RESUME MISTAKES
Archivist Resume Mistakes Holding You Back
Identify and correct the errors that keep your application from standing out.
How This Page Helps
Help archivists create error‑free, ATS‑optimized resumes that showcase their preservation expertise.
Spot hidden formatting issues
Learn the right terminology for archival work
Align your experience with museum and library ATS
Craft compelling achievement statements
Avoid over‑technical jargon that confuses recruiters
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Using vague job titlesMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t gauge your seniority
- ATS may not match your role to the job posting
How to fix
- Replace generic titles with specific archival terms (e.g., 'Digital Collections Archivist')
- Include level indicators like Junior, Senior, Lead
❌ Before
Archivist, XYZ Library
✓ After
Senior Digital Collections Archivist, XYZ Library
ATS Tip
Match the title to keywords from the job description.
Detection Rules
title contains generic word 'Archivist' without qualifier
no seniority indicator
Resumly Tip
Add a descriptor that reflects your specialty and level.
Listing responsibilities instead of achievementsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Doesn’t demonstrate impact
- ATS looks for quantifiable results
How to fix
- Turn duties into results with metrics
- Show how you improved access, preservation, or user engagement
❌ Before
Managed archival collections and performed digitization.
✓ After
Managed 15,000+ archival items, increasing digital access by 40% through a new digitization workflow.
ATS Tip
Include numbers, percentages, and action verbs.
Detection Rules
bullet points start with verbs like 'Managed' but lack numbers
no percentages or dollar amounts
Resumly Tip
Add a measurable outcome to each bullet.
Omitting relevant archival software and standardsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- ATS may filter out candidates lacking key technical skills
- Hiring managers look for familiarity with industry tools
How to fix
- Create a dedicated 'Technical Skills' section
- List software (e.g., ArchivesSpace, CONTENTdm) and standards (e.g., DACS, ISAD(G))
❌ Before
Skills: Microsoft Office, basic computer skills.
✓ After
Technical Skills: ArchivesSpace, CONTENTdm, EAD, DACS, ISAD(G), Omeka, Tableau.
ATS Tip
Use exact product names and standards as they appear in job ads.
Detection Rules
skills section missing archival-specific tools
only generic software listed
Resumly Tip
Add a 'Technical Skills' block with industry‑specific tools.
Incorrect date formatting causing parsing errorsLOW
Why it hurts
- ATS may fail to read employment dates
- Hiring managers can’t assess career progression
How to fix
- Use consistent month‑year format (MM/YYYY)
- Align dates chronologically, most recent first
❌ Before
2018 – 2021
✓ After
06/2018 – 08/2021
ATS Tip
Avoid textual months alone; use numeric month/year.
Detection Rules
date contains only year or textual month
inconsistent formats across entries
Resumly Tip
Standardize all dates to MM/YYYY.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Professional Experience, Education, Technical Skills, Certifications, Professional Affiliations
Naming: FirstName_LastName_Archivist_Resume
Consistency
Length: One page for early‑career archivists; two pages maximum for senior roles
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State (or Country)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a clear, professional header with contact info
- Write a 2‑sentence summary highlighting archival expertise
- Include specific archival terminology and standards
- Show measurable achievements for each role
- List relevant software and certifications
- Keep formatting simple – no tables or graphics
- Use consistent MM/YYYY dates
- Proofread for spelling and grammar
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Workday, Taleo, Greenhouse, Lever
Keyword Strategy: Use keywords such as 'archival processing', 'digital preservation', 'metadata standards', 'Collections Management', 'ArchivesSpace', 'DACS'
Heading Format: Use standard headings like 'Professional Experience' and 'Technical Skills' to ensure ATS parsing.
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current archivist resume text
- Standardize dates to MM/YYYY
- Replace generic titles with specific ones
- Add quantifiable results to bullet points
- Insert a Technical Skills section with archival tools
- Convert any tables to plain text lists
Ready to transform your archivist resume? Get expert feedback now!
Start My Free Review
