RESUME MISTAKES
Eliminate Resume Mistakes That Block Your Continuous Improvement Career
Turn vague statements into measurable results, showcase certifications, and pass every ATS scan with confidence.
How This Page Helps
This page helps Continuous Improvement Specialists identify the most damaging resume mistakes, understand why they matter, and apply proven fixes to create a high‑impact, ATS‑friendly document.
Spot the hidden errors that keep hiring managers scrolling past
Learn the exact language that quantifies your process‑saving achievements
Add Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen credentials the right way
Align your format with the expectations of top manufacturing and tech firms
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Vague, buzzword‑heavy statementsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t see concrete impact
- ATS filters for numbers and specific verbs, not generic jargon
- Reduces perceived credibility
How to fix
- Replace filler words with action verbs (e.g., led, reduced, saved)
- Add quantifiable metrics (percentages, dollar savings, time reductions)
- Tie each achievement to a business outcome
❌ Before
Implemented continuous improvement initiatives to drive efficiency.
✓ After
Led Kaizen project that cut cycle time by 18% and saved $120K annually.
ATS Tip
Include at least one numeric result per bullet point.
Detection Rules
Contains words like "utilized" or "leveraged" without accompanying numbers
No percentages, dollar amounts, or time metrics
Resumly Tip
Swap generic verbs for impact‑driven verbs and insert the exact metric that demonstrates the result.
Omitting Lean/Six Sigma certificationsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Certifications are key proof of expertise in this field
- ATS often searches for "Lean" or "Six Sigma" keywords
- Recruiters may assume lack of formal training
How to fix
- Create a dedicated "Certifications" subsection
- List certification name, level, issuing body, and date
- Include certification numbers if applicable
❌ Before
Education: Bachelor of Science in Engineering
✓ After
Certifications: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, ASQ, 2022; Lean Manufacturing Certificate, SME, 2021
ATS Tip
Use exact certification titles; avoid abbreviations that ATS may not recognize.
Detection Rules
No "Certifications" heading
Missing keywords "Lean", "Six Sigma", "Kaizen"
Resumly Tip
Add a concise certifications block right after education to capture keyword hits.
Unclear career progression and timelineHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t gauge growth or relevance
- Gaps raise questions about employment continuity
- ATS may misinterpret overlapping dates
How to fix
- List positions in reverse chronological order
- Include month and year for each role (MM/YYYY)
- Show promotion arrows or brief notes on increased responsibility
❌ Before
Continuous Improvement Analyst – 2019‑2022
✓ After
Continuous Improvement Analyst – 01/2019 to 06/2021 Promoted to Continuous Improvement Specialist – 07/2021 to Present
ATS Tip
Use consistent MM/YYYY format for all dates.
Detection Rules
Only years provided
No clear promotion or role change indicated
Resumly Tip
Add month/year and a short line indicating promotion to demonstrate upward trajectory.
Not tailoring resume to the job descriptionHIGH
Why it hurts
- ATS scores drop when key phrases are missing
- Recruiters see a generic document and assume low interest
How to fix
- Copy 5–7 core keywords from the target posting
- Integrate them naturally into summary, skills, and bullet points
- Prioritize the most relevant achievements for the role
❌ Before
Responsible for process analysis and improvement.
✓ After
Applied Lean Six Sigma methodology to redesign the assembly line, achieving a 22% reduction in waste and aligning with the company’s "Zero Defects" goal.
ATS Tip
Place top keywords in the Professional Summary and Core Competencies sections.
Detection Rules
Missing keywords such as "process optimization", "value stream mapping", "Kaizen"
Resumly Tip
Run a keyword match against the job ad and sprinkle the missing terms throughout your resume.
Inconsistent formatting and poor readabilityMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- ATS may fail to parse sections with irregular headings
- Hiring managers spend less time on cluttered layouts
- Professional image suffers
How to fix
- Use standard headings (Professional Experience, Core Competencies)
- Keep bullet style uniform (solid round dots)
- Limit fonts to two complementary types, size 10‑12 pt for body
❌ Before
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE • Led projects… • Implemented changes…
✓ After
Professional Experience • Led Kaizen projects that reduced cycle time by 18%. • Implemented standardized work instructions, cutting errors by 12%.
ATS Tip
Avoid tables, graphics, or columns; stick to simple left‑aligned text.
Detection Rules
Mixed heading styles
Multiple bullet symbols
Use of tables or images
Resumly Tip
Apply Resumly’s one‑click formatting tool to enforce consistent headings, bullets, and spacing.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Professional Experience, Education & Certifications, Tools & Technologies
Naming: FirstName_LastName_ContinuousImprovementSpecialist.pdf
Consistency
Length: 1‑2 pages (max 2 pages for 10+ years experience)
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State
Resume Quality Checklist
- Include a compelling 2‑sentence professional summary with key metrics
- List Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and value‑stream mapping in Core Competencies
- Show quantifiable results for every major project
- Add a Certifications section with dates and issuing bodies
- Use consistent MM/YYYY dates and standard headings
- Save as PDF with the naming convention above
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Greenhouse, Workday, Lever, Taleo
Keyword Strategy: continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, process optimization, Kaizen, value stream mapping, waste reduction, cycle time reduction
Heading Format: Use standard headings like "Professional Experience" and "Core Competencies"
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current resume text into the box below
- Replace generic verbs with impact‑driven verbs
- Add quantifiable results to each bullet
- Standardize section headings
- Insert Lean/Six Sigma certifications
- Optimize for ATS keywords
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