Every job seeker looks for the secret to building the perfect resume. We recently pointed out that you should actually have a rotation of customizable resumes. But sometimes, the best way to get an idea of what makes up a good resume is to look at mistakes that can kill your chances for an interview. With that in mind, here are five resume red flags to be on the lookout for.

Spelling and Grammar Errors

They say you should dress for the job you want. A similar principle applies to resumes. If you want to lock down a professional position, you must ensure your resume exhibits professionalism. That means proofreading your resume to ensure there aren’t misspelled words or grammatical mistakes. And don’t trust your own eyes—have someone else check your work.

Unprofessional Email Addresses

Speaking of maintaining a professional image, now would be a great time to get rid of that jokey email address you’ve held onto since high school – or at least shelve it for professional use. After all, who’s going to take a resume from SmackTalker5000@yahoo.com seriously?

Highlighting Job Duties Instead of Accomplishments

When it comes to presenting your experience, mere job titles won’t get a hiring manager’s attention. Neither will a laundry list of your daily work activities. Employers don’t care as much about what you’ve done as what you’ve accomplished. Frame your work experiences by describing what you achieved.

Poor Formatting

Even if the text of your resume is mistake-free, you may lose your readers if it’s formatted in a way that makes it hard to read. Resist the temptation to litter your resume with multiple fonts and flashy design elements. On the other hand, don’t just present a wall of text. Judicious use of subheads and bullets will give prospective employers a much more positive impression.

Adding References

This used to be expected in a resume. These days, attention spans are shorter, and skills are more important than contacts. If a hiring manager wants a list of references, they’ll ask for it.

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