If you’re applying for roles but not getting interviews, it’s easy to assume the problem is your experience.
In reality, more often than not, it’s your resume.
As recruiters, we see strong candidates ruled out every day because of avoidable resume mistakes, especially as more people rely on templates, AI tools, and overseas advice that doesn’t always work here in Australia.
Here are the most common resume mistakes that kill your chances, and what to do instead.
Mistake #1: Relying on “Fancy” Resume Templates
Modern resume templates look polished and professional, but many of them cause problems behind the scenes.
Most employers now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes before a recruiter ever sees them. Complex formatting such as:
- Two‑column layouts
- Icons or graphics
- Text boxes and charts
can prevent these systems from reading your information correctly.
The result?
Your resume may be rejected automatically, even if you’re highly qualified.
What works instead:
Use a clean, simple layout with:
- One column
- Clear section headings
- Standard fonts
- Minimal formatting
A resume that’s easy for software and humans to scan will always perform better than one that just looks “pretty”.
Mistake #2: Ignoring ATS Blind Spots
Many candidates still write resumes solely for human readers, but ATS software plays a critical role in shortlisting.
If your resume doesn’t clearly reflect:
- The job title
- Key skills listed in the advertisement
- Relevant industry terms
…it may never make it to a recruiter’s desk.
This often happens when resumes are too generic or overly creative with language.
What works instead:
Tailor your resume for each role by:
- Matching your job titles closely to the role you’re applying for (where accurate)
- Including a clear skills section
- Using straightforward, recognisable terminology rather than buzzwords
Think clarity over cleverness.
Mistake #3: Copying & Pasting AI-Generated Content
AI resume tools can be helpful, but only when used carefully.
Recruiters are seeing a growing number of resumes that sound:
- Overly polished
- Vague
- Identical to dozens of others
Generic AI‑generated resumes often lack specificity and real impact, making it hard to understand what the candidate has actually achieved.
What works instead:
Use AI as a starting point, not the final product.
Make sure your resume includes:
- Specific examples
- Quantifiable results where possible
- Language that genuinely reflects your experience and voice
If it sounds like it could belong to anyone, it won’t stand out.
Mistake #4: Using the Wrong Resume Format for Australia
A lot of resume advice online is based on US or UK job markets, and that doesn’t always translate well to Australia.
Australian employers generally expect:
- More detail than a US one‑page resume
- Clear explanations of responsibilities and achievements
- A straightforward, professional tone
Following overseas advice too closely can make your resume feel either too sparse or misaligned with local expectations.
What works instead:
Tailor your resume to the Australian market by:
- Focusing on relevance over brevity
- Clearly outlining your scope, impact, and progression
- Avoiding unnecessary embellishment
Local context matters more than most candidates realise.
Mistake #5: Copying the Job Advertisement
One of the fastest ways to lose credibility with a recruiter is copying and pasting the job description directly into your resume.
Recruiters spot this instantly and it tells us very little about how you actually performed in the role.
What works instead:
Translate responsibilities into outcomes.
Ask yourself:
- What did I improve?
- What changed because I was in the role?
- What problems did I solve?
Impact always stands out more than duties.
Final Thoughts: It’s often the resume, not your experience
If you’re not getting interviews, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not qualified.
More often, your resume is:
- Hard for ATS systems to read
- Too generic
- Not aligned to Australian hiring expectations
A well‑structured, targeted resume can make a dramatic difference to your job search, sometimes without changing your experience at all.
If you’re unsure whether your resume is working for or against you, getting recruiter feedback early can save a lot of frustration later.
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