In today’s competitive job market, even small mistakes can cost you big opportunities. Here are three common missteps we often see—and how easily you can avoid them.

1. Not tailoring your resume to the job you’re applying for

Using the same resume for every job is like wearing the same outfit to a beach party, a job interview, and a wedding — it might technically work, but you’re definitely not making the best impression. Your resume, from the experiences you put, to the skills that you highlight should be tailored to the job you’re applying for. We recommend carefully reading the job posting, identifying the key qualifications and experience required, and tailoring your resume by highlighting your own relevant experiences. The more specific and closely aligned your examples are—especially with niche skills—the stronger your application will be.

2. Not quantifying impact

Many companies use tools that automatically scan resumes for numbers and statistics to assess impact. If you’re not quantifying your achievements, you’re likely being overlooked. For example, instead of saying “I helped improve the onboarding process,” say “I improved the onboarding process, reducing average ramp-up time by 30%”. This shows that you’re results-oriented and analytical. You don’t need to quantify every single bullet point, but each company or role listed on your resume should include at least one measurable impact to show the value you brought.

3. Not starting resume bullet points with strong action verbs

Starting resume bullet points with strong action verbs is essential because it immediately conveys clarity, confidence, and impact.  Hiring managers typically spend only a few seconds scanning each resume. Starting with a verb makes your bullet points punchy, easy to skim, and instantly informative.Action verbs like “led,” “designed,” or “implemented” demonstrate that you took initiative rather than simply participating. It highlights your role as a doer and contributor.

If you’re not landing interviews, it might be time to work smarter—not harder. Focusing on fewer applications and investing more effort into tailoring each resume can significantly improve your chances of getting noticed.