The job market is slowing down. This year, the U.S. added only 143,000 jobs, which is far below the expected 175,000.¹ According to Forbes, this slowdown creates significant challenges for job seekers as openings are decreasing, and companies are taking longer to hire.²
With a tough job market out there, a strong resume isn’t just helpful—it’s crucial.
Unfortunately, what makes a resume stand out has also been changing. Forbes also reports that employers now prioritize skills over degrees, and AI-powered systems filter resumes before a recruiter even sees them. If you still create resumes or cover letters by using generic, free resume templates, they might never pass the first screening.
In this article, we discuss the most common resume mistakes that could be costing you opportunities—and how to craft a resume that gets noticed in today’s job market.
Common Mistakes in Writing Professional Resumes
With industries evolving so quickly, even experienced professionals make major resume mistakes that cost them job opportunities. Here are some of them:
Failing to Optimize Your Resume for ATS
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a hiring tool that many companies use today to screen resumes. These systems search for specific keywords in job descriptions and reject resumes without them.
A recent study found that 98.4% of Fortune 500 companies now use an ATS.³ This means that if your resume isn’t tailored for these systems, it may never reach most recruiters.
Using Poor Formatting That Makes Resumes Hard to Read
If your resume is hard to read, recruiters won’t spend time figuring it out. Large blocks of text, mismatched fonts, and too many colors can make your resume look messy and unprofessional.
The same goes for machines—fancy resume templates can confuse ATS tools. If your resume isn’t easy to scan in just a few seconds, it will likely be ignored.
Writing Job Descriptions Instead of Achievements
Many people just list their job duties, but employers want to see results. If your resume only says what you were responsible for instead of what you accomplished, they won’t see your value.
Check whether your bullet points lack numbers or clear achievements. If they do, you’re most likely listing job duties rather than real achievements. Examples include “Managed marketing campaigns” or “Led a sales team.”
How to Write a Resume That Stands Out
In today’s digital world, relying on generic resume templates can hurt your chances of getting hired. But how do you go beyond them and truly stand out?
Here are steps to create a functional resume that gets you hired faster without relying on outdated resume makers:
1. Use Keywords from Job Posts
Optimizing a resume for an ATS begins with using the right keywords from the job description. To do this, carefully read the job description and identify key phrases employers prioritize. These often include specific skills, industry tools, and required experience that an ATS will scan for.
For example, if a nursing job mentions “patient care,” “electronic health records (EHR),” and “medication administration,” those are key phrases to include. Instead of writing “Helped patients with daily tasks,” a stronger approach would be “Provided direct patient care, documented in EHR systems, and administered medications safely.”
2. Improve the Formatting to Make it Readable
A simple, well-organized layout helps both recruiters and ATS systems quickly find important details. You don’t need fancy design skills or paid resume templates to make your resume look good—just make sure it’s easy to read.
To ensure this, try reading it yourself or ask someone else if they can quickly find the important details. If it feels cluttered or hard to skim, it probably needs some tweaking.
To make adjustments, start by using bullets to list skills or achievements. Stick to two or three fonts, using bold, italics, and headers to separate texts. You can also add lines and dividers to make the document easier on the eyes.
3. Highlight Your Most Relevant Skills
Degrees still matter, but many employers focus more on skills today, whether technical or soft skills. So, if you have any AI or digital expertise, supplement them with skills that show you work well with others.
Create a separate section for your skills to highlight them. Make sure to list first the ones that are most relevant to the job description. To help you make your list, here are the top five core skills employers look for today:⁴
- Analytical thinking
- Resilience
- Leadership
- Creative thinking
- Motivation
4. Use Strong Verbs and Show Measurable Results
With so many resumes to review, employers want to see results fast. Use powerful action words and measurable results when writing your job summary, experiences, training, or even volunteer work. They showcase the concrete impact that makes your resume more compelling to employers.
Instead of saying “Helped with patient care,” use a stronger verb like “Administered” plus relevant numbers. For example, “Administered care to 15+ patients daily, ensuring proper medication management and adherence to treatment protocols.”
5. Leverage AI as a Resume Builder
One of job hunters’ most frequently asked questions is whether using AI to boost their simple resumes is “cheating.” But AI is becoming a valuable tool in the job search process.
A recent survey found that 38% of HR professionals are more likely to interview candidates who use AI to enhance their applications.⁵ This shows that AI can give job seekers a competitive edge when used correctly.
Use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to sharpen your wording, create modern resume templates, and organize resume sections properly. You can also use it to find mistakes and weaknesses in your resume.
However, remember to review and personalize the final draft—hiring managers can tell when a resume feels too robotic.
6. Work With a Staffing Firm for Expert Help
Staffing firms provide high-quality and creative resume writing services—not just because they’re trained in it, but because they understand the hiring market firsthand. Their expertise comes from working directly with employers, giving them insight into what recruiters look for in top candidates.
Beyond resume writing, they can also assist with interview preparation, career coaching, and connecting you with the perfect job opportunities. In today’s competitive job market, working with a staffing firm can give you the edge you need to stand out.
Struggling to improve your resume? Join Power Personnel’s Resume Enhancement Program today!
Since 1994, Power Personnel has been a trusted leader in medical staffing, matching top talent with the right opportunities. With our deep industry expertise, we know what employers look for—and our Resume Enhancement Program is designed to help you get their attention.
Unlike generic resume templates that create forgettable applications, our experts will help you craft a standout document that highlights your strengths, showcases your achievements, and gets past ATS filters. With our personalized guidance, you’ll gain a professional edge and increase your chances of landing interviews.
Don’t let resume mistakes hold you back—call Power Personnel today to get hired as soon as possible!
References:
- Carlson, Seth. “January 2025 Jobs Report: 143,000 New Jobs Added, Falling Short of Expectations.” J.P. Morgan Insights, 10 Feb. 2025, www.jpmorgan.com/insights/outlook/economic-outlook/jobs-report-january-2025.
- Dennison, Kara. “What to Expect from the Job Market as a Job Seeker in 2025.” Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025, www.forbes.com/sites/karadennison/2025/03/17/what-to-expect-from-the-job-market-as-a-job-seeker-in-2025/.
- Purcell, Kelsey. “2024 Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Usage Report: Key Shifts and Strategies for Job Seekers.” Jobscan, 1 Nov. 2024, www.jobscan.co/blog/fortune-500-use-applicant-tracking-systems.
- World Economic Forum. Future of Jobs Report 2025. Jan. 2025, reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_Report_2025.pdf.
- Escalera, Jasmine. “38% of HR Managers More Likely to Interview Candidates Who Use AI in Job Applications.” Zety, 14 Oct. 2024, zety.com/blog/hr-and-ai-recruitment.
