Most resume examples are touted as good ones. But how can you be sure if your resume measures up unless you’ve seen a really bad one?
Below, we’ll highlight key differences that draw a dividing line between good and bad resumes. We’ll even share some bad examples to help you recognize these negative traits and avoid them in your own documents.
If you’re trying to turn a bad resume into a good one, our AI resume builder is there to help with instant suggestions and professional templates.
Good Resume vs. Bad Resume: Key Differences
Creating a good resume and avoiding a bad one doesn’t take a miracle. The following small changes can make all the difference in your resume.
| Feature | Bad resume | Good resume |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Only lists duties performed | Highlights achievements, often in Challenge, Action, Result format |
| Relevance | Includes outdated education, irrelevant experience, or other information not related to the job | Includes experience from past 3 jobs or past 10 years, tailored to the needs of the job you’re applying for |
| Metrics | Doesn’t include numbers or data to prove your skills in action | Uses numbers, percents, and outcomes to show results |
| Tailoring | The exact same resume is used for every application | Keywords from job descriptions are used to customize the resume to match each application |
| Formatting | Difficult to read due to choices in columns, fonts, font sizes, spacing, colors, graphics, or layout | Clean, simple templates with clear headings, easy-to-read fonts, and ample white space |
| Keywords | Does not rely on keywords from the job description | Includes keywords from the job description, as well as industry and position-specific terms |
| Length | Less than one page or longer than two pages | Typically one page, two for highly experienced candidates |
| Grammar and spelling | Contains grammar and spelling errors | Well-proofread and edited to fix grammar and spelling errors |
Bad Resume Examples That Show What To Avoid
Each example that follows highlights one reason resumes can go off the rails. Specifically, we’ll look at resumes that are unfocused, overloaded, and hard to read.
The unfocused resume
Sarah Johnson
Chicago, IL | (312) 555-9876 | sarahjohnson@email.com
Professional Summary
Hardworking professional seeking a challenging opportunity where I can use my skills and continue learning. Experienced in customer service, retail, social media, warehouse operations, tutoring, pet sitting, and event planning. Passionate about helping people and open to any position.
Skills
Customer Service | Microsoft Word | Social Media | Inventory | Event Planning | Tutoring | Photography | Public Speaking | Pet Care | Data Entry | Cash Handling | Cooking | Time Management
Work Experience
Retail Associate
Driscoll’s Fashion Outlet | Chicago, IL | 2023 to Present
- Assisted customers with purchases
- Organized merchandise displays
- Operated cash register
Freelance Social Media Manager
Self-Employed | Chicago, IL | 2021 to Present
- Created Instagram posts
- Responded to comments
- Scheduled content
Warehouse Associate
Amazon Distribution Center | Chicago, IL | 2022 to 2023
- Packed customer orders
- Loaded delivery trucks
- Managed inventory
Education
Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts
South Chicago Community College | 2022
Why this is a bad resume:
- There’s no target role, and thus no tailoring to it.
- The skills list contains skills not supported elsewhere in the resume.
- The experience only lists duties. They don’t include metrics, challenges overcome, skills in action, or results and achievements.
The overloaded resume
Michael Anderson
123 Oak Street, Columbus, OH 43215 | Home: (614) 555-1234 | WhatsApp/Cell: (614) 555-4321 | michael.anderson@email.com | linkedin.com/in/michaelanderson | Instagram: @mikeanderson | TikTok: @mikeanderson | YouTube: Mike Anderson Productions
100% Reliable Retail and Manufacturing Associate
Dedicated, hardworking, reliable, punctual, detail-oriented, self-motivated, enthusiastic, team-oriented, adaptable professional with over 10 years of experience working in manufacturing, customer service, retail, shipping, inventory management, warehouse operations, machine operation, forklift driving, scheduling, quality assurance, safety compliance, and employee training. I enjoy solving problems, learning new skills, helping others, working independently, collaborating with teams, and taking on additional responsibilities whenever possible. I believe my positive attitude and excellent work ethic make me an ideal candidate for any organization.
Skills
Microsoft Word | Microsoft Excel | Microsoft PowerPoint | Outlook | Email | Internet | Google Search | Filing | Typing | Teamwork | Leadership | Communication | Problem Solving | Multitasking | Organization | Customer Service | Cash Handling | Forklift | Inventory | Shipping | Receiving | Cleaning | Scheduling | Data Entry | Social Media | Photography | Cooking | Public Speaking | Time Management | Fast Learner | Hard Worker | Friendly | Reliable
Work Experience
Production Technician
Midwest Manufacturing | Columbus, OH | 2023 to Present
- Responsible for operating multiple production machines during each shift while ensuring products were completed according to company standards.
- My daily responsibilities included inspecting finished products, completing paperwork, communicating with supervisors, helping coworkers, cleaning workstations, attending safety meetings every week, participating in company volunteer events, training new employees whenever needed, monitoring inventory levels, reporting damaged materials, organizing supplies, assisting with audits, updating spreadsheets, performing preventative maintenance, responding to machine alarms, completing quality documentation, moving pallets, loading trucks when requested, and helping in other departments whenever staffing shortages occurred.
Warehouse Associate
Central Distribution Services | Westerville, OH | 2016 to 2023
- Performed shipping and receiving tasks while unloading trucks, organizing inventory, scanning products, preparing customer orders, cleaning warehouse aisles, replacing labels, checking inventory reports, helping customers locate products, answering telephones, preparing schedules, participating in monthly employee appreciation events, ordering office supplies, attending optional committee meetings, decorating for holiday celebrations, assisting with company fundraisers, training seasonal employees, operating forklifts, completing paperwork, and performing any additional duties assigned by management.
Pet Sitter/Dog Walker
Freelance/Rover App | Middletown Junction, OH | 2013 to 2015
- Picked up dogs from their residences and walked them for up to an hour, up to 15 dogs per day.
- Entrusted with entering client homes while they were on vacation to feed, clean, walk, and play with dogs, cats, and other pets.
Education
High School Diploma
Middletown High School | Middletown Junction, OH | Graduated 2015
- 2.8 GPA
- Active member of 4-H, Drama Club, and the Board Game Club
- Ran track
- Classes in Wood Shop, Physical Education, Computer Lab, and Music Appreciation
Why this is a bad resume:
- The contact information contains irrelevant details.
- The summary, skills list, and job descriptions are long and difficult to read.
- The resume includes too many job experiences, citing unrelated roles.
The hard-to-read resume
JESSICA BROWN
jessbrown@email.com | 555-123-4567 | Phoenix, AZ
OBJECTIVE
Seeking employment where I can use my skills and grow professionally while contributing to company success.
SKILLS
Forklift Certified
Microsoft Excel
Leadership
Problem Solving Teamwork
Inventory Management
Safety
Communication
Organization
Manufacturing
Quality Control
Shipping
Receiving
Time Management
Attention to Detail
WORK EXPERIENCE
Production Worker
ABC Manufacturing | Phoenix, AZ | 2022 to Present
Operated machinery
Inspected products
Maintained safety standards
Trained employees
Warehouse Associate
2019 to 2022 | XYZ Distribution | Tucson, AZ
Loaded trucks, unloaded shipments, picked orders, organized inventory, used forklifts, completed paperwork, worked overtime, helped supervisors, cleaned the warehouse, and performed cycle counts.
Education
High School Diploma
Central High School | Tucson, AZ | 2019
CERTIFICATIONS
OSHA 10
Forklift Certification
CPR Certified
What makes this a bad resume format:
- The formatting is inconsistent and includes too many font styles and sizes.
- Columns, justification, and different ordering make it more difficult to find information.
- The use of color makes some sections difficult to read.
7 Common Resume Mistakes That Cost You Interviews
We all make mistakes, but it’s important to find and correct them before submitting your resume. The following checklist can help you identify and overcome the most common resume mistakes.
| Mistake | Why it hurts your application | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| Duties instead of achievements | Makes your experience sound passive | Add results, numbers, or clear impact |
| Weak or missing action verbs | Lessens the impact of your actions | Replace weak verbs (helped, managed, worked with) with strong ones (facilitated, implemented, coordinated) |
| Too much irrelevant information | Valuable skills are overshadowed | Tailor your resume to the needs of the specific job; omit unrelated experiences, hobbies, etc. |
| Poor formatting | Makes it difficult to read, may put computer and soft skills in doubt | Use a professionally designed resume template |
| No job tailoring | May not pass Applicant Tracking System (ATS) | Passes ATS and catches the attention of the hiring manager |
| Typos and inconsistencies | Calls communication and attention to detail into question | Proofread your resume and use proofreading software like Spell Check or Grammarly |
| Missing keywords | May not pass ATS | Look for possible keywords in the job description and include them in the resume |
How To Fix a Bad Resume Step-By-Step
Bad resumes don’t have to stay that way. Take these steps to improve it. You’ll have a strong resume in no time!
1. Audit your resume for weak spots
Objectively read your resume, looking for formatting issues, irrelevant content, and sections that seem unclear. Look for places to add metrics and achievements. Make a list of the weaknesses you notice and consider the next step.
2. Prioritize the most important fixes
Focus on the most impactful changes first. For example, if your resume is hard on the eyes, fixing the formatting first may make a world of difference. Then work on refining smaller details.
3. Rewrite your resume with the target job in mind
Once you have a basic resume, you should tweak it for every job you apply to. Tailor each section to match the employer’s requirements. This may mean adding new keywords and erasing irrelevant information.
4. Use tools and get feedback to optimize your application
When you’re updating your resume, you don’t have to go it alone. ResumeCoach’s AI resume builder and Resume Review feature can help you identify weaknesses, improve content, and optimize your resume before you apply. It’s like asking an expert for help.
5. Polish the design and final details
Even the smallest details can mean the difference between a good and a bad resume. Review the layout, formatting, grammar, and contact details. Make sure everything looks professional and is easy to read.
You can use one of our resume templates to take the stress out of formatting your resume.
Struggling with Resume Writing?
Ease the process with our templates and our AI resume builder.
FAQs
Recruiters may move on to the next candidate if they see the following red flags:
- Frequent job hopping, inconsistent employment dates, or unexplained employment gaps.
- Generic resumes that lack measurable achievements or that are duties-focused rather than results-focused.
- Irrelevant, outdated, or exaggerated experience and qualifications.
- Spelling and grammar mistakes.
- Poor formatting.
When deciding if yours is a bad resume, you can compare it to good examples. You can also have a trusted colleague read your resume and offer feedback.
Our AI tools can also offer instant suggestions on what skills to list, how to format your resume, and how to describe your experience.
Several types of mistakes can make your resume look unprofessional. They include:
- Typos and errors in spelling, grammar, capitalization, proper names, etc.
- A messy or confusing layout that makes the document hard to read.
- An unprofessional email address.
- Including unprofessional content like slang, emojis, or negative comments.
- Not abiding by standard resume conventions.
Yes, employment gaps can look bad, but they don’t have to.
You can explain the gaps in a way that turns them into an asset. For example, you can highlight certifications you obtained during a layoff or soft skills you developed while taking time to deal with a health issue, raise children, care for a sick relative, or take a sabbatical.
If your resume contains many bad traits, it may be easier to start from scratch as opposed to fixing what you’ve got. Use a reliable, professional template, highlight your most valuable skills, and show your achievements during your last three jobs or past ten years.
Once you’ve got a solid resume, you can tailor it to avoid having to completely rewrite it for every job you apply for.
A bad LinkedIn profile is worse than none at all. If your profile is empty, don’t include a link on your resume; it can make you look less qualified. Likewise, comments and posts of a disrespectful or inflammatory nature can hurt your job chances.
You can easily optimize your LinkedIn profile so that it helps rather than hinders your job search.
AI can be a very useful tool when writing your resume. Our AI-powered resume builder, for example, can give you instant suggestions on how to word things professionally and insert your information into an ATS-friendly resume format. You can also use AI to proofread for spelling and grammar errors and give feedback on how your resume looks and sounds.
But you should never rely entirely on AI to write your resume. Completely AI-generated resumes can sound generic and may contain false information. Always re-read the output and edit it as necessary, both for accuracy and for the “human touch.”
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