On Air with Astro Syok: 6 Resume Mistakes to Avoid, by Hiredly’s VP of People & Culture

Your resume could be holding you back without you even realizing it! On this episode of Astro’s Syok Podcast, Hiredly’s VP of People & Culture breaks down six common resume mistakes and how to fix them—so you can stand out to recruiters and land more job opportunities.

By Matt Khoo on 2025-03-13 at 6:00 AM

Updated on 2025-03-21 at 5:28 AM

Meet the Guest

Ever wonder why recruiters aren’t calling you back? It might not be your experience—it could be your resume.

Hiredly’s VP of People & Culture, Joselyn Lau, joined Astro’s Syok Podcast with hosts Tako and Wei Wen to break down the biggest resume mistakes job seekers make—and how to fix them.

1. A wedding photo on your resume? Seriously, no.

Would you submit a vacation selfie for your passport? Probably not. The same rule applies to your resume.
✅ Use a professional headshot with a clean background.
✅ No headshot? No problem! Some industries don’t require one.

📖 Related Read: Should You Put a Photo on Your Resume?

2. Listing skills without proof

Saying “Great at Photoshop” or “Expert in digital marketing” doesn’t mean much unless you back it up. Employers want real examples of what you’ve done.

❌ Bad: "Managed social media"
✅ Better: "Grew Instagram engagement by 50% in 3 months through targeted content strategy."

3. Forgetting your contact details

Yes, this actually happens. If recruiters can’t reach you, they can’t hire you.

✅ Must-have: Phone number & professional email (not cutegirl99@email.com, please).
✅ A LinkedIn profile link is a great bonus.

📖 Related Read: How to Write the Perfect Resume

4. Sending the same resume to every job

Recruiters can tell when you’re blasting the same resume everywhere. A generic resume won’t stand out.

✅ Tailor your resume by using keywords from the job description.
✅ Highlight the experience that’s most relevant to the role.

📖 Related Read: How to Write a Resume That Stands Out

5. Numbers make your resume stronger

Employers love measurable results because they show impact.

❌ Weak: "Led a team."
✅ Stronger: "Managed a team of 5 and increased efficiency by 30%."

6. Unnecessary personal details

Your IC number, marital status, and race don’t belong on your resume. Employers care about your skills, not your background.

📖 Related Read: What Recruiters Look for on Resumes

A great resume isn’t about packing in more information—it’s about highlighting the right information. Skip the common mistakes, personalize your application, and showcase real achievements with examples. Looking for more resume tips? Check out this resume checklist, explore job opportunities on Hiredly, join the Young Talent Community, and take the Hiredly Work Personality Test to find your best career fit!

Listen to the full podcast here: Astro Syok Podcast

By Matt Khoo on 2025-03-13 at 6:00 AM