10 Common Resume Mistakes Students Make (And How to Fix Them)

When you’re applying for your first job, internship, or scholarship, your resume is the first impression you make. Unfortunately, many students lose opportunities by making easily avoidable mistakes. In this article, we’ll cover the 10 most common resume errors and how to fix them so you can stand out for all the right reasons.

1. Including Irrelevant Information

Some students feel the need to “fill space” and end up adding hobbies, outdated coursework, or unrelated part-time jobs. Stick to information that aligns with the job or program you’re applying for.

✅ Instead: Tailor your resume to match the role using relevant coursework, skills, or projects.

2. Using an Unprofessional Email Address

Your email should reflect maturity and clarity. Avoid nicknames or old handles from high school.

✅ Use: firstname.lastname@gmail.com
❌ Avoid: partygirl98@hotmail.com

3. Writing a Generic Objective Statement

A vague objective like “Looking for a job in a professional environment” adds no value.

✅ Instead:
“Detail-oriented marketing student seeking an internship to apply strong analytical and communication skills in a real-world setting.”

4. Overusing Buzzwords Without Proof

Words like “motivated,” “hardworking,” and “team player” are common — but what do they actually mean?

✅ Show, don’t tell.
Use real examples: “Collaborated with 4 peers to lead a student research project that won first place.”

5. Not Proofreading

Spelling and grammar errors scream lack of attention to detail.

✅ Always triple-check and ask someone else to review your resume.

6. Poor Formatting

A resume should be clean, easy to scan, and consistent in design. Avoid fancy fonts, blocks of text, or inconsistent bullet points.

✅ Use a modern resume builder like Resume101 to ensure clean formatting and ATS-compatibility.

7. Making It Too Long (or Too Short)

A student or recent graduate should keep the resume to one page. Anything longer may dilute your best content.

✅ Be concise and highlight the most relevant details.

8. Lack of Metrics or Results

Simply listing duties isn’t enough. Employers want to know the impact you made.

❌ “Managed social media accounts”
✅ “Increased Instagram engagement by 40% in three months”

9. Not Customizing for Each Job

One-size-fits-all resumes rarely work. Always tweak your resume to match the job description.

✅ Use keywords from the job posting.
✅ Adjust your skills section accordingly.

10. Not Getting Professional Help When Needed

Crafting the perfect resume can be tough. If you’re unsure, it’s okay to get help.

👉 Try Resume101 — a professional resume writing service designed for students and entry-level job seekers. You’ll receive a tailored, clean, and persuasive resume that gets results.

Bonus: Quick Resume Checklist for Students

✅ Professional email address
✅ Customized objective
✅ Clean, consistent formatting
✅ No spelling or grammar errors
✅ Achievements with data
✅ Relevant skills and coursework
✅ One page in length
✅ Tailored to the job description

Final Thoughts

Your resume is your personal pitch — and avoiding these common mistakes will help you make the best impression possible. Whether you’re applying for your first internship or your dream job, always remember: clarity, relevance, and presentation matter most.

And if you need extra support, Resume101 is here to help you craft a resume that opens doors.