RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Resume Mistakes Holding Back Your Broadcast Tech Career
Identify and correct the top errors that keep hiring managers from calling you back.
How This Page Helps
Help broadcast technicians create error‑free resumes that pass ATS filters and impress hiring managers.
Spot the most common content gaps
Learn why each mistake hurts your chances
Apply step‑by‑step fixes
Align your resume with industry‑specific ATS
Download a ready‑to‑use checklist
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Missing Technical CertificationsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t verify your qualifications
- ATS may filter out resumes lacking key keywords
How to fix
- List all relevant FCC, NAB, or equipment certifications
- Place them in a dedicated Certifications section
- Use exact certification names as they appear in job ads
❌ Before
Certifications: None
✓ After
Certifications: FCC Certified Broadcast Engineer, NAB Certified Audio Engineer
ATS Tip
Include exact certification titles to match keyword scans
Detection Rules
No Certifications heading
Absence of known certification keywords
Resumly Tip
Add a Certifications section and pull standard titles from our library.
Vague Job DescriptionsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Fails to demonstrate specific technical skills
- Reduces impact of achievements
How to fix
- Use action verbs and quantify results
- Mention equipment, software, and signal types you handled
- Show measurable outcomes (e.g., reduced downtime by 15%)
❌ Before
Responsible for broadcast operations.
✓ After
Operated and maintained 3 × Riedel wireless links, troubleshooting signal loss and reducing downtime by 15% over 12 months.
ATS Tip
Insert keywords like 'Riedel', 'signal routing', 'downtime reduction'.
Detection Rules
Bullet points lack numbers or specific equipment names
Generic verbs only
Resumly Tip
Our AI suggests quantified bullet points based on your duties.
Incorrect Date FormattingLOW
Why it hurts
- ATS may misread dates
- Hiring managers can’t gauge career timeline
How to fix
- Use month-year format (MM/YYYY)
- Keep dates consistent across all entries
❌ Before
2018 – 2020
✓ After
06/2018 – 08/2020
ATS Tip
Standard MM/YYYY format is universally parsed.
Detection Rules
Dates without month
Inconsistent separators
Resumly Tip
Auto‑format dates to MM/YYYY with one click.
Omitting Location DetailsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Geographic relevance matters for local stations
- ATS may filter by location
How to fix
- Add city and state for each employer
- If remote, note 'Remote'
❌ Before
XYZ Broadcasting
✓ After
XYZ Broadcasting – Chicago, IL
ATS Tip
Include city and state to match location filters.
Detection Rules
Employer lines lack commas or state abbreviations
Resumly Tip
Add location fields automatically.
Using Uncommon File TypesLOW
Why it hurts
- ATS may not parse PDFs with complex formatting
- Hiring managers may not open .pages files
How to fix
- Save as .pdf (standard) or .docx
- Avoid graphics‑heavy templates
❌ Before
Resume saved as .pages
✓ After
Resume saved as .pdf (PDF/A-1a)
ATS Tip
Plain PDF ensures maximum compatibility.
Detection Rules
File extension not .pdf or .docx
Resumly Tip
Convert your file to ATS‑friendly PDF with one click.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: pdf, docx
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Technical Skills, Certifications, Professional Experience, Education, Additional Projects
Naming: FirstName_LastName_BroadcastTechnician.pdf
Consistency
Length: One page for early‑career, up to two pages for senior roles
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State (e.g., Seattle, WA)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Include a clear headline with your role
- List all relevant broadcast equipment and software
- Add certifications and licenses
- Quantify achievements
- Use consistent MM/YYYY dates
- Provide city and state for each employer
- Save as PDF or DOCX
- Run through Resumly ATS checker
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Greenhouse, Workday, JazzHR, SmartRecruiters
Keyword Strategy: Include terms like 'broadcast operations', 'signal routing', 'Riedel', 'SMPTE', 'FCC', 'downtime reduction'
Heading Format: Use standard headings: Professional Summary, Technical Skills, Certifications, Experience, Education
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current broadcast technician resume text
- Standardize dates
- Add missing certifications section
- Convert vague bullets to quantified statements
- Insert location details
- Export to ATS‑friendly PDF
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