Resume Red Flags: Common Mistakes High School Students Make (and How to Fix Them NOW)
By Sarah H on Updated:
Your resume is like your first handshake. It’s how you say “hi” to colleges and jobs. But what if your resume is saying the wrong thing? What if it’s full of mistakes? Some resumes have “red flags.” These are things that make people say “no.” Let’s find out the red flags on student resumes. And let’s fix them NOW!
Is Your Resume Saying “NO” Instead of “HIRE ME”?
Think of your resume as a sign. It points to you. It should say “Pick ME!” But some resumes have problems. These problems are red flags. They warn people away. We don’t want that! Let’s look at the top red flags. And see how to make your resume say “YES!”
Red Flag #1: Looks Like Everyone Else’s Resume
Does your resume look just like your friend’s? That’s a red flag. Colleges and jobs see tons of resumes. They want to see YOU. Not a copy of everyone else. Make sure your resume shows what makes you different. Make it show your own skills. Make it show your own story.
- Generic Words: Do you use words like “team player” or “hard worker”? Everyone does. Be specific. Show HOW you are a team player. Show WHEN you worked hard.
- Same Old Layout: Does your resume look like a basic form? Make it look a little different. Use clear sections. Use bold words. Make it easy to read and a bit stylish.
Red Flag #2: Full of Errors (Typos & More!)
Typos are a big red flag. So are bad words. So is messy info. Errors say you don’t care. Errors say you rush. Errors make people say “no thanks.” Check your resume VERY well.
- **Typos and Grammar: ** Read it slowly. Read it again. Ask a friend to read it. Even small errors look bad.
- Bad Email Address: Is your email address “ coolkid123@ ”? That’s not good for a resume. Use a plain email with your name.
- Messy Info: Is your info hard to find? Is it crammed? Use clear lines. Use space. Make it easy to read all your great stuff.
Red Flag #3: Talks About Tasks, Not What You DID
Does your resume just list jobs? Like “Babysitter”? That’s just tasks. It doesn’t show what you DID. Colleges and jobs want to know what you achieved. They want to know how you helped. Show your impact.
- Just Lists Duties: Do you say “Took care of kids”? That’s just a duty. Change it to show what you did well.
- No “Wow” Factor: Does your resume miss the “wow”? Add lines that show you went above and beyond. Did you plan fun games for kids? Did you help the store get more customers? Add those “wow” things.
Red Flag #4: Too Long or Too Short – Just Not “Right”
Resume length matters. Too long is bad. Too short is bad too. You want it just right. For high school students, keep it to one page if you can. Make every line count.
- Too Much Empty Space: Is your resume mostly empty? Add more good stuff! Think about clubs, projects, or skills to add.
- Too Many Pages: Is your resume two pages long? Try to cut it down. Use short words. Cut out things that matter less. One strong page is better than two weak ones.
Red Flag #5: Weird Emails & Photos – Not Pro!
Your resume is a pro paper. Keep it pro all over. That means your email should be pro. And photos? Maybe no photos at all.
- Funny Email: Again, no “coolkid” emails. Use a simple, name-based email.
- Selfie Photos: Don’t add selfies or party pics. If you use a photo, make it a clean headshot. But for most student resumes, no photo is best.
Fix It Fast: Resume Rescue Steps
See red flags on your resume? Don’t worry! You can fix them NOW.
- Read it Again: Read your resume with fresh eyes. See if it looks like everyone else’s. See if it has errors.
- Ask a Pro: Ask a teacher or counselor to look at your resume. They know what looks good. They can spot red flags you miss.
- Rewrite and Power-Up: Take out weak lines. Add strong action words. Add numbers. Make it a story of YOU.
đź’ˇPro Tip: Once your resume is ready, upload it to Cirkled In to find internships and jobs that fit your skills!
Final Thought: Resume Danger Zones: Spot Mistakes & Fix Your Resume!
Your resume is your advocate, your first impression in ink. Don’t let red flags silence its voice. By addressing these critical errors, you’re not just fixing a document, you’re opening doors. Take control of your narrative, polish your presentation, and make your resume shout “Opportunity Awaits!”
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