RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Losing Event Tech Jobs to a Flawed Resume
Identify and correct the most common resume pitfalls for event technicians and get noticed by hiring managers and ATS alike.
How This Page Helps
This page helps event technicians pinpoint frequent resume mistakes, understand why they hurt their job prospects, and apply proven fixes to create a polished, ATS‑friendly document.
Spot the exact errors that keep recruiters scrolling past your resume
Learn why each mistake reduces your chances of getting an interview
Apply step‑by‑step fixes tailored to event‑tech roles
Boost your resume’s ATS score and human readability
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Using a Generic Job TitleHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t instantly see your specialization
- ATS may rank you lower for event‑tech keyword searches
- Reduces perceived relevance in a competitive field
How to fix
- Replace generic titles like "Technician" with "Event Technician" or "Live Event Production Technician"
- Add a concise subtitle that highlights your niche (e.g., "Specialist in Stage Lighting & Audio" )
- Align the title with the exact wording used in job postings
❌ Before
Technician at XYZ Productions
✓ After
Event Technician – Live Event Production (Stage Lighting & Audio)
ATS Tip
Match the title to common industry keywords such as "Event Technician" or "Production Technician"
Detection Rules
title contains generic terms like "Technician" without qualifier
absence of industry‑specific keywords
Resumly Tip
Swap generic titles for precise, keyword‑rich ones to improve both ATS hits and recruiter clarity.
Listing Duties Without ResultsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Recruiters skim bullet points; vague duties don’t stand out
- ATS favors quantifiable data that matches numeric keyword patterns
- Fails to demonstrate your impact on events
How to fix
- Add measurable outcomes (e.g., "Set up lighting for 30‑person conferences, reducing setup time by 20%" )
- Use action verbs and specific equipment names
- Show cost savings, safety improvements, or audience satisfaction metrics
❌ Before
- Set up lighting rigs for concerts
✓ After
- Configured and operated lighting rigs for 20+ concerts, cutting setup time by 25% and receiving a 4.8/5 client satisfaction rating
ATS Tip
Include numbers, percentages, and equipment models to trigger ATS keyword matches
Detection Rules
bullet points lack numbers or percentages
verbs are generic like "did" or "worked on"
Resumly Tip
Turn each duty into an achievement by adding metrics and specific tech details.
Omitting Relevant CertificationsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Many venues require certified technicians; omission signals non‑compliance
- ATS often scans for certifications like "CET" or "Rigger Certified"
- Hiring managers may assume you lack formal training
How to fix
- Create a dedicated "Certifications" section
- List certifications with issuing organization and date (e.g., Certified Entertainment Technician – ESTA, 2023)
- Include any safety or rigging courses you’ve completed
❌ Before
Education: B.A. in Communications
✓ After
Certifications: Certified Entertainment Technician (CET) – ESTA, 2023; OSHA 10‑Hour Construction Safety, 2022
ATS Tip
Use exact certification names; ATS looks for exact phrase matches
Detection Rules
no "Certifications" heading
absence of industry‑specific credential keywords
Resumly Tip
Add a certifications block with full titles to satisfy both ATS filters and employer expectations.
Inconsistent Formatting & Long ParagraphsLOW
Why it hurts
- ATS may misread irregular bullet symbols or spacing
- Recruiters lose interest when information isn’t scannable
- A messy layout suggests lack of attention to detail, crucial for tech roles
How to fix
- Use standard bullet points (•) and uniform indentation
- Keep each bullet to one line or two maximum
- Apply consistent font size (10‑12 pt) and margins (1" all sides)
❌ Before
Professional Experience: Managed lighting, sound, and video for events. Coordinated with vendors. Ensured safety compliance.
✓ After
Professional Experience: • Managed lighting, sound, and video for 50+ events, coordinating with vendors and ensuring full safety compliance. • Conducted pre‑show equipment checks, reducing technical failures by 15%. • Trained 5 junior technicians on rigging protocols and emergency procedures.
ATS Tip
Stick to simple fonts (Arial, Calibri) and avoid tables or graphics; ATS parses plain text best
Detection Rules
mixed bullet characters
paragraphs longer than 2 sentences
multiple font styles
Resumly Tip
Standardize layout with clean bullets and concise lines to please both ATS and human eyes.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Technical Skills, Professional Experience, Education, Certifications
Naming: FirstName_LastName_EventTechnician
Consistency
Length: 1-2 pages
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use "Event Technician" as your headline title
- Quantify every achievement with numbers or percentages
- Add a Certifications section with exact credential names
- Standardize bullet points and fonts
- Include industry keywords like "lighting rigging" and "audio mixing"
- List equipment brands (e.g., MA Lighting, Shure)
- Proofread for spelling and grammar
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Greenhouse, Workday, Lever
Keyword Strategy: lighting rigging, audio mixing, stage setup, troubleshooting, safety protocols, MA Lighting, Shure, QSC, event production, rigging certification
Heading Format: Use standard headings like Professional Summary, Technical Skills, Experience, Education, Certifications
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current Event Technician resume text below
- Replace generic titles with specific role
- Add quantifiable metrics to each bullet
- Insert relevant certifications and safety courses
- Standardize bullet style and font
- Optimize headings with ATS‑friendly keywords
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