10 Resume Mistakes That Could Cost You a Job – And How to Fix Them

Landing a job at a top tech company like FAANG is highly competitive, and your resume is your first shot at making a lasting impression. However, if your resume doesn’t clear the Applicant Tracking System (ATS), it won’t even reach a recruiter’s desk. To ensure your resume stands out and gets you that coveted interview, avoid these common pitfalls. Here are the top 10 mistakes candidates make and how to fix them for a FAANG-ready resume.

1. Using a Generic Resume for All Applications

FAANG companies use sophisticated ATS filters that match job descriptions with resumes. If your resume isn’t customized for a specific job listing, it may not even reach a human recruiter.

Fix:

• Tailor your resume for each role by including job-specific keywords from the job description.
• Modify your skills and experience sections to align with what the company is looking for.

2. Formatting Issues That Break ATS Compatibility

Many candidates try to make their resumes look visually appealing with fancy graphics, columns, and images. Unfortunately, ATS systems can’t process these well and may discard your resume.

 Fix:

• Use a clean, single-column format.
• Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Submit your resume as a PDF unless the job description specifies otherwise.

3. Overloading with Buzzwords Instead of Actionable Impact

Recruiters at FAANG want to see measurable impact, not vague claims. Using overused buzzwords like “team player” or “hardworking” without backing them up with evidence weakens your resume.

Fix:

• Use quantifiable results. Instead of saying "Improved system performance", say "Optimized backend queries, reducing load time by 40%."
• Use action verbs like "developed," "led," "implemented," and "optimized."

4. Listing Duties Instead of Achievements

Simply stating your responsibilities isn’t enough. FAANG recruiters want to see how you added value in your previous roles.

Fix:

• Focus on achievements rather than job duties.
• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to highlight impact.
  Example: Instead of "Worked on backend development", write "Designed and deployed microservices architecture, improving system scalability by 30%."

5. Not Optimizing for Keywords

Many FAANG resumes get rejected because they don’t contain the right technical and soft skill keywords. ATS scans for specific words from the job description.

Fix:

• Extract the most important keywords from the job posting and include them naturally in your resume.
• If applying for a Software Engineer role, ensure you include programming languages, frameworks, and methodologies relevant to the job.

6. Ignoring the Importance of a Strong Summary Section

FAANG recruiters receive thousands of applications. Your resume needs a compelling summary at the top to capture their attention in seconds.

Fix:

• Write a 3-4 sentence professional summary highlighting your expertise and top achievements.
• Example:
  "Software Engineer with 5+ years of experience in backend development. Built scalable microservices architecture at Amazon, reducing system latency by 35%. Strong expertise in Java, Python, and cloud infrastructure."

7. Including an Irrelevant or Outdated Skills Section

A cluttered skills section with outdated technologies or too many irrelevant skills reduces clarity.

Fix:

• Keep your skills section focused and relevant to the FAANG job you’re applying for.
• Example of a clear skills section:
  • Programming: Python, Java, C++
  • Frameworks: TensorFlow, Spring Boot, React
  • Tools: AWS, Kubernetes, Docker, Git

8. Failing to Include Links to Work or Projects

FAANG recruiters value practical skills over just degrees. If you don’t provide evidence of your work, you’re missing an opportunity.

Fix:

• If you’re a developer, link to your GitHub, portfolio, or personal website.
• If you’ve built a project, include a brief explanation and a link to the demo.

9. Submitting a Resume That’s Too Long

Recruiters don’t have time to read lengthy resumes. FAANG companies prefer concise, impact-driven resumes.

Fix:

• 1 page for early-career professionals.
• 2 pages max for experienced candidates.
• Remove irrelevant jobs and repetitive details.

10. Neglecting Proofreading and Quality Checks

Even the best resumes can be rejected due to simple typos or inconsistent formatting.

Fix:

• Use Grammarly or other proofreading tools.
• Have a mentor or colleague review your resume before submitting.
• Ensure formatting is consistent throughout (e.g., bullet points, font size, spacing).