- December 2, 2024
- by Kalam Kagaz
- SOP Writing
Your resume is your gateway to securing a job interview. However, the difference between a good resume and a bad resume can make or break your chances.
A good resume showcases your skills, experience, and achievements in a way that grabs a recruiter’s attention. On the other hand, a bad resume can bury your qualifications under poor formatting, generic content, or grammatical errors.
Let’s find out the key differences, examples, and actionable tips to ensure your resume makes an impact.
The Differences Between A Good Resume Vs Bad Resume
1. Structure And Formatting
Good Resume:
- Uses a clean, professional layout.
- Includes sections like Contact Information, Summary, Work Experience, Education, and Skills.
- Consistent fonts and proper alignment make it easy to skim.
Bad Resume:
- Overloaded with flashy designs or inconsistent formatting.
- Missing critical sections or organized in a confusing manner.
Example:
Good: A reverse-chronological layout with clear section headings.
Bad: A resume with random fonts, bright colors, and no logical structure.
2. Customized Content
Good Resume:
- Tailored to the specific job, highlighting relevant skills and achievements.
- Incorporates keywords from the job description to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Bad Resume:
- Generic content copied for every job application.
- No effort to match the job’s requirements or use industry-specific terms.
Example:
Good: “Increased sales by 20% through targeted marketing campaigns.”
Bad: “Responsible for sales and marketing.”
3. Clarity And Conciseness
Good Resume:
- Clear, concise, and avoids unnecessary jargon.
- Uses bullet points to present information.
Bad Resume:
- Overloaded with irrelevant details or vague descriptions.
Example:
Good: “Managed a $500K annual budget, achieving 15% cost savings.”
Bad: “Managed budget.”
4. Grammar And Spelling
Good Resume:
- Free of typos and grammatical errors.
Bad Resume:
- Contains spelling mistakes and improper grammar, signaling lack of attention to detail.
Tip: Use tools like Grammarly or have someone proofread your resume.
Why A Good Resume Makes An Impression
1. ATS Optimization
Good resumes are ATS-friendly, incorporating keywords and formatting that ensure they pass initial screenings. Bad resumes often get rejected due to excessive graphics or missing keywords.
2. Highlighting Achievements
Employers prefer resumes that showcase measurable achievements, such as “Reduced project delivery time by 10%.” Bad resumes focus on duties without impact.
3. Professionalism
From a professional email address to consistent formatting, a good resume exudes professionalism. Avoid using unprofessional email addresses like cooldude123@gmail.com.
This Is What Makes A Bad Resume
1. Poor Layout Choices
Bad resumes are often cluttered, with inconsistent fonts and sections placed haphazardly.
2. Weak Objective or Summary
A good resume uses this space to grab attention, whereas bad resumes write vague or generic statements.
Example:
Good: “Results-driven marketer with 5+ years of experience in SEO and digital campaigns.”
Bad: “Looking for a job to enhance my skills.”
How To Create A Good Resume
1. Prioritize Content
Focus on relevant experiences, skills, and achievements tailored to the job role.
2. Use Reliable Templates
Professional templates ensure proper alignment, spacing, and a clean look.
3. Include Measurable Achievements
Quantify results to make your accomplishments more impactful.
Example:
Good: “Increased team productivity by 30% through process optimization.”
Bad: “Improved team performance.”
Finalizing: Good Resume Vs Bad Resume
So, understanding the difference between a good resume vs bad resume can transform your job application process. A well-written resume customized to the job role can open doors to new opportunities, while a poorly written one may close them. Invest time in perfecting your resume—it’s your ticket to success.
Remember, a good resume is your gateway to a promising career. By focusing on clarity, relevance, and professionalism, you can ensure your resume catches the recruiter’s eye. Avoid the pitfalls of a bad resume and take the time to tailor it to each job application.
FAQs
What is the difference between a good and a bad resume?
A good resume is structured, tailored, and error-free, while a bad resume is generic, cluttered, and poorly written.
How do you know if your resume is good or bad?
Check for clarity, relevance to the job, error-free content, and ATS-friendliness.
How to tell if a resume is bad?
If it’s unorganized, filled with errors, or lacks tailored content, it’s a bad resume.
What does an unprofessional resume look like?
An unprofessional resume may include inconsistent formatting, irrelevant details, or inappropriate email addresses.
How to check if a CV is good?
Review its alignment with the job description, inclusion of measurable achievements, and overall clarity.
Which ATS score is best?
An ATS score above 80% increases your chances of passing the initial screening.
