Your resume is often the first impression you make on a potential employer, so ensuring it is clear, professional, and accurate is key. Employers may look for certain red flags that could raise questions about your experience or suitability for a role. While these are not always dealbreakers, being aware of them allows you to present your experience in the best possible way.

Here are some common resume concerns and how to address them:

1. Unexplained Employment Gaps

Career breaks are completely normal, whether due to further education, travel, personal circumstances, or redundancy. If you have gaps in your work history, be proactive in addressing them. Briefly explain the reason in your resume or cover letter, highlighting any skills or experience gained during that time.

2. Job-Hopping

Changing jobs frequently can sometimes raise concerns about commitment or stability. However, due to the impact of COVID-19, many professionals experienced redundancies, short-term contracts, or career shifts between 2020-2024. If this applies to you, make sure to clarify your reasons for job changes and highlight any achievements in each role to show your contributions.

3. Lack of Career Progression

Not every career follows a linear path, and that’s okay! If your progression seems slow, focus on the skills and experience you have developed over time. Highlight any new responsibilities you took on, training courses you completed, or projects you led that showcase your growth.

4. Vague or Overly Generic Job Descriptions

Employers want to understand the impact you made in previous roles. Instead of listing basic job duties, be specific about your achievements. Use metrics where possible (e.g., "Reduced processing time by 30%" or "Managed a portfolio of 50 clients"). This helps demonstrate the value you bring to a company.

5. Inflated Titles or Responsibilities

Be honest about your job titles and responsibilities. If you held a broad role, you could clarify your contributions without exaggerating. For example, instead of saying you "led a department" when you worked closely with senior management, highlight your involvement and key contributions.

6. Frequent Career Changes Across Unrelated Fields

A diverse career background can be a strength if presented correctly. If you’ve worked in different industries, focus on transferable skills like communication, project management, or customer service. A brief summary at the top of your resume can help connect the dots for employers.

7. Spelling and Grammar Errors

Attention to detail is essential in any role. Before submitting your resume, proofread it carefully or ask someone else to review it. Even small errors can make a big difference in how your professionalism is perceived.

8. Missing Dates or Company Names

Transparency is important. Make sure your resume includes clear dates of employment and company names. If you worked in temporary or contract roles, label them accordingly to avoid any confusion.

9. Too Many Buzzwords and Jargon

While industry-specific terms are useful, avoid overloading your resume with buzzwords that don’t provide real insight into your abilities. Instead, focus on concrete examples of your work and how it contributed to the success of your team or company.

10. Lack of References or Recommendations

References help employers verify your experience. If you don’t have recent references, consider reaching out to past colleagues or managers. LinkedIn recommendations can also be a great way to showcase positive feedback from previous roles.

How to Strengthen Your Resume

If you recognise any of these potential red flags in your resume, take the time to refine it. Focus on:



• Providing clear and honest explanations where needed.
• Highlighting achievements and contributions instead of just listing responsibilities.
• Ensuring your resume is well-structured and free from errors.

At Harbour City Recruitment, we’re here to support both candidates and employers in finding the right fit. If you need help perfecting your resume or finding the right opportunity, get in touch with us today!