Not Getting Hired? 7 Resume Red Flags That Could Be Costing Gen Z Their Interviews

In a world where resumes are scanned in under 7 seconds, your aesthetic, ambition, and AI-generated punchlines won’t save you if your content lacks clarity, context, and credibility. Gen Z is entering the workforce with unmatched creativity and a tech-first mindset—but there’s a catch. While your generation is redefining the way careers begin, it’s also making some classic and not-so-classic resume mistakes.

The truth? Recruiters are interested in your skills, not your soft fonts and buzzwords. So if you’re wondering why your DMs aren’t turning into interviews. Here are seven resume red flags Gen Z job seekers should absolutely steer clear of in 2025—because being bold and tech-savvy is your edge, but even the best talent can get ghosted for the wrong reasons.

AI without authenticity

Gen Z knows how to work smart—AI tools like ChatGPT and Canva are second nature. But if your resume reads like it was churned out by a bot, you’re in trouble. Recruiters can spot AI-generated text a mile away, and when your resume lacks your personal touch, it feels cold and forgettable. A wall of polished jargon might sound impressive, but it doesn’t reveal anything about who you are or how you work. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s personality and authenticity.

Amneet Kaur Sahdra - Global Business & People Operations Leader, shares on this balance, “With the rise of AI tools and unconventional formats, Gen Z resumes often feature over-designed layouts or generic, AI-generated content. While creativity is welcome, it must be balanced with professionalism and clarity. In hiring, authenticity still wins—we look for real stories, measurable impact, and the ability to communicate without a script. A resume should start a conversation, not end it. Let your personality and achievements shine through with purpose.”

Job hopping

The gig economy, freelance projects, and startup stints are all part of the modern career path. But if your resume shows a string of short-term roles with no explanation, it raises red flags. Recruiters aren’t necessarily judging you for moving around—they just want to understand why. A resume that reads like a highlight reel without context can come across as flaky or unfocused. It’s not about staying in one job forever—it’s about showing purpose, growth, or at least a clear direction.

Links with no substance

Adding your Instagram, LinkedIn, or personal website can boost your resume—if it’s relevant. Recruiters will click, so what they find should reinforce your skills and career goals. A portfolio or project page adds value. Random content, memes, or unprofessional posts? Not so much. Your online presence should support your application, not distract from it.

Buzzword soup

“Creative disruptor.” “Multi-hyphenate.” “Strategic storyteller.” These sound cool on LinkedIn—but on a resume, they can fall flat without evidence. Gen Z has a strong grasp of personal branding, but resumes still rely on results. Flashy language without examples just reads like filler. If every bullet point sounds like a marketing pitch but says nothing concrete, you’re missing the mark.

Manvi Gupta, Co-founder of Neelu and Manvi, shares that resumes in creative fields must balance individuality with clear, measurable outcomes: "As the co- founder of a fashion label , I've learnt how crucial it is to present yourself with clarity and creativity, particularly in an industry like fashion. Relying too much on generic resume templates without customising their experience to the position they're going for is one error I frequently observe my peers making. Particularly in creative areas, your CV should showcase your unique style and identity. Using too many buzzwords on a resume or describing every activity a person has ever completed, instead of emphasising outcomes and genuine influence, is another tendency that might harm a candidate's chances. Whether it's expanding a social media presence, increasing revenue, or running a successful campaign, recruiters and brand owners wants to see what you do. Lastly, I've observed that many individuals tend to overlook the importance of soft skills or fail to emphasize their collaborative experiences. Through my journey , I’ve discovered that possessing strong communication skills and being a team player is equally as important as having technical expertise. A resume that strikes a balance between creativity, clarity, and authenticity really stands out."

Using digital portfolios

Having a sleek Notion page or a curated Behance portfolio is great—but recruiters still expect a traditional resume. Digital extras are meant to enhance, not replace. Relying solely on a link assumes the person reviewing your application has time (and the interest) to click away from your file. Many hiring teams still operate with resume stacks, HR software, and quick scan sessions.

Reshma Shah, a 22-year-old graduate, highlights the importance of tailoring your resume to fit the industry you’re applying to, explaining how different fields demand different approaches: “I think an advice that really stood out to me during the process of applying in different companies for an internship was that different industries require different kinds of resume layouts. I remember comparing my resume with that of a friend and felt hers was much more interactive compared to my plain black and white template. I won’t lie, the urge to add more creative elemnts was high. But I think what made me draw the line between these two comparisons was when I realised the difference in the kind of industries we were looking at. She leaned more towards event management companies while my forte and focus was to primarily work in news companies. The tone of work demanded in both these industries is obviously quite different in nature. What showed as creative in my friend’s resume would have have rubbed off as unprofessional in my field. Although advancement in technology demands the use of better elements when working with a digital medium, I think having the foresight to evaluate your personal requirements and expectations is also quite important. Once you start viewing things from a personal lens, the line between being bold versus professional will draw itself.”

No soft skills or team wins

Gen Z thrives in independent, flexible, often remote environments. But while self-sufficiency is a strength, leaving out soft skills like collaboration, leadership, and communication can hurt your chances—especially in hybrid or team-based roles. A resume that focuses only on solo achievements or individual projects might signal that you struggle to work with others. Employers want to know that you can thrive in group dynamics, handle feedback, and contribute to a shared mission.

Designs that break ATS systems

Eye-catching resumes created in Canva or Figma are popular, but many aren’t compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These systems scan resumes for keywords and key information, often struggling with graphics, icons, and complex layouts. When an ATS can’t read your resume clearly, important details get lost, reducing your chances of getting noticed. To succeed in online job applications, focus on clean, simple designs that prioritise readability and keyword optimisation—reserving creative visuals for portfolios or interviews.

In today’s fast-paced job market, your resume is more than just a document—it’s your story, your voice, and your first chance to make an unforgettable impression. By avoiding these common Gen Z pitfalls and striking the right balance between creativity and clarity, you’ll stand out for the right reasons. With thoughtful tweaks and a strategic approach, your resume can open doors and turn those elusive interviews into real opportunities.

Resume clean-up tips

Use your voice: Rewrite generic phrasing into language that reflects your real experience and tone.

Test your resume: Upload your resume to a free ATS scanner to see if it reads cleanly and ranks well.

Do a link audit: Click every link on your resume before sending it. Ensure each one opens, loads fast, and adds value.

Focus on your skills: Highlight 5–7 key skills that align with the role, and drop the rest. Customize this list for each job.

Ask a friend (or Mentor) to review: A fresh pair of eyes will catch typos, inconsistencies, or areas that could be misinterpreted.

news