Creating a LaTeX resume can feel intimidating for students and fresh graduates. While LaTeX offers clean formatting, ATS compatibility, and professional layouts, it’s easy to make mistakes that could hurt your chances with recruiters.
This article highlights the most common LaTeX resume mistakes students make and provides actionable tips to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Choosing Overly Complex Templates
Many beginners pick flashy or multi-page templates that are hard to edit. While they look impressive, they can:
- Break formatting easily
- Confuse ATS systems
- Make your resume look cluttered
Solution: Start with simple, one-page templates like ModernCV or AltaCV, which are student-friendly and professional.
Mistake 2: Overloading with Graphics and Colors
Adding too many icons, colors, or tables may seem creative but can:
- Make ATS parsing difficult
- Distract recruiters from important content
- Look unprofessional in formal industries
Solution: Stick to minimal graphics, use standard fonts, and keep the layout clean. Focus on content clarity over design.
Mistake 3: Neglecting ATS Compatibility
Even a beautifully designed LaTeX resume can fail if it’s not ATS-friendly. Common issues include:
- Unreadable headers
- Sections inside tables or boxes
- Special characters that ATS cannot process
Solution: Export your resume as PDF, use text-based sections, and test with tools like Jobscan or Resumeworded.
Mistake 4: Not Customizing for Each Job
Students often use the same resume for multiple applications, which is a missed opportunity.
Solution: Tailor your LaTeX resume for each role:
- Highlight relevant projects and skills
- Adjust keywords based on job description
- Keep accomplishments measurable
Mistake 5: Overlooking Grammar and Typos
LaTeX handles formatting perfectly, but it doesn’t fix your content. Typos, poor grammar, or inconsistent tense can make a negative impression.
Solution: Proofread carefully, use tools like Grammarly, and ask a friend or mentor to review your resume.
Mistake 6: Ignoring Readability
Even with perfect formatting, resumes can fail if sections aren’t easy to scan. Recruiters spend seconds per resume, so readability is key.
Solution:
- Use clear headings (Education, Projects, Skills)
- Keep bullet points concise
- Limit resume to one page if possible
Bonus Tip: Use Templates as a Guide, Not a Restriction
While templates are great, don’t copy them blindly. Customize:
- Fonts and spacing for your style
- Section order to highlight your strengths
- Include URLs for GitHub, LinkedIn, or portfolio
Read more: 10 Best LaTeX CV Templates for Fresh Graduates
Avoiding these LaTeX resume mistakes can drastically improve your chances of landing interviews. By keeping your resume simple, ATS-friendly, and tailored, you can make a strong impression on recruiters.
Your LaTeX resume should showcase your skills, projects, and achievements clearly, without unnecessary complexity or errors. Start simple, focus on content, and refine over time.