RESUME MISTAKES
Ride Past Resume Pitfalls
Transform your equestrian instructor resume into a winning ticket for top stables and academies.
How This Page Helps
Help equestrian instructors identify and correct resume mistakes that hinder hiring prospects.
Spot hidden gaps in teaching experience
Align language with stable management software
Showcase certifications and competition results
Optimize layout for ATS and human readers
Boost confidence with proven formatting
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Vague Job TitlesMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t gauge your exact role
- ATS may miss relevant keywords
How to fix
- Use specific titles like 'Head Riding Instructor' or 'Equine Training Specialist'
- Include level of responsibility
❌ Before
Instructor, XYZ Stables
✓ After
Head Riding Instructor – Advanced Dressage, XYZ Stables
ATS Tip
Match the title to common industry terms used in job postings.
Detection Rules
Title length < 5 characters
Title lacks descriptor (e.g., head, senior)
Resumly Tip
Add a descriptor to clarify seniority and specialty.
Missing CertificationsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Credentials are key in equestrian field
- ATS filters often look for certifications like 'Certified Riding Instructor'
How to fix
- Create a dedicated 'Certifications' section
- List certifying body, date, and level
❌ Before
Skills: Horse handling, lesson planning
✓ After
Certifications: Certified Riding Instructor (American Riding Instructors Association), 2022; FEI Level 2 Coach, 2021
ATS Tip
Use exact certification names as keywords.
Detection Rules
No 'Certifications' heading
No mention of recognized bodies
Resumly Tip
Add a Certifications block right after your summary.
Unclear Achievement MetricsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers need proof of impact
- ATS may not prioritize bullet points without numbers
How to fix
- Quantify results (e.g., number of riders progressed, competition placements)
- Start bullets with action verbs and numbers
❌ Before
Improved rider skills.
✓ After
Increased rider proficiency scores by 25% across 30 students within 6 months, leading to 3 riders qualifying for state championships.
ATS Tip
Begin bullet with a number or percentage.
Detection Rules
Bullet points lack numbers or percentages
Bullets start with vague verbs
Resumly Tip
Add measurable outcomes to each responsibility.
Improper File FormatLOW
Why it hurts
- Many stables use ATS that can’t read PDFs with complex graphics
- Hiring managers may not open .pages files
How to fix
- Save as .docx or plain .pdf (text‑based)
- Avoid headers/footers that hide content from ATS
❌ Before
Resume saved as .pages with decorative border
✓ After
Resume saved as ATS‑friendly .docx, simple clean layout
ATS Tip
Choose .docx for maximum compatibility.
Detection Rules
File extension not .docx or .pdf
Presence of decorative borders
Resumly Tip
Export a text‑only PDF from Word.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: docx, pdf
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Certifications, Professional Experience, Education, Skills, Professional Affiliations
Naming: FirstName_LastName_EquestrianInstructor
Consistency
Length: 1‑2 pages, 400‑800 words
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State (or Country)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use specific job titles
- List all relevant certifications
- Quantify achievements
- Keep layout ATS‑friendly
- Save in .docx or plain PDF
- Include keywords from job posting
- Proofread for spelling and equestrian terminology
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Greenhouse, Workday, Bullhorn
Keyword Strategy: Include terms like 'dressage', 'horse handling', 'lesson planning', 'certified riding instructor', 'FEI', 'stable management'
Heading Format: Use clear headings such as 'Professional Experience' and 'Certifications'
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current resume text below
- Standardize headings
- Add missing certifications section
- Insert measurable results
- Convert to ATS‑friendly format
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