by Bad resume examples can teach us valuable lessons about what not to do when applying for a job.
Your document is often your first impression, and even small errors can cost you an opportunity. In this article, we’ll break down common resume blunders, so you can avoid them and create a strong resume that stands out for the right reasons.
What makes a bad resume?
A terrible resume fails to effectively present a candidate’s qualifications for job, making it difficult for hiring managers to assess their suitability for a position.
Several key factors contribute to an ineffective document. Below are some common mistakes that can significantly diminish the impact of an application.
1. Poor Layout
- A disorganized structure that lacks clear resume sections makes it hard for recruiters to quickly find important details.
- Overuse of decorative fonts, bright colors, or surplus graphics can create distractions rather than enhance readability.
- Inconsistent text formatting, such as varying sizes, uneven spacing, or excessive bold and italic styling.
2. Errors
- Typos, incorrect punctuation, and grammatical mistakes signal carelessness and a lack of attention to detail.
- Misuse of homophones (e.g., "their" instead of "there" or "your" in place of "you’re") can undermine credibility.
- Awkward phrasing, incomplete sentences, or complex wording may confuse the reader.
3. Irrelevant Information
- Listing unrelated work experience that does not align with the job being applied for.
- Including personal details such as marital status, religion, or hobbies unrelated to professional qualifications can take up valuable space.
- Mentioning outdated skills or software that are no longer relevant to modern industries may make an applicant seem out of touch.
4. Lack of Focus
- A cluttered resume that is not customized for the specific role may fail to capture an employer’s interest.
- Overly long paragraphs instead of concise bullet points reduce readability.
- A vague or unduly broad resume summary that fails to highlight specific achievements and strengths provides little value to HR.
5. False or Exaggerated Claims
- Inflating job titles, responsibilities, or skills can be easily uncovered during background checks or job interviews, leading to loss of credibility.
- Listing expertise in programs or technical abilities without any supporting experience may be tested during the hiring process, exposing dishonesty.
- Overuse of resume buzzwords without tangible proof of accomplishments can seem insincere.
6. Missing Essential Information
- A resume without a clear work history section makes it difficult to evaluate professional experience.
- Failing to add certifications on resume, degrees, or training programs can weaken a candidate’s qualifications.
- Omitting contact data may prevent hiring managers from reaching out.
A poor resume can significantly reduce an applicant’s chances of securing an interview, even if they have strong background.
Bad resume examples
1. The Spelling Disaster
Johnathan Smoth
Los Angles, CA 90001 | jonsmith@gmail | 555-987-3210Objective
I am seekeng a possition where I can utilize my skils and experiance to benifit a growing compny. I am a quick lerner and good at leading and working with teems to achieve goals. I am looking for a job that can help me grow my leadership skills, while also contributing to the company’s succes and growth. I am also very interested in marketing and customer relations and would like to use my skills in a company where I can expand my knowlege.
Work Experience
Manger, Starbucks – Los Angles, CA | Janury 2020 - Present
- Lead a teem of employes to increse work prodoctivity.
- Handle cutomer complaints and solve issues to ensure satifaction.
- Manage schedueling and maintane employee records.
- Work with team to meet monthly sales goals and customer service expectations.
- Trained 3 new employees to improve store operations and customer interactions.
Sales Associate, Walmart – Los Angles, CA | March 2017 - December 2019
- Helped costumers find products and ansered questions.
- Procesed payments using cash regester and credit card machine.
- Assisted in stock maintainance and shelve arrangment.
- Managed inventory and restocked products to ensure shelves were full.
- Provided friendly service to customers and ensured they left with everything they needed.
Education
University of California, Los Angles
Bachlor of Business Administration | 2015 - 2019
Skills
- Leadership and comunication
- Cutomer service experiance
- Microsoft Excell and Power Point
- Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment
- Time managment
- Basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop
Certifications
- Customer Service Training Program, LinkedIn Learning – Issued August 2020
- Retail Sales Training, Walmart Academy – Issued December 2018
- Microsoft Excel Basic, Coursera – Issued March 2019
Languages
- English (Native)
- Spanish (Basic)
Why It's an Example of a Bad Resume:
- Multiple errors are scattered throughout the document.
- The lack of punctuation at the end of some bullet points creates inconsistency in writing.
- The use of informal language in the resume objective weakens the professional tone.
Suggestions for Improvement:
- Carefully proofread the resume for mistakes. Apply tools like Grammarly or have someone else review it to catch errors.
- Make sure that all the words are correctly spelled and that the grammar is flawless.
- Utilize consistent bullet points, punctuation, and formatting.
Good Resume Examples:
2. The Wall of Text: Bad Resume Example
Emily Patterson
Chicago, IL 60601 | emily.patterson@gmail.com | 555-123-4567Objective
I am a dedicated and hardworking individual with a strong background in customer service, retail management, and administrative duties, looking for a challenging role in a dynamic company where I can apply my skills in leadership, problem-solving, communication, and multitasking. I am a very detail-oriented person who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is always eager to learn new things and grow professionally. I believe that my ability to manage multiple tasks, lead a team, and build strong relationships with customers and coworkers will allow me to make a positive impact at any organization.
Work Experience
Customer Service Manager, Target – Chicago, IL | February 2020 – Present
I have been responsible for overseeing all customer service-related activities, including managing a team of customer service representatives, resolving customer issues, and ensuring that all inquiries are handled in a timely and efficient manner. I work closely with the store management team to implement new strategies that improve customer satisfaction, streamline service processes, and meet sales goals. My duties also include training new employees, conducting performance reviews, and ensuring compliance with company policies.
Sales Associate, Macy’s – Chicago, IL | June 2018 – January 2020
In my role as a sales associate at Macy’s, I was responsible for assisting customers with selecting products, processing transactions, and answering any questions they had about store policies, sales, and promotions. I ensured that the store was always clean, organized, and well-stocked, and I helped manage the cash register during peak shopping hours. I also took part in promotional events and store-wide sales campaigns, where I assisted in organizing and setting up displays, handing out flyers, and engaging with customers to generate interest in special promotions.
Education
University of Chicago
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration | 2013 – 2017
During my time at the University of Chicago, I took a wide range of courses in business management, marketing, and organizational behavior. I also participated in several student organizations, including the Business Society and the Volunteer Program, where I helped organize fundraising events and assisted with community outreach.
Skills
I possess a wide range of skills that have been honed over the years in my various roles. I am proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. I also have experience using various customer service software, such as Zendesk and Salesforce, to manage client inquiries and resolve issues effectively. My organizational skills are top-notch. I am able to juggle multiple tasks at once while maintaining a high level of accuracy and efficiency. I have strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and I am able to interact with individuals at all levels of an organization.
Why It's Bad:
- The application lacks clear section breaks. No bullet points or headings to highlight important information.
- Each job description feels like a novel, and the candidate doesn't focus on the most important, impactful aspects of the role.
- The resume opening statement is too long and repetitive, which makes it difficult to quickly understand what the person is looking for.
Suggestions for Improvement:
- Break down text into bullets to make it easier for the hiring manager to quickly absorb key information.
- Shorten the objective to just 1-2 lines that clearly state what you hope to contribute.
- Make sure the layout is easy to follow with consistent headings and spacing.
Good Resume Examples:
3. Bad Resume Example: The Mystery Candidate
Jordan Lee
jordanlee@gmail.com | 555-765-4321Objective
Looking for a position where I can use my experience and skills to help your company succeed.
Work Experience
Customer Service Representative – XYZ Corp | 2019 – 2021
- Worked with customers to resolve issues and handle their inquiries.
- Managed customer accounts and ensured all issues were resolved in a timely manner.
- Participated in various internal projects to improve customer experience.
Administrative Assistant – ABC Inc. | 2017 – 2019
- Assisted in managing office supplies, scheduling meetings, and answering phone calls.
- Provided support for day-to-day office operations.
- Handled administrative tasks and maintained records for various departments.
Education
University of Somewhere
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration | Graduated 2016
Skills
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Customer Service
- Problem-Solving
Certifications
- Customer Service Certification | 2020
- Basic Microsoft Office Training | 2018
Why It's Bad:
- The job titles are clear, but the company names are generic placeholders. Without specific organizations, hiring managers have no way to know where the applicant worked.
- The document does not highlight any achievements or measurable outcomes.
- The skills section is very generic, listing only broad terms like “Communication” and “Teamwork.”
Suggestions for Improvement:
- Replace the placeholder names with real, recognizable companies to add credibility.
- For each entry, describe the day-to-day tasks more thoroughly, focusing on what you contributed.
- Center on hard skills that are relevant to the role you’re applying for.
Good Resume Examples:
4. The TMI Bad Resume Example
Samantha Johnson
789 Longstreet Rd, Chicago, 548245 | samanthajohnson@email.com | 555-123-4567Objective
I am seeking a challenging position where I can use my skills, experience, and passion for helping others. I want to work at a company that values diversity and inclusion and promotes a healthy work-life balance. I have a strong belief in the importance of teamwork and am ready to go above and beyond to ensure that the company reaches its goals. Also, I love dogs and prefer working in a pet-friendly office environment. My long-term career goal is to achieve personal growth, learn new things, and eventually move into a leadership position.
Work Experience
Customer Service Manager – GreatTech Solutions | June 2020 – August 2025
- Led a team of 15 customer service representatives and handled all aspects of team management.
- Managed high-stress situations, such as angry customers, and always ensured I remained calm and collected. My ability to handle conflict helped improve team morale.
- I helped a customer who was very upset about their late delivery. I patiently listened, empathized, and ended up sending them a free product. This resulted in a five-star review!
- I was born with a natural talent for conflict resolution, and I believe I’ve refined these skills over time. I used to mediate disputes between my friends in high school.
- Occasionally stayed late to complete customer service tasks, as I was committed to helping the team and getting everything done. I also enjoyed watching Netflix after work, especially "Stranger Things."
Retail Assistant – Fashion Emporium | 2017 – 2020
- Provided in-store customer service to clients, including assisting with clothing sizes and giving fashion advice. I’m very into fashion and enjoy helping others look their best.
- Managed inventory, processed sales, and organized the store. I had a part-time job during school because I’m passionate about fashion and love staying up-to-date on the latest trends.
- During my time at Fashion Emporium, I worked well with the other associates, and we’d often chat during breaks. I really bonded with one of my colleagues and still consider them a close friend today!
- I once had a customer return a jacket because it was too big. I made them feel better by sharing my personal experience with shopping. They appreciated that I was real with them.
Education
University of Chicago
Bachelor of Arts in Marketing | Graduated May 2016
- While in school, I was involved in the Student Association and was voted "Most Likely to Be on TV" in my senior yearbook. I love being around people and speaking in public.
- I participated in the annual “University Bake-Off,” where I won 3rd place for my homemade brownies. I take my baking seriously.
- I also took a course on animal behavior, which I found fascinating. It’s helped me connect better with pets and customers alike!
Skills
- Advanced customer service skills (I’m great at keeping calm during stressful situations)
- Conflict resolution (especially between friends and family)
- Social media marketing (I can make great memes!)
- Microsoft Office Suite (I use Word and Excel a lot, and I’m pretty good at PowerPoint presentations)
- Exceptional multitasking ability (I can watch Netflix, reply to emails, and do laundry all at once)
- Pet care and adoption knowledge (My friends say I should open an animal shelter)
Hobbies
- Traveling – I’ve visited 8 countries in the last 3 years and can’t wait to explore more!
- Baking – I’m a self-proclaimed baking expert, especially cookies. Ask me about my chocolate chip recipe.
- Animals – I have a cat named Mittens and I’m planning to adopt more animals in the future.
- Watching Netflix – I love "Stranger Things" and “The Office.” I can quote episodes!
- Fitness – I work out every day and enjoy yoga to de-stress. I’m also trying to run a marathon this year!
- Gardening – I have a garden in my backyard, and I love growing tomatoes and flowers.
- I’m also a proud member of the "Gingerbread House Enthusiasts" group on Facebook.
Why It's Bad:
- The document includes too many personal details, such as favorite TV shows, pet stories, and hobbies that aren’t related to the job.
- Irrelevant details such as “Netflix watching after work” and “making memes about animals” do not add value to the experience.
- The career trajectory is unclear due to the lack of focus on specific accomplishments.
Suggestions for Improvement:
- Prioritize showcasing professional skills for resume and qualifications.
- Avoid unrelated anecdotes and instead, highlight measurable success.
- Revise the objective to center on goals and how your skills and experiences align with the role.
Good Resume Examples:
5. The Exaggeration Expert: Terrible Resume Example
Michael Clark
San Francisco, CA 94105 | michaelclark@gmail.com | 555-987-6543Objective
Highly accomplished and dynamic professional seeking an executive position where I can leverage my exceptional leadership abilities, groundbreaking innovations, and unrivaled expertise to revolutionize your company’s performance and global strategy.
Work Experience
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Tesla, Inc. | June 2018 – May 2025
- Orchestrated the complete turnaround of Tesla, taking it from near bankruptcy to becoming the industry leader within 18 months.
- Implemented groundbreaking strategies that resulted in a 500% increase in annual revenue, breaking all previous records for the company.
- Directed global teams of over 1,000 employees, ensuring maximum productivity, engagement, and morale, while maintaining a 0% turnover rate across all divisions.
- Consulted with world leaders and Fortune 500 executives, influencing global economic trends and shaping international trade policies.
Senior Vice President of Marketing – Apple Inc. | August 2015 – June 2018
- Completely redefined Apple’s global marketing strategy, increasing brand recognition by 90% and driving a surge in market share.
- Revolutionized digital marketing campaigns, resulting in a 300% growth in online engagement across all platforms.
Project Manager – Google LLC | January 2012 – August 2015
- Managed over 100 high-profile projects for Google, delivering them all on time and under budget, with client satisfaction rates consistently exceeding 99%.
- Successfully turned around a series of failing projects, achieving a 100% success rate on all client contracts and increasing client retention by over 150%.
Education
Harvard Business School
Master of Business Administration (MBA) | Graduated 2012
- Graduated at the top of my class, receiving numerous academic honors and awards.
- Founded the Harvard Business Innovation Club, a group dedicated to transforming the global business landscape.
Skills
- Visionary Leadership
- Global Market Strategy
- Digital Marketing Innovation
- High-Impact Negotiation
- Project Management Excellence
- Financial Forecasting and Risk Analysis
- Team Development and Employee Retention
- International Trade Relations
- Crisis Management and Problem Solving
Awards
- Named “World’s Most Influential CEO” by Forbes, 2021
- Received the “Innovation Leadership Award” from the United Nations for contribution to global technology solutions, 2020
Why It's Bad:
- The titles and responsibilities described are over-inflated.
- The achievements in resume outlined appear more like an exaggeration than something realistically possible.
- Claiming to have personally “consulted with world leaders” sounds like a stretch.
Suggestions for Improvement:
- Instead of telling grand, unrealistic numbers, focus on rational accomplishments that can be backed up with specific examples.
- Give a clear and feasible narrative about your impact at the company.
- Recognize that achievements are often the result of teamwork. It’s great to highlight leadership, but mention how you collaborated with others.
Good Resume Examples:
Worst resumes: Conclusion
In the competitive world of job hunting, crafting a truthful resume is paramount. While it can be tempting to exaggerate impact, stretch job titles, or flood your application with unnecessary details, these approaches often do more harm than good.
Remember, your document serves as a reflection of you as a professional. Write it thoughtfully, avoid the common pitfalls highlighted in these examples of bad resumes, and present yourself in the best light possible.
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