RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Losing Frontend Jobs to Bad Resumes
Identify and correct the critical mistakes that keep your resume from landing interviews with top tech companies.
How This Page Helps
This page helps frontend developers pinpoint frequent resume pitfalls, understand their impact, and apply proven fixes to create an ATSâfriendly, recruiterâapproved document.
Learn the 5 most damaging resume errors for frontend roles
See real beforeâandâafter examples
Get actionable, stepâbyâstep fixes
Boost your ATS score and interview rate
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
No Portfolio or Live Demo LinksHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers canât verify your UI/UX skills
- ATS may lower relevance score for missing project URLs
- Missed chance to showcase interactive work
How to fix
- Add a dedicated 'Portfolio' line with a clickable URL
- Include short descriptions with tech stack for each project
- Host demos on GitHub Pages, Netlify, or Vercel
â Before
John Doe Frontend Developer johndoe@email.com ...
â After
John Doe Frontend Developer johndoe@email.com | Portfolio: https://johndoe.dev ...
ATS Tip
Use the exact word "Portfolio" in the heading; many parsers look for it.
Detection Rules
Missing regex pattern for https?://.*(github|netlify|vercel)
Resumly Tip
Add a live link to at least two recent projects to prove your frontâend chops.
Overly Generic Skills ListMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- ATS canât match specific tech keywords
- Recruiters see you as a jackâofâallâtrades, master of none
- Reduces perceived seniority
How to fix
- Replace broad terms like "Web Development" with concrete tools
- Group skills by category (Frameworks, Build Tools, Testing)
- Prioritize the stack mentioned in the job posting
â Before
Skills: Web Development, Programming, Design
â After
Technical Skills: - Frameworks: React, Next.js, Vue.js - Languages: JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML5, CSS3 - Tools: Git, Webpack, Vite, Jest, Cypress
ATS Tip
Match at least 5 exact keywords from the job description.
Detection Rules
Presence of generic terms without specific tech names
Resumly Tip
Swap vague buzzwords for the exact libraries and tools you use daily.
Listing Outdated TechnologiesLOW
Why it hurts
- Signals that youâre not keeping up with industry trends
- ATS may penalize resumes that mention deprecated tech
- Hiring managers may doubt current relevance
How to fix
- Remove legacy items like jQuery unless required
- Highlight modern equivalents (e.g., React, Vue, Svelte)
- If you must list older tech, place it under a "Legacy Projects" subâsection
â Before
Technologies: jQuery, Backbone.js, CSS2
â After
Modern Stack: React, Next.js, Tailwind CSS, TypeScript
ATS Tip
Focus on the top 5 technologies from the posting; older tools belong in a separate section.
Detection Rules
Detection of keywords such as "jQuery" or "Backbone" without accompanying modern equivalents
Resumly Tip
Show that youâre currentâswap old libraries for the latest frameworks you actually use.
Unclear Project DescriptionsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Recruiters canât gauge impact or scope
- ATS may miss key action verbs and results
- Lacks quantifiable achievements
How to fix
- Start each bullet with a strong verb (e.g., "Implemented", "Optimized")
- Include metrics (e.g., "Reduced load time by 30%")
- Mention the tech stack used in the project
â Before
- Worked on a web app. - Fixed bugs. - Added features.
â After
- Implemented a responsive UI for a SaaS dashboard using React and Tailwind CSS, increasing user engagement by 22%. - Optimized asset loading with Webpack codeâsplitting, reducing page load time from 4.2âŻs to 2.8âŻs. - Refactored legacy components to TypeScript, cutting runtime errors by 15%.
ATS Tip
Include at least one keyword from the job description in each project bullet.
Detection Rules
Bullets lacking action verbs or measurable outcomes
Resumly Tip
Turn vague tasks into achievementâfocused statements with numbers and tech details.
Ignoring ATSâFriendly HeadingsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- ATS may fail to map content to standard sections
- Recruiters spend extra time parsing unconventional layouts
- Important info can be missed
How to fix
- Use conventional headings: "Professional Summary", "Technical Skills", "Projects", "Work Experience", "Education"
- Avoid decorative symbols or creative titles like "My Journey"
- Keep heading hierarchy clear (H1 for name, H2 for sections)
â Before
About Me What I Do My Creations Career Timeline
â After
Professional Summary Technical Skills Projects Work Experience Education
ATS Tip
Exact heading text improves parsing accuracy across Greenhouse, Lever, iCIMS, and Workday.
Detection Rules
Custom heading names not matching standard list
Resumly Tip
Stick to classic section titles so every ATS can read your resume correctly.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Technical Skills, Projects, Work Experience, Education, Certifications
Naming: FirstName_LastName_FrontendDeveloper.pdf
Consistency
Length: One page for junior roles; up to two pages for senior/frontend lead positions
Date Format: MMM YYYY
Location Format: City, State (Remote optional)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Include a clickable portfolio URL
- List specific frameworks, libraries, and tools
- Use action verbs and quantify results
- Keep headings ATSâstandard
- Save as PDF with a clear file name
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: Greenhouse, Lever, iCIMS, Workday
Keyword Strategy: React, JavaScript, TypeScript, CSS, HTML, REST APIs, Git, Webpack, Jest, Cypress, Next.js, Tailwind CSS
Heading Format: Use standard headings like "Professional Summary", "Technical Skills", "Projects", "Work Experience"
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current resume text below
- Add portfolio URL
- Replace generic skill list with specific technologies
- Reorder sections to match ATS expectations
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