An Employee Who Has Worked at KPIT, Microsoft and Cognizant These Are Common Mistakes I See When People Apply for Tech Jobs

An Employee Who Has Worked at KPIT, Microsoft, and Cognizant Says, “These Are Common Mistakes I See When People Apply for Tech Jobs”

In today’s competitive tech job market, it’s easy to fall into common pitfalls when applying for roles at major companies. A seasoned tech employee who has been on the hiring side at KPIT, Microsoft, and Cognizant recently shared some of the most frequent mistakes applicants make—and how to sidestep them for better results.

1. Listing Skills Without Context or Results

A standout mistake applicants make is listing technical skills without backing them up with real-world applications or achievements.

• Why It Matters: Hiring managers want to see how your skills have been put to use, not just a list. A mere inventory of programming languages or tools doesn’t provide insight into your capability to drive results.
• How to Fix It: Rather than a list, contextualize your skills. For instance, say, “Developed and deployed a real-time data analytics system using Python and AWS, reducing data processing time by 40%.”

Pro Tip: Quantify achievements wherever possible to show impact. Use numbers and specific outcomes, like “increased performance by 30%,” or “reduced downtime by 50%.”

2. Sending the Same Resume for Every Job Application

Using a single, generic resume for all applications might save time, but it’s a costly mistake.

• Why It Matters: Companies like Microsoft, KPIT, and Cognizant have unique cultures and specific expectations for each role. Recruiters can spot a cookie-cutter resume from a mile away.
• How to Fix It: Tailor your resume for each role. Focus on highlighting skills and experience that match the job description closely. Adjust your summary and experience to reflect what makes you a fit for this specific position.

Pro Tip: Use the Resume Customization Checker to identify and include the right keywords for each application.

3. Overlooking the Importance of ATS Optimization

A significant hurdle many applicants overlook is the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Major tech firms like Cognizant and Microsoft use ATS to screen resumes, so if your resume isn’t optimized, it may never make it to a hiring manager.

• Why It Matters: An ATS looks for specific keywords to determine if an application is relevant. If your resume doesn’t include the right terms, you’re likely to be filtered out.
• How to Fix It: Identify keywords in the job posting and incorporate them into your resume naturally. Focus on essential skills, programming languages, and relevant tools.

Pro Tip: Keep your formatting simple. ATS often can’t process graphics, columns, or unusual fonts. Try using tools like the Resume Keyword Optimizer for ATS to identify necessary keywords.

4. Focusing on Responsibilities Instead of Achievements

Many candidates fall into the trap of listing job duties rather than showcasing their achievements.

• Why It Matters: Recruiters are looking for candidates who go beyond basic tasks and make a measurable impact. Simply listing your responsibilities doesn’t convey your potential to excel in the role.
• How to Fix It: Emphasize your achievements by framing your experience in terms of results. For example, instead of “responsible for maintaining systems,” say, “maintained systems with 99.9% uptime, contributing to customer satisfaction and increased revenue.”

Pro Tip: Use action verbs and metrics to showcase your impact. Words like “increased,” “developed,” or “reduced” can make a stronger impression.

5. Weak Resume Summaries

A generic or vague summary can be a major turn-off for recruiters, especially at prestigious companies like Microsoft.

• Why It Matters: The summary is the first thing recruiters see and sets the tone for the rest of your resume. A weak summary can make it easy for them to skip over the rest of your application.
• How to Fix It: Craft a specific, compelling summary that highlights your most relevant experience and aligns with the job’s requirements. Mention key skills and achievements that set you apart.

Pro Tip: Keep it concise and targeted. Your summary should give recruiters a reason to keep reading and should demonstrate that you understand the role you’re applying for.

Key Takeaways: Avoid These Common Pitfalls

1. Contextualize your skills and achievements rather than providing a bare list.
2. Customize each resume for the job description, showing why you’re a fit for that specific role.
3. Optimize for ATS by incorporating keywords and using simple formatting.
4. Highlight achievements, not just duties to show your impact.
5. Write a compelling summary that grabs attention and speaks directly to the role.
   

Take the Next Step to Optimize Your Resume

If you’re ready to avoid these common mistakes and make your resume truly stand out, our Professional Resume Services offer targeted help. From keyword optimization to resume customization, we’ll give you the tools to create a resume that catches the attention of hiring teams at top tech companies.

Ready to secure your dream role? Invest in a resume that gets you noticed in 2025.

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