Ready to land that dream job? Standing out in the application process is key. Here are nine mistakes to avoid.

In a challenging job market, impressing potential employers is essential. Regardless of your qualifications, your resume and cover letter must truly shine to secure an interview.

To ensure you’re recognized for the right reasons, steer clear of these frequent job application

Did You Follow Directions?

Applying for a job can feel like a series of hoops to jump through: writing a specific cover letter, using a designated subject line, and sending materials in a certain format. However, adhering to these guidelines is a hiring manager's first screen against unqualified candidates.

Avoid Applying for Any Job

It's tempting to express interest in any position at a company you admire, but doing so can come off as unprofessional. Pat Kelley, author of “Hiring Right,” points out that leaving the position field blank or writing “any” is not advisable. “I seek someone with clear goals and skills,” she notes.

Expressing a willingness to take any role can also signal desperation. As Kelley advises, don’t write, “I’m a dedicated worker and need a job.” “I’m not running a charity; I want individuals who can contribute. Hard work is appreciated, but it’s not enough,” she explains.

Mind Your Grammar

Typos can send your resume straight to the trash, but it’s more than just running spell check. Rikka Brandon, a headhunter, cites her biggest annoyance: seeing “manager” misspelled as “manger.” And never mix up “your” and “you’re” if you want to avoid trouble.

Another mistake Word won’t catch is inconsistent verb tense. “Don’t mix past and present tenses for the same job,” advises Tracy Vistine, recruiting director at Messina Group. Have a trusted friend review your CV for errors.

Skip Outdated Elements

Including an objective statement at the top of your resume is outdated, according to Rasheen Carbin, co-founder of two staffing startups. “This does nothing to showcase your experience or skills,” he says.

Another cringe-worthy element is stating you’ll “provide references upon request.” “This is antiquated. I expect references from anyone applying,” he adds.

Remember, resume standards can vary by industry and company, so research before applying.

Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties

When detailing your past roles, it's important to highlight what you accomplished rather than merely listing responsibilities.

Headhunter Jim Giammatteo, author of “No Mistakes Resumes,” notes that focusing on duties over achievements is a common mistake that leads to many resumes being discarded. “Anyone can hold a position, but what did you actually achieve?” he asks.

Also, avoid vague buzzwords like “innovator,” “team player,” or “detail-oriented.”

While being detail-oriented is a valuable trait, using it on your resume can send a red flag to reviewers searching for mistakes, warns Shayleen Stuto, director of HR at TechnologyAdvice.

Career consultant Henry Dotson cautions against empty phrases like, “I’d be a great addition to your team.” “That sounds amateurish,” he states. “If you weren’t a good fit, why apply?”

Is Your Resume Too Extensive?

Long resumes with excessive work history or inconsistent employment can hurt your chances, according to Certified Professional Resume Writer George Bernocco. He recommends limiting your resume to two pages. If you're unsure what to trim, focus on irrelevant experiences. Aim to include only 10 to 15 years of relevant experience.

First impressions are lasting. Remember Elle Woods’s iconic pink resume in “Legally Blonde”? In real life, that can be a misstep. Vistine warns against using signature colors for headings and contact info.

Another common mistake is using various fonts and sizes. Unless you’re a designer, “maintaining consistency will make your resume stand out more than employing five different fonts,” he advises.

Active Voice Over Passive, Limit Skills

Your resume should grab attention quickly. Use active voice: instead of saying, “deliverables were met ahead of schedule,” say, “I met my deliverables ahead of schedule,” advises former hiring manager Balki Kodarapu.

Active voice encourages first-person language, which is preferable to speaking in the third person.

In the “skills” section, avoid listing every minor technical proficiency. Streamline your skills by removing outdated ones.

Steer Clear of Unasked Salary Requirements

Many applications request past and current salary information and may prompt you to state your desired salary. However, career coach Lavie Margolin warns against including salary expectations unless asked. “This can easily eliminate candidates if their salary expectations are too high and makes them seem overly focused on money,” he says.