Have you ever sent out dozens of job applications without getting a single call back? You’re not alone. Many Nigerian job seekers face this frustrating experience without realising that their resumes might be the culprit. The good news? These mistakes are fixable, and today we’ll show you how to polish your resume to perfection.

1. Including Irrelevant Personal Information

Listing details like your state of origin, religion, or marital status might seem necessary, but they often do more harm than good. Recruiters are primarily interested in your skills and experience.

Fix: Stick to essential contact information: your name, phone number, professional email, and LinkedIn profile (if updated).

2. Using a Generic Objective Statement

“Seeking a challenging role in a dynamic organization” is vague and uninspiring.

Fix: Write a compelling professional summary that highlights your key skills and career goals.

Example: “Detail-oriented digital marketer with 3 years of experience driving social media engagement by 40%.”

3. Spelling and Grammatical Errors

Nothing screams “unprofessional” like a resume riddled with typos.

Fix: Proofread your resume multiple times. Better yet, ask a friend to review it or use a tool.

4. Not Tailoring Your Resume to Each Job

Sending the same resume to different employers rarely works.

Fix: Customise your resume by highlighting the most relevant skills and experience for each job posting.

5. Poor Formatting and Design

If your resume looks cluttered or difficult to read, it might get tossed aside by recruiters or the ATS

Fix: Use a clean, professional layout with clear headings and bullet points. Keep it simple; no fancy fonts or colours.

6. Listing Job Duties Instead of Achievements

Simply stating your responsibilities doesn’t show the value you brought to previous roles.

Fix: Focus on accomplishments. For instance, instead of saying “managed social media accounts,” say “increased Instagram followers by 50% in 6 months.”

7. Including Too Much Information

Recruiters spend an average of 6-10 seconds on a resume. Don’t make them sift through irrelevant details.

Fix: Keep your resume concise (1-2 pages max). Highlight only the experiences and skills that matter most.

8. No Keywords from the Job Description

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes.

Fix: Mirror the keywords and phrases from the job description, but make sure they fit naturally into your resume.

9. Leaving Out Soft Skills and Certifications

Employers value adaptability, communication skills, and continuous learning.

Fix: Include relevant soft skills and certifications, especially those that align with the job requirements.

10. Not Adding a Professional Touch

An unprofessional email address or lack of a LinkedIn profile can hurt your chances.

Fix: Use a professional email address (e.g., yourname@gmail.com) and update your LinkedIn profile to match your resume.

Your resume is your first impression. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll increase your chances of landing that interview. Take the time to tailor your resume, focus on achievements, and keep it professional yet concise.

Ready to create a winning resume? Sign up with Aima and take the first step towards landing your dream job.