Resume Habits That Could Be Holding Back Great Opportunities
A resume is often the first introduction to a recruiter or hiring manager. It's more than a list of past roles—it's a snapshot of experience, strengths, and the kind of work that brings the most value.
Whether applying for a role in design, merchandising, product development, digital, eCommerce, or retail, a few simple updates can make a resume easier to read and help the right experience stand out.
Here are a few resume habits we come across often and some easy ways to strengthen them.
Including Every Job You've Ever Had
As careers grow, resumes naturally get longer. But that doesn't always mean they get stronger.
Instead of including every position from the beginning of a career, focus on the experience that's most relevant to the roles you're most interested in today. Older positions can often be shortened or removed if they no longer add meaningful context.
A focused resume gives recent accomplishments, leadership experience, and industry expertise the attention they deserve.
Listing Responsibilities Instead of Achievements
Most resumes explain what someone was responsible for. The ones that stand out also show the impact of that work.
Think about what changed because of those contributions. Maybe sales increased, a product launch was successful, a process became more efficient, or a new initiative helped the business grow. Those details help bring experience to life and give hiring teams a better understanding of the value behind each role.
Whenever possible, include measurable results to add context and credibility.
Using the Same Resume for Every Application
Every brand is different, and every role has its own priorities.
A resume doesn't need a complete rewrite for each application, but making a few thoughtful adjustments can go a long way. Highlighting the most relevant experience, updating a professional summary, or reordering bullet points helps create a stronger connection between previous experience and the opportunity.
Those small changes often make a big difference.
Making the Important Details Hard to Find
Recruiters spend a surprisingly short amount of time reviewing resumes during an initial screen.
Category expertise, software knowledge, leadership experience, certifications, and technical skills are all worth making easy to spot. Clean formatting, clear section headings, and concise bullet points help guide the reader to the most important information quickly.
Sometimes, simpler really is better.
Forgetting About LinkedIn and Your Portfolio
A resume is only one piece of the picture.
LinkedIn, online portfolios, and personal websites should all tell the same story. Consistent job titles, dates, and recent work help reinforce credibility and make it easier for recruiters to understand someone's background.
For creative roles, keeping a portfolio updated is just as important as updating a resume.
Missing the Final Review
Even the strongest resumes can be held back by small details.
Typos, inconsistent formatting, outdated contact information, or broken portfolio links are easy to overlook but also easy to fix. Taking one last look before hitting submit—or asking someone else to review it—can make all the difference.
A Few Small Updates Can Go a Long Way
A great resume doesn't tell the story of an entire career—it tells the story that's most relevant today.
Keeping it focused, highlighting accomplishments, and making it easy to navigate helps recruiters and hiring managers quickly understand where experience and expertise align.
At EB, resume conversations are part of what we do every day. Working with professionals across fashion, beauty, and lifestyle gives us a front-row seat to what stands out in today's hiring market. Whether it's sharing resume feedback, reviewing a portfolio, or talking through the next career move, we're always happy to be a resource.
Additional resume tips: