In this guide, I will show you the most common resume mistakes college students make and how to fix them. These mistakes can stop you from getting internships, part-time jobs, or online work. Follow this simple list to make your resume clean and professional.
1. Using a Complicated Resume Design
Many students use colourful designs, too many shapes, or hard fonts. This makes your resume hard to read.
What to do
Use a simple, clean layout.
Tip: Use tools like the BingSell Resume Builder for clean templates.
2. Writing Long Paragraphs
A resume is not an essay. Long paragraphs make employers skip your resume.
What to do
Use short lines and bullet points.
3. Using an Unprofessional Email Address
Emails like coolboy123@gmail.com look bad on resumes.
What to do
Use a simple email format: yourname@gmail.com
4. Adding Too Much Personal Information
Some students add:
- Father’s name
- Mother’s name
- Religion
- Full address
- Photo (not needed)
What to do
Only add:
Name, email, phone, city, LinkedIn (optional).
5. No Resume Summary
Many students forget to add a resume summary at the top.
What to do
Write a short 2–3 line summary.
Example:
“I am a college student interested in learning new skills. I am looking for an internship to gain real experience.”
6. Adding Fake Skills
Students often add skills they don’t know. This can create problems in interviews.
What to do
Add simple skills you really know, like:
- MS Word
- Basic Excel
- Canva
- Communication
- Teamwork
7. Not Showing Your Projects
Many students think experience means only a job. But projects are also an experience.
What to do
Add small projects like:
- Class assignments
- Group projects
- Research projects
- Personal projects
8. Poor Formatting
Common formatting mistakes:
- Uneven spacing
- Different font sizes
- Wrong alignment
- No headings
What to do
Keep everything clean and aligned.
9. Spelling and Grammar Mistakes
Small spelling mistakes can make a bad impression.
What to do
Read your resume twice before saving.
Use tools like Grammarly (free version).
10. Not Saving Resume as PDF
Some students send resumes in Word format. It may look different on other devices.
What to do
Always download your resume as a PDF.
Your resume will look the same everywhere.
Final Tip — Use a Resume Builder
To avoid all these mistakes, you can use a simple online resume builder.
It helps you create a clean resume in minutes.
👉 Try it here: https://bingsell.com/resume-builder
These common resume mistakes can stop college students from getting good opportunities. But now you know how to avoid them. Use simple design, clear information, and real skills. A good resume can help you get jobs, internships, and online work.
