In a competitive tech job market, mistakes can be the difference between landing the job and missing the opportunity. With experience from leading tech giants Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, and HCL Technologies, a seasoned recruiter shares three common mistakes he’s seen applicants make repeatedly—and how you can avoid them.
Here’s what to watch for when crafting a tech job application and resume in 2025.
1. Ignoring Keywords and ATS Optimization
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are non-negotiable in tech hiring today. This former recruiter from TCS, Infosys, and HCL sees applicants overlook ATS optimization, which can prevent even qualified resumes from reaching human eyes.
- Why It Matters: Most tech companies use ATS to streamline hiring. If your resume doesn’t include relevant keywords, it’s likely to get filtered out.
- How to Fix It: Look for keywords in the job description and incorporate them naturally into your resume. Use terms that match your skill set but make sure they’re directly relevant to the role. You can use the Resume Keyword Optimizer for ATS to check and add critical keywords.
Pro Tip: Don’t overload your resume with keywords to the point where it becomes unreadable. Use the most relevant ones that align with your expertise.
2. Overloading Technical Skills Without Proof of Results
Tech professionals tend to list every skill they know, which can backfire. This recruiter explains that filling a resume with every programming language or software doesn’t add value without examples of how you’ve used them effectively.
- Why It Matters: Tech roles are results-driven, so recruiters want to see evidence of achievements rather than a list of tools or software. Simply listing skills doesn’t demonstrate your ability to make an impact.
- How to Fix It: Limit your technical skills to the most relevant ones and back them up with specific achievements or projects. For instance, instead of just stating “Java,” say, “Developed a Java-based application that reduced processing time by 30%.”
Pro Tip: Quantify your results whenever possible. Hiring managers look for impact, so if you can mention how much time you saved, how many users you supported, or how you improved system efficiency, do it.
3. Skipping Customization of Each Application
One-size-fits-all resumes don’t cut it, especially at companies like TCS, Infosys, and HCL, where job requirements vary significantly across roles. This recruiter frequently sees applicants sending generic resumes without tailoring them for the position, which dilutes the application’s effectiveness.
- Why It Matters: Customizing your resume for each job shows recruiters that you understand the role and have taken the time to connect your experience with their needs.
- How to Fix It: Align your resume’s summary, skills, and accomplishments with the job description each time you apply. Tailor your achievements to showcase how you can meet the specific demands of the role.
Pro Tip: Use tools like the Resume and Cover Letter Customization Checker to match your resume to different job descriptions quickly.
Quick Recap: Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Not Optimizing for ATS: Use keywords from the job description and check for ATS compatibility.
- Listing Skills Without Proof: Support skills with quantifiable achievements and context.
- Sending Generic Applications: Customize each resume to the job description to show genuine interest and fit.
Final Thoughts
Tech roles are in high demand, but competition is fierce. Avoid these common mistakes to improve your chances of getting noticed and landing interviews. Take the time to optimize your resume for ATS, focus on impact rather than just technical skills, and tailor each application to the role you’re targeting.
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