RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Letting Resume Mistakes Cost You the Benefits Coordinator Role
Identify and correct the most common errors that keep hiring managers from seeing your value.
How This Page Helps
This guide helps Benefits Coordinators spot and correct resume mistakes that hinder hiring chances, ensuring ATS compatibility and recruiter appeal.
Learn the top 5 resume errors for Benefits Coordinators
See before-and-after examples
Get ATS-friendly formatting tips
Access a downloadable checklist
Use our mini fix workshop to rewrite key sections
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Missing Quantifiable AchievementsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t gauge impact
- ATS may miss keywords related to results
How to fix
- Add specific metrics (e.g., % cost reduction, number of employees covered)
- Use action verbs and numbers
❌ Before
Managed employee benefits program.
✓ After
Managed employee benefits program for 1,200 staff, reducing annual costs by 12% through vendor renegotiation.
ATS Tip
Include keywords like 'cost reduction', 'enrollment', 'vendor management' with numbers.
Detection Rules
No numbers or percentages
Only generic verbs present
Resumly Tip
Resumly flags missing metrics and suggests adding quantifiable results.
Using Generic Job TitlesMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Reduces keyword match
- Obscures specific expertise
How to fix
- Replace with precise titles like 'Benefits Administration Specialist' or 'Employee Benefits Coordinator'
❌ Before
HR Assistant
✓ After
Benefits Coordinator – Employee Benefits Administration
ATS Tip
Match the title to the job posting's preferred terminology.
Detection Rules
Title does not contain 'Benefits'
Resumly Tip
Resumly suggests title optimization based on job ads.
Improper Date FormattingLOW
Why it hurts
- ATS may fail to parse employment dates
- Creates visual inconsistency
How to fix
- Use month-year format (MM/YYYY) consistently
❌ Before
Jan 2020 – Present
✓ After
01/2020 – Present
ATS Tip
MM/YYYY is universally recognized by ATS.
Detection Rules
Date contains month name
Resumly Tip
Resumly highlights non‑standard date formats.
Omitting Benefits‑Specific KeywordsHIGH
Why it hurts
- ATS filters out resume
- Recruiter may think candidate lacks relevant experience
How to fix
- Incorporate terms like 'open enrollment', 'benefits compliance', 'FMLA', 'COBRA', 'wellness programs'
❌ Before
Handled employee inquiries.
✓ After
Handled employee inquiries regarding open enrollment, FMLA, COBRA, and wellness program participation.
ATS Tip
Align keywords with the job description's required skills.
Detection Rules
No benefits‑related terminology
Resumly Tip
Resumly scans for missing industry keywords.
Unclear Location FormattingLOW
Why it hurts
- Recruiters can’t quickly see geographic relevance
- ATS may misinterpret location field
How to fix
- List city, state abbreviation (e.g., Austin, TX)
❌ Before
Location: Texas
✓ After
Austin, TX
ATS Tip
Standard city, state format improves parsing.
Detection Rules
Location not in City, ST format
Resumly Tip
Resumly suggests proper location formatting.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Header, Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Professional Experience, Education, Certifications, Technical Skills
Naming: FirstName_LastName_BenefitsCoordinator.pdf
Consistency
Length: One page for early‑career, two pages max for senior coordinators
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, ST
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a clear professional title that includes “Benefits”
- Add a concise summary with 3‑4 impact statements
- List core competencies with industry keywords
- Show quantifiable achievements for each role
- Include benefits‑specific terminology
- Format dates as MM/YYYY
- Provide location as City, ST
- Save as PDF with proper naming convention
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Workday, Taleo, Greenhouse, Lever
Keyword Strategy: Include terms like 'benefits administration', 'open enrollment', 'compliance', 'vendor management', 'employee communication'
Heading Format: Use standard headings such as 'Professional Experience' and 'Core Competencies' to ensure ATS recognition.
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste the bullet you want to improve (e.g., a responsibilities line)
- Add quantifiable results
- Insert benefits‑specific keywords
- Convert to active voice
- Standardize date and location format
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