Top Resume Mistakes Students Still Make in 2025 (and How to Fix Them)

Why This Matters

In 2025, hiring managers scan resumes in under 8 seconds. Your resume isn’t just a document—it’s your first impression. Sadly, many students still make basic (but costly) mistakes that reduce their chances of even getting an interview.

🚫 Top 10 Resume Mistakes Students Still Make in 2025

1. Using an Outdated Design or Word Template
2. Including a Photo in the Resume (India-specific)
3. Buzzword Overload (Without Proof)
4. Generic Objective Statements
5. Ignoring Keywords from the Job Description
6. Weak Formatting & Lack of White Space
7. Listing Irrelevant or Outdated Info
8. Typos, Grammar Errors, and Wrong Tenses
9. No Action Verbs in Bullet Points
10. Too Long or Too Short

1. Using an Outdated Design or Word Template
   • ❌ Problem: Resumes made in Microsoft Word using 2010 templates look outdated and hard to scan.
   • ✅ Fix: Use modern tools like Canva, Zety, or NovoResume for clean, ATS-friendly layouts.
     
     
2. Including a Photo in the Resume (India-specific)
   • ❌ Problem: Adding photos may lead to bias and distract from skills.
   • ✅ Fix: Skip the photo unless applying to creative or international roles where it’s expected.
     
     
3. Buzzword Overload (Without Proof)
   • ❌ Problem: “Hardworking”, “Team Player”, “Go-getter” – but no examples.
   • ✅ Fix: Show it. Example: “Led a team of 5 to develop a campus-wide survey with 1,200+ responses.”
     
     
4. Generic Objective Statements
   • ❌ Problem: “To secure a challenging position…” — overused and vague.
   • ✅ Fix: Replace with a 2-line
     • Summary Statement focused on your strengths and goals.
       
       
5. Ignoring Keywords from the Job Description
   • ❌ Problem: Resume doesn’t match the words used in the job post.
   • ✅ Fix: Customize each resume using keywords from the specific JD (Job Description). This boosts ATS compatibility.
     
     
6. Weak Formatting & Lack of White Space
   • ❌ Problem: Large paragraphs, no bullet points, tight margins = messy resume.
   • ✅ Fix: Use bullet points, consistent fonts, and 1-inch margins. Recruiters appreciate clarity.
     
     
7. Listing Irrelevant or Outdated Info
   • ❌ Problem: Mentioning class 10th marks, school captaincy, or outdated tech (MS Paint, Tally ERP 9).
   • ✅ Fix: Focus on college achievements, internships, skills, and relevant certifications.
     
     
8. Typos, Grammar Errors, and Wrong Tenses
   • ❌ Problem: “Managed social media’s” or “Was leader of a team which…”.
   • ✅ Fix: Use Grammarly or Hemingway to proofread. Always use past tense for old roles and present tense for current.
     
     
9. No Action Verbs in Bullet Points
   • ❌ Problem: Passive tone like “responsible for sales”
   • ✅ Fix: Begin every bullet with power verbs like:
     • Led, Analyzed, Executed, Optimized, Researched, Built
       
       
10. Too Long or Too Short
    • ❌ Problem: 3-page resume for a fresher or a 1/4th page with only a name and education
    • ✅ Fix: Keep it 1 page with concise but rich content tailored for the job/field.
      

🧠 Bonus: What to Include in a Perfect Student Resume

🔍 Tools to Build Great Resumes in 2025

• ✅ Canva Resume Builder
• ✅ Zety Resume Builder
• ✅ Overleaf (for LaTeX resumes)
• ✅ Grammarly – for grammar & tone checking

Avoiding common resume mistakes in 2025 is not about perfection—it’s about clarity, proof, and personalization. With the right structure and real examples, even a fresher resume can stand out from the crowd.