri, and use a size between 10-12 points.

Mistake #2 – Generic Objective Statements

Why this hurts

Generic statements do not highlight your individual goals or how you fit the role.

Example

• Bad: “Looking for a position to gain experience.”
• Better: “Aspiring marketing professional seeking an internship to apply skills and contribute to team success.”

How to fix

• Tailor your objective to each job application, referencing the specific role and skills.

Mistake #3 – Listing Irrelevant Experience

Why this hurts

Including unrelated jobs can dilute your relevant skills and make your resume longer than necessary.

Example

• Bad: Listing a part-time job at a fast-food restaurant for a tech internship.
• Better: Focusing on volunteer roles or projects related to technology.

How to fix

• Highlight experience that directly relates to the job you're applying for, including relevant coursework or projects.

Mistake #4 – Typos and Grammatical Errors

Why this hurts

Errors can signal a lack of attention to detail, which is crucial in any role.

Example

• Bad: “I am dedicated and hardworking, and always meet my deadlines.”
• Better: “I am dedicated, hardworking, and consistently meet deadlines.”

How to fix

• Proofread your resume multiple times and consider using tools like Grammarly for a final check.

Mistake #5 – Overusing Buzzwords

Why this hurts

While buzzwords can be helpful, overusing them can make your resume sound insincere.

Example

• Bad: “I am a proactive team player with a proven track record.”
• Better: “I collaborated with classmates on a project that improved our study efficiency.”

How to fix

• Use specific examples that illustrate your skills rather than relying on clichés.

Mistake #6 – Not Customizing for ATS

Why this hurts

Failing to include relevant keywords can lead to automatic disqualification by ATS systems.

Example

• Bad: Generic skills list without specific terms.
• Better: Tailored skills using keywords from the job description.

How to fix

• Identify key terms from the job posting and integrate them into your resume naturally.

Mistake #7 – Lack of Quantifiable Achievements

Why this hurts

Vague descriptions of your achievements do not show your value to potential employers.

Example

• Bad: “Worked on a team project.”
• Better: “Contributed to a team project that improved efficiency by 20%.”

How to fix

• Use numbers and specifics to quantify your achievements whenever possible.

Mistake #8 – Ignoring the Cover Letter

Why this hurts

Some students believe a resume alone is sufficient, but a cover letter can enhance your application.

Example

• Bad: Submitting a resume without a cover letter.
• Better: Including a tailored cover letter outlining your fit for the role.

How to fix

• Always include a cover letter, customizing it for each application to highlight relevant experiences.

Entry-Level

Entry-level candidates often struggle with showcasing relevant experience. It’s essential to focus on internships, volunteer work, and relevant coursework to fill this gap effectively.

Mid-Level

Mid-level candidates should emphasize achievements and leadership roles. Avoid listing too many irrelevant jobs from early career stages that do not showcase current competencies.

Senior / Lead

Senior candidates need to demonstrate strategic thinking and industry impact. Resumes should reflect a narrative of growth and leadership rather than just a list of positions held.

• Ensure your formatting is clean and professional.
• Customize your objective statement for each position.
• Focus on relevant experience only.
• Proofread for typos and grammatical errors.
• Avoid excessive buzzwords.
• Incorporate keywords from the job description.
• Quantify your achievements.
• Include a tailored cover letter.
• Check compatibility with ATS.
• Consider a professional review for hidden mistakes.

Don't let simple mistakes hinder your job search. Review your resume today for common pitfalls and ensure it stands out to recruiters.

For a thorough check, consider using mistakes.cv to get expert insights and improve your chances of landing that important interview.