RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Resume Mistakes From Sabotaging Your Communications Manager Career
Identify and correct the errors that keep hiring managers from seeing your strategic storytelling talent.
How This Page Helps
Help Communications Managers create error‑free, ATS‑optimized resumes that showcase their strategic communication expertise.
Identify the most damaging resume errors specific to communications roles
Learn actionable fixes that improve ATS readability
See before‑and‑after examples tailored to Communications Managers
Get a checklist to ensure every section is polished
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Using vague buzzwords instead of measurable achievementsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t gauge impact
- ATS filters for numbers and results
- Your strategic value remains hidden
How to fix
- Replace generic verbs with action‑oriented language
- Add specific metrics (percentages, revenue, audience size)
- Tie achievements to business outcomes
❌ Before
Managed internal communications.
✓ After
Led a cross‑functional internal communications program that increased employee engagement scores by 22% in 12 months.
ATS Tip
Include quantifiable results and keywords like "employee engagement", "content strategy", "stakeholder alignment".
Detection Rules
Contains generic verbs without numbers
Lacks metrics or outcomes
Resumly Tip
Swap vague statements for concrete results and numbers to boost both human and ATS appeal.
Complex formatting that confuses ATSMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- ATS may skip sections or read text incorrectly
- Important keywords get lost
- Hiring managers receive a garbled PDF
How to fix
- Use a simple, single‑column layout
- Stick to standard headings (Professional Experience, Education)
- Avoid tables, text boxes, and graphics
❌ Before
Experience • Managed media relations (see attached graphic)
✓ After
Professional Experience • Managed media relations, securing 15 press placements in Q1 2024
ATS Tip
Standard fonts (Arial, Calibri) and bullet points ensure reliable parsing.
Detection Rules
Presence of tables or graphics
Multiple columns or unusual symbols
Resumly Tip
Convert any visual elements into plain text and keep spacing consistent for ATS compatibility.
Omitting relevant tools, certifications, and industry jargonHIGH
Why it hurts
- ATS keyword match drops
- Recruiters think you lack expertise
- You miss opportunities to showcase specialization
How to fix
- Create a Core Competencies section with tools (e.g., Cision, Meltwater)
- List certifications (e.g., APR, HubSpot Content Marketing)
- Incorporate industry terms like "crisis communication" and "brand storytelling"
❌ Before
Skills: Microsoft Office, writing
✓ After
Core Competencies: Media Relations, Crisis Communication, Content Strategy, Cision, Meltwater, APR Certified, HubSpot Content Marketing
ATS Tip
Match keywords from the job posting; tools and certifications are high‑impact ATS tokens.
Detection Rules
Skills section lacks industry‑specific terms
No certifications listed
Resumly Tip
Add a dedicated competencies block and populate it with role‑specific tools and certifications.
Listing responsibilities instead of impactMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Resume reads like a job description, not a personal brand
- Hiring managers can’t see your unique contributions
- ATS favors outcome‑focused language
How to fix
- Start each bullet with a result‑oriented verb
- Quantify the scope (audience size, budget, reach)
- Show how your work advanced business goals
❌ Before
Responsible for drafting press releases and newsletters.
✓ After
Authored 30+ press releases and monthly newsletters reaching 250,000 subscribers, driving a 12% increase in website traffic.
ATS Tip
Lead with verbs like "increased", "generated", "optimized" and embed numbers early in the bullet.
Detection Rules
Bullets begin with "Responsible for" or "Managed" without outcomes
No numbers present
Resumly Tip
Reframe duties into achievements that highlight measurable impact.
Incorrect date or location formattingLOW
Why it hurts
- ATS may misinterpret employment dates, causing gaps
- Recruiters struggle to verify timeline consistency
- Location errors can affect geo‑targeted searches
How to fix
- Use MM/YYYY for all dates
- List city and state (or country) consistently
- Align dates chronologically from most recent
❌ Before
Jan 2020 – Present – New York
✓ After
01/2020 – Present – New York, NY
ATS Tip
Consistent date format improves parsing and ensures accurate seniority calculation.
Detection Rules
Dates written as Jan‑2020, 2020‑01, or with words
Location missing state or country
Resumly Tip
Standardize dates to MM/YYYY and locations to City, State for flawless ATS reading.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Header, Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Professional Experience, Education, Certifications, Awards & Publications
Naming: FirstName_LastName_CommunicationsManager_Resume
Consistency
Length: 1‑2 pages (max 2)
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State (or Country)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a clean, single‑column layout
- Include a compelling 2‑sentence professional summary
- Add a Core Competencies block with 8–10 keywords
- Show achievements with numbers for every role
- List certifications and tools relevant to communications
- Format dates as MM/YYYY and locations as City, State
- Save as PDF with a professional file name
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Greenhouse, Workday, Lever
Keyword Strategy: Strategic communication, media relations, content creation, stakeholder engagement, crisis communication, brand storytelling, press release, internal communications, social media strategy
Heading Format: Use standard headings like "Professional Experience" and "Core Competencies" to ensure ATS parsing
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current resume text below
- Convert bullet points to action‑oriented statements
- Add quantifiable metrics
- Standardize headings
- Optimize for ATS keywords
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