When it comes to landing your next role, today’s recruiters are looking at the complete picture of who you are professionally. However, your resume and LinkedIn presence often create the first impression. Understanding what catches a recruiter’s eye (for better or worse) can make the difference between moving forward in the interview process or being passed over entirely.
Below are common mistakes and potential “red flags” that could cost you opportunities—as well as insider tips on how to avoid them.
Vague Job Histories
One of the most common mistakes we see on resumes are vague descriptions of candidates’ past roles. Simply listing "director of underwriting" without further context tells a recruiter 
very little. What type of underwriting? What were your key achievements? How large was your team? Recruiters need concrete details to understand your experience and assess whether you’re qualified for their open role. Use your resume to tell the story of what you did, how you did it and the impact you made.
Too Much (or Not Enough) Content
If you have substantial experience and accomplishments, don’t be afraid of a multi-page resume. However, make sure it is well-organized, easy to skim and ideally no more than two pages. Be strategic about what you include based on your career stage. For example, if you’re early in your career, internship experience is essential for your resume; but as you grow in your career and have more substantial and relevant experience, highlighting an internship may dimmish your credibility.
Typos and Inconsistent Formatting
Nothing undermines a claim of “strong attention to detail” faster than typos and inconsistent formatting on your resume. Spell check every line; review formatting to ensure consistency in fonts, spacing, bullet styles and dates; and ask a trusted friend or family member to proofread with fresh eyes. Details matter and are often the first impression a recruiter or hiring manager has of your work quality. The same principle applies to your LinkedIn profile— make sure it’s polished, current and error free.
Generic, One-Size-Fits-All Resumes
Recruiters can typically tell if you’ve taken the time to tailor your resume to a role, and generic resumes rarely make it past the initial screening. Incorporate keywords from the job description and highlight the aspects of your background that are most relevant. When you customize your resume for a specific opportunity, you're able to help connect your background to the needs of the role and best represent yourself in that context.
No LinkedIn Profile
Not including your LinkedIn profile on your resume is a missed opportunity and increasingly, a “red flag” for recruiters. Your LinkedIn presence offers valuable context that a resume can’t fully capture. Recruiters use LinkedIn to assess whether you’re well-connected in your industry, the ways you engage with your professional community, and how you interact with colleagues and content. Are you attending or speaking at conferences? Do you share thoughtful insights? Are you congratulating coworkers on their achievements? These details paint a picture of who you are beyond the bullet points on your resume.
Perhaps most importantly, LinkedIn helps recruiters verify the claims on your resume and get an overall sense of your professional demeanor. Make sure your profile is up-to-date and that it’s something you’d be proud for a recruiter to see.
Unprofessional Online Activity
While LinkedIn encourages engagement, be thoughtful about how you contribute. The LinkedIn news section, for example, is highly visible— any comment you leave on popular news stories will appear on your profile and be visible to your connections. Share your opinions and engage with content, but be thoughtful about taking strong stances on controversial or divisive topics that could alienate potential employers. Ask yourself: does this comment reflect the professional image I want to convey? Would I be comfortable with a hiring manager reading this?
The goal isn’t to be inauthentic or silent on topics that matter to you, but rather to be strategic about where and how you engage in those conversations. LinkedIn is intended for professional use, and your activity there should promote—not undermine—your candidacy.
Your resume and online presence work together to tell your professional story. When both are polished, detailed and thoughtfully curated, they can help open doors. Take the time to be intentional about how you present yourself and ensure you’re creating a positive and consistent professional image.