Common Issues Found in an AI Resume Review: How to Identify and Fix Them

Why Resume Reviews Matter and What to Expect

Before exploring common issues, it’s worth stepping back to clarify the purpose of a resume review—whether automated or human. Simply put, a resume review assesses how well your resume communicates your skills, experience, and suitability for a role. Automated systems often mimic how recruiters or applicant tracking systems (ATS) interpret resumes, highlighting areas that might cause your application to get overlooked.

While reviews provide useful insights, they’re not crystal balls. They identify patterns or gaps based on algorithms and rule sets but don’t always grasp context, nuances, or industry jargon. That’s why a blend of technical fixes and a recruiter’s perspective is crucial. You can also find comprehensive strategies to enhance your resume in our pillar guide on AI Resume Review: Get Instant Feedback and Improve Your Resume (US Guide 2026).

1. Formatting Flaws That Hurt Readability and Parsing

Formatting issues are often the first things flagged. You might be surprised how something as simple as inconsistent bullet points or odd line spacing can trip up resume parsing software — and by extension, diminish recruiter interest.

Common Formatting Problems

• Excessive use of tables or graphics: Visual elements that look great on screen can confuse parsing tools, rendering key information invisible.
• Inconsistent fonts and sizes: Switching typefaces mid-document or using tiny fonts makes it hard for software to capture data accurately.
• Unclear section headings: Generic labels like “Experience” or “Work” without hierarchy or formatting often get missed or misclassified.
• Overuse of special characters: Symbols, icons, or emojis rarely parse properly and can cause errors.

Fixes to Try

Stick with standard, easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid complex layouts — keep your structure linear and straightforward. Use standard headings (like Work Experience, Education) that clearly separate sections. Bullet points should be simple, uniform dots or dashes. Finally, always test your resume by uploading it into multiple ATS simulators or resume reviewers to check for parsing integrity.

2. Keywords: Too Few, Too Many, or Poorly Placed

Keywords remain a hot topic in resume advice, yet many applicants still get tripped up. Reviews often report “keyword deficiency” or “keyword stuffing,” which can seem contradictory if you’re unfamiliar with the nuances.

Understanding Keywords in Context

Recruiters and ATS look for specific terms related to skills, technologies, certifications, and job functions that align with the position. However, sprinkling keywords randomly won’t help; they need to be relevant and embedded naturally.

Common Keyword Issues Highlighted

• Missing important keywords: Skipping critical skills or industry jargon means your resume may not rank well.
• Overstuffing keywords: When the same buzzword is repeated unnaturally, it reads as spammy and can trigger penalties in ATS rankings.
• Poor keyword placement: Keywords buried in footnotes, headers, or graphics are invisible to scanners.

Practical Tips for Keyword Optimization

Analyze job descriptions carefully and mirror keywords that genuinely reflect your experience. Incorporate these terms fluidly into your bullet points, summaries, and achievement statements. Avoid copying entire job ads verbatim or filling your resume with jargon without context—balance is key.

3. Ambiguous or Generic Language Dilutes Impact

In our observation, resumes often fall into the trap of generic phrases like “responsible for” or “worked on” without concrete details. Such language leaves recruiters with a faint impression rather than a clear understanding.

Why Specificity Matters

Effective resumes tell a story: what you did, how you did it, and the impact. “Managed a team” is less compelling than “Led a cross-functional team of 5 that increased project delivery speed by 30%.”

Commonly Noted Language Issues

• Vague terms with no measurable results
• Overused buzzwords without backing examples (e.g., “innovative,” “detail-oriented”)
• Lack of action verbs at the start of bullet points

How to Write with Clarity and Authority

Use strong action verbs—“designed,” “implemented,” “accelerated.” Whenever possible, quantify achievements with numbers, percentages, or deadlines. Put yourself in the recruiter’s shoes: Would you remember this accomplishment or just skim past it? The difference lies in vivid, precise language.

4. Overly Lengthy or Too Sparse Content

Striking the right balance in length is tough. Resume reviews often point out when documents are too bloated, filled with irrelevant details, or so brief that they omit core competencies.

The Risks of Excessive Length

Resumes exceeding two pages typically dilute the recruiter’s focus and may violate industry norms, especially for professionals with less than 10 years of experience. Lengthy resumes also risk hiding vital information within a sea of fluff.

The Perils of Being Too Sparse

On the flip side, overly terse resumes may fail to demonstrate depth of experience or miss critical keywords and contexts that recruiters seek.

Finding Your Sweet Spot

Aim for 1–2 pages, highlighting recent, relevant roles with concise bullet points. Prioritize quality over quantity: every word should earn its place. Remove outdated or unrelated posts and tailor content for each application when possible. This focus reduces noise and improves clarity.

5. Missing or Confusing Contact Information

It might seem obvious, but incomplete or unclear contact details are surprisingly common. Some resumes fail ATS checks due to formatting errors around the header.

Typical Issues in Contact Sections

• No phone number or outdated email addresses
• Inclusion of unusual characters or images for contact info
• Omitting LinkedIn or professional portfolio links (where relevant)

Best Practices for Contact Information

List your full name prominently at the top. Include a professional email address (avoid nicknames or unprofessional domains), your best phone number, and a clean LinkedIn URL. Avoid placing contact info in headers or footers that some ATS can’t read. Test by copying and pasting the contact area to ensure readability.

6. Lack of Tailoring to Job Descriptions

One size rarely fits all in resume writing. Automated reviewers often highlight when your resume isn’t aligned with the target role—this is a red flag for recruiters too.

Why Tailoring Is Crucial

Each job has unique demands, culture, and priorities. When your resume reflects the exact skills, tools, and accomplishments a job requires, it signals you’ve done your homework and are a genuine fit.

Signs of Poor Tailoring

• Generic summary statements that don’t mention key job-related skills
• Experience descriptions that feel unrelated or outdated
• Skills section listing many irrelevant or outdated tools

How to Tailor Effectively

Carefully study the job post for must-have skills and preferred qualifications. Mirror the language without parroting. Highlight experiences that demonstrate those skills through concrete results. Even adjusting your professional summary to reflect the opportunity can boost relevance.

7. Overlooking Soft Skills and Personality Fit

While hard skills dominate resume reviews, soft skills still deserve attention. Automated tools may not fully assess these, but their absence can leave a one-dimensional impression on hiring managers.

Balancing Hard and Soft Skills

Communication, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability often come through in how you describe your achievements. For instance, “Facilitated cross-team collaboration resulting in...” speaks directly to interpersonal skills.

Incorporating Soft Skills Effectively

Rather than listing soft skills as vague buzzwords, embed them within concrete examples or outcomes. This approach adds authenticity and differentiates your resume.

8. Ignoring Resume Updates and Trends

Resumes are living documents, and neglecting to update them regularly often leads to outdated formats, missing certifications, or obsolete skills.

Common Signs Your Resume Is Behind the Curve

• No mention of recent accomplishments
• Old job listings extending too far back without relevance
• Formats that don’t reflect current readability standards

Keeping Your Resume Current

Set a reminder to revisit your resume every 3–6 months, especially after major projects or learning new skills. Check for evolving industry keywords, update tools and certifications, and consider refreshing your format to match current best practices.

9. Unexplained Employment Gaps or Job-Hopping

Resume reviews often flag gaps in employment or frequent job changes as potential concerns, not because they’re automatically deal-breakers, but because recruiters want to understand the story behind them.

Addressing Employment Gaps

Briefly acknowledging gaps in your summary or cover letter can preempt assumptions. If the gap involved learning, freelancing, or volunteering, mention it succinctly.

Handling Frequent Transitions

If your career includes many short-term roles, frame them by emphasizing accomplishments and skills gained rather than highlighting the brief durations. Sometimes clustering contract work or freelance projects in a dedicated section can clarify intent.

Conclusion: From Review to Resume Revamp

Resume reviews shine a much-needed light on hidden flaws, but the real work is in interpreting and acting on that feedback thoughtfully. Addressing formatting issues, optimizing keywords, sharpening language, and tailoring your content are foundational to creating a resume that doesn’t just pass automated checks but genuinely resonates with recruiters.

In our experience, the resumes that succeed combine technical polish with a human touch—clear stories backed by solid evidence. If you want to dive deeper, check out our comprehensive guide on resume feedback and improvement. Remember, your resume is your first handshake with a potential employer; make sure it’s firm, confident, and memorable.