RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Losing Automation Engineer Jobs to Resume Mistakes
Identify and correct the critical errors that keep hiring managers and ATS from noticing your expertise.
How This Page Helps
This page helps automation engineers pinpoint frequent resume pitfalls, understand their impact, and apply proven fixes to improve ATS compatibility and recruiter appeal.
Learn the top 5 resume errors for automation engineers
See side‑by‑side before‑and‑after examples
Get ATS‑friendly keyword and formatting tips
Access a downloadable quick‑fix workshop
Boost your interview rate with a polished, professional resume
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Missing measurable resultsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Recruiters can’t gauge impact
- ATS often scores low on quantifiable achievements
How to fix
- Add specific metrics (e.g., % increase, time saved)
- Use action verbs followed by numbers
❌ Before
Developed automated test scripts for manufacturing line.
✓ After
Developed 120 automated test scripts, reducing testing time by 35% and cutting defects by 20%.
ATS Tip
Include numbers and keywords like 'reduced', 'increased', 'automated'.
Detection Rules
No digits or % in bullet points
Lacks verbs with results
Resumly Tip
Resumly flags bullets without numbers and suggests adding metrics.
Overly generic skill listMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- ATS may not match specific tools
- Hiring managers think you lack depth
How to fix
- List exact technologies (e.g., PLC, SCADA, Python, Jenkins)
- Group skills by category
❌ Before
Skills: Automation, Programming, Testing
✓ After
Skills: PLC programming (Siemens S7), SCADA (Wonderware), Python scripting, CI/CD with Jenkins, Robot Framework
ATS Tip
Match job description keywords exactly.
Detection Rules
Skill section contains generic terms only
No tool names
Resumly Tip
Resumly highlights generic skill entries and recommends adding specific tools.
Improper chronological orderHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers may miss recent achievements
- ATS may misinterpret dates
How to fix
- List most recent role first, use consistent reverse‑chronological order
- Ensure dates are month/year format
❌ Before
Automation Engineer at XYZ (2018‑2022); Junior Engineer at ABC (2022‑2023)
✓ After
Automation Engineer at ABC (2022‑Present); Automation Engineer at XYZ (2018‑2022)
ATS Tip
Use YYYY‑MM format for all dates.
Detection Rules
Dates not in reverse order
Inconsistent date formats
Resumly Tip
Resumly checks date sequencing and flags out‑of‑order entries.
Using passive voice and vague verbsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Reduces perceived ownership
- ATS keyword extraction weaker
How to fix
- Start bullets with strong action verbs (e.g., 'Designed', 'Implemented')
- Avoid phrases like 'was responsible for'
❌ Before
Was responsible for maintaining automation systems.
✓ After
Maintained and optimized automation systems, achieving 99.5% uptime.
ATS Tip
Active verbs improve keyword density.
Detection Rules
Bullets start with 'was', 'responsible', 'assisted'
Resumly Tip
Resumly highlights passive constructions and suggests active alternatives.
Missing certifications and safety complianceLOW
Why it hurts
- Industry often requires certifications (e.g., ISA, PLC)
- ATS may filter for them
How to fix
- Add a dedicated Certifications section with dates
- Include relevant safety training
❌ Before
No certifications listed.
✓ After
Certifications: ISA Certified Automation Professional (2023), OSHA 30‑Hour General Industry (2022)
ATS Tip
Include exact certification names as keywords.
Detection Rules
No Certifications heading
Resumly Tip
Resumly suggests adding a Certifications section if missing.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Header, Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Professional Experience, Education, Certifications, Projects, Technical Skills
Naming: FirstName LastName – Automation Engineer
Consistency
Length: One page for early‑career, two pages max for senior roles
Date Format: MMM YYYY (e.g., Jan 2020)
Location Format: City, State (optional)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use reverse‑chronological order
- Quantify achievements with numbers
- Include specific tools and languages
- Match keywords from the job posting
- Proofread for grammar and spelling
- Save as PDF with searchable text
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Greenhouse, Lever, Workday, Taleo
Keyword Strategy: Automation, PLC programming, SCADA, Python, CI/CD, Robot Framework, ISA Certified Automation Professional
Heading Format: Use standard headings like 'Professional Experience' and 'Technical Skills' to ensure ATS parsing.
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current automation engineer resume text
- Add measurable results to each bullet
- Replace generic skills with specific technologies
- Reorder experience to reverse‑chronological
- Convert passive voice to active verbs
- Insert certifications section
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