RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Losing Design Jobs to a Flawed Resume
Identify and correct the most common architect resume errors in minutes.
How This Page Helps
Help architects create error‑free, ATS‑optimized resumes that showcase design expertise and win interviews.
Spot hidden formatting issues
Learn industry‑specific keyword strategies
See before‑and‑after resume snippets
Apply a step‑by‑step checklist
Download a ready‑to‑use PDF fix workshop
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Missing Project Portfolio LinkHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t view your design work
- Reduces credibility
- ATS may lower relevance score
How to fix
- Add a concise hyperlink to an online portfolio
- Label it clearly under a 'Portfolio' heading
- Ensure the URL is short and works
❌ Before
Portfolio: www.mywebsite.com/portfolio/long‑path/architect‑john‑doe‑2023
✓ After
Portfolio: www.johndoe.com/portfolio
ATS Tip
Include the word 'portfolio' in the link text to match keyword scans
Detection Rules
Missing URL pattern
No 'Portfolio' heading
Link not clickable
Resumly Tip
Resumly flags missing portfolio links and suggests a clean, short URL.
Overly Technical Jargon Without ContextMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Confuses recruiters outside the niche
- ATS may not recognize obscure terms
- Dilutes impact of key achievements
How to fix
- Translate technical terms into outcomes
- Pair each tool with a result
- Limit jargon to a brief skills list
❌ Before
Utilized Revit, Dynamo, and Grasshopper for parametric façade generation.
✓ After
Designed a parametric façade using Revit and Grasshopper, reducing material waste by 12%.
ATS Tip
Include both the tool name and the result to capture keyword and relevance.
Detection Rules
Long list of software without achievements
No quantifiable results
Resumly Tip
Resumly highlights jargon‑heavy lines and prompts you to add measurable outcomes.
Chronological Gaps Not ExplainedLOW
Why it hurts
- Creates doubt about employment continuity
- ATS may penalize unexplained gaps
- Recruiters may assume lack of experience
How to fix
- Add a brief note for each gap (e.g., 'Sabbatical – focused on professional development')
- Consider a functional format for career changers
- Keep gaps under 6 months if possible
❌ Before
2019 – 2021: No entry
✓ After
2020 – 2021: Independent consulting – completed LEED‑Green Building certification projects
ATS Tip
Use the term 'consulting' or 'freelance' to keep keywords active.
Detection Rules
Date ranges with empty description
Standalone years without role
Resumly Tip
Resumly detects empty date entries and suggests concise explanations.
Unstandardized Date FormattingMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- ATS may fail to parse dates
- Hiring managers waste time reading inconsistent styles
- Reduces overall professionalism
How to fix
- Use month‑year format (MMM YYYY)
- Align dates to the right margin
- Keep all dates consistent throughout the document
❌ Before
Jan 2020 – Present vs 2020 – Current
✓ After
Jan 2020 – Present
ATS Tip
Standard month‑year format matches most ATS parsing algorithms.
Detection Rules
Mixed date styles
Spelling of months varied
Resumly Tip
Resumly flags inconsistent date formats and auto‑converts them.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Header, Professional Summary, Key Projects, Experience, Education, Licenses & Certifications, Skills, Portfolio
Naming: FirstName_LastName_Architect_Resume.pdf
Consistency
Length: 1–2 pages for most architects; 2 pages if you have 10+ years of experience
Date Format: MMM YYYY (e.g., Jan 2020)
Location Format: City, State, Country (optional)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Include a clickable portfolio link
- Use action verbs and quantify results
- List software tools with outcomes
- Maintain consistent date format
- Limit resume to 1–2 pages
- Save as PDF with proper naming
- Proofread for spelling and grammar
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: Taleo, iCIMS, Workday, Greenhouse, Lever
Keyword Strategy: Include terms like 'Sustainable design', 'LEED', 'BIM', 'Conceptual design', 'Project management', 'AutoCAD', 'Revit', 'Urban planning'
Heading Format: Use clear headings such as 'Key Projects', 'Professional Experience', 'Education & Licensure'
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current architect resume text below
- Standardize dates
- Add portfolio hyperlink
- Convert jargon to results
- Insert missing keywords
- Reformat sections for ATS
Ready to transform your architect resume? Get a free expert review now!
Start My Free Review
