When I first shifted from working full-time as a recruiter to becoming a career coach, I encountered many resumes written by professionals hired from outside sources. One story remains clear in my mind. I met a client who had spent money on a resume writer. The resume looked fine at first glance. It seemed polished and tidy. Yet, as a recruiter, I found it dull within two seconds.

Why? The summary section did not say anything about her unique skills or accomplishments. It sounded like a generic description that could fit anyone. What really caught my attention was what the resume lacked. It did not explain her specific achievements or the tools and systems she used. Important details about the scale of growth she drove, the sector she worked in, and her role were missing. Even though she had been a Vice President leading fast-growing tech startups for over 15 years, the resume never labeled her VP type.

This experience taught me that a resume must clearly speak to the unique history and abilities of the person it represents. Professional resume writers often aim for a polished look but miss the mark by making summaries too generic. They may remove the details that help hiring managers understand what makes someone special.

The common pitfalls of many resume writers include:

1. Lack of Specificity. Many resumes read like vague summaries. They avoid naming clear numbers or results. Instead of showing how a project improved revenue or efficiency, resumes speak in broad terms. This leaves recruiters guessing whether the candidate really made a difference.

2. Missing Industry Terms. Every field uses specific language. The client I worked with was a tech startup leader, but her resume never called out “growth,” “scaling,” or “innovation.” It did not say she worked in tech or name the kinds of companies she helped grow.

3. Ignoring the Job Type. Senior roles require clarity on what kind of leadership the person provided. Simply calling someone a VP does not tell the full story. Hiring managers want to know if this person handled operations, product, marketing, or something else.

4. Prioritizing Style Over Substance. Resume writers might focus on layout, fonts, and design instead of what actually matters: content that showcases achievements. A sharp look means little without meaningful information.

To avoid these pitfalls, here is what to keep in mind when writing or reviewing a resume:

Know Your Audience. Consider who will read your resume. Hiring managers and recruiters want concise but precise information. Use terms familiar to the industry and role you seek.

Highlight Achievements. Replace vague words with facts and figures. Instead of saying “led a team,” say “led a 20-person team that boosted sales by 15% in one year.” Numbers help prove your impact.

Define Your Role Clearly. Describe what kind of leader or specialist you were. Name your title fully and explain the role’s focus. For example, “VP of Product Management for SaaS platforms.”

Use Industry Jargon Wisely. Sprinkle in terms and buzzwords sparingly. Overuse can feel forced, but not using them at all can make your experience unclear.

Keep It Relevant. Tailor your resume for each job application. Only include experiences and skills that relate to the role you want. This keeps your resume strong and focused.

Focus on Content First. Make sure the resume’s writing is strong before working on design. Use clear, strong verbs and short sentences to keep the reader engaged.

A resume is not just a list of duties. It is a story of what you have done that matters. A skilled resume writer who understands this can help you shine. But many do not capture what makes you unique. That is why you should always read your resume carefully and ask yourself if it truly shows your value.

Good resumes catch attention by helping hiring managers see your achievements in context. They explain the scale of your work, the results you created, and the leadership you showed. They tell the story of your career in clear, simple language that feels personal and genuine.

If possible, work with someone who knows your industry or has recruiting experience. They will ask the right questions to get beneath surface details. They will help you describe your history in a way that stands out.

Remember the story of my client. Even a polished resume can fail if it sounds like everyone else’s. Don’t let your resume get lost in the crowd. Make sure it speaks to your unique journey, your specific wins, and your real capabilities.

Take the time to write a resume that does more than list jobs. Show who you are and what you have accomplished. That is the true way to open doors.