RESUME MISTAKES
Ironworker Resume Mistakes That Cost You Jobs
Identify and correct the errors that keep your resume from landing the next steel erection gig.
How This Page Helps
This page helps ironworkers pinpoint frequent resume pitfalls, understand their impact, and apply proven fixes to create an ATS‑friendly, hiring‑manager‑approved document.
Spot the 5 most damaging resume errors for ironworkers
Learn why each mistake hurts your chances
Get step‑by‑step fixes with real before‑and‑after examples
Optimize your resume for the top construction ATS platforms
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 skim for specific trades
- ATS filters out non‑specific titles
- Reduces perceived expertise
How to fix
- Replace "Construction Worker" with "Ironworker" or the specific trade (e.g., "Structural Ironworker")
- Add a concise subtitle that includes years of experience
❌ Before
Construction Worker – ABC Construction, 2018‑2022
✓ After
Structural Ironworker – ABC Construction, 2018‑2022
ATS Tip
Include the exact keyword "Ironworker" in the title and throughout the experience section
Detection Rules
Title does not contain the word "Ironworker"
Subtitle missing trade specialization
Resumly Tip
Always lead with your specific trade to pass both human and machine screening.
Missing Quantifiable AchievementsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Vague duties don’t demonstrate impact
- ATS scores lower without numbers
- Hiring managers can’t gauge productivity
How to fix
- Add metrics such as tons of steel erected, projects completed ahead of schedule, or safety records
- Use action verbs followed by numbers
❌ Before
Erected steel frameworks for commercial buildings.
✓ After
Erected 1,200 tons of structural steel for a 20‑story office tower, completing the project 2 weeks ahead of schedule with zero safety incidents.
ATS Tip
Insert keywords like "tons", "projects", "safety" alongside numbers
Detection Rules
Bullet points lack numbers or percentages
No mention of project size or outcomes
Resumly Tip
Numbers catch the eye—turn duties into results with concrete data.
Omitting Safety CertificationsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Construction sites require proof of safety training
- ATS often searches for certifications like OSHA 10 or NCCER
- Lack of certifications may disqualify you from union jobs
How to fix
- Create a dedicated "Certifications" section
- List OSHA 10, OSHA 30, NCCER Ironworker, and any specialized rigging or welding certificates
❌ Before
Certifications: None listed
✓ After
Certifications: OSHA 10 (Construction Safety), NCCER Certified Ironworker, Certified Rigging Operator (2023)
ATS Tip
Use exact certification names; ATS matches them verbatim
Detection Rules
No "Certifications" heading
Missing keywords "OSHA" or "NCCER"
Resumly Tip
Show your safety credentials upfront to meet compliance requirements.
Inconsistent Formatting & Poor LayoutLOW
Why it hurts
- ATS may misread irregular fonts or bullet styles
- Hiring managers view sloppy layouts as a lack of professionalism
- Important information can be lost in clutter
How to fix
- Adopt a clean, single‑font layout (e.g., Arial 11pt)
- Use uniform bullet points and spacing
- Limit to 1‑2 pages and align margins
❌ Before
• Erected steel beams - Managed crew * Conducted safety checks
✓ After
• Erected steel beams • Managed crew of 5 ironworkers • Conducted daily safety inspections
ATS Tip
Stick to standard ASCII characters; avoid special symbols
Detection Rules
Mixed bullet characters
Multiple font sizes
More than 2 pages
Resumly Tip
A tidy format ensures both ATS and recruiters read every line.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Work Experience, Certifications, Education
Naming: FirstName_LastName_Ironworker.pdf
Consistency
Length: 1-2 pages
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use "Ironworker" in the headline
- Add a one‑sentence summary with years of experience
- List core competencies like "Steel Erection" and "Rigging"
- Show quantifiable results for each role
- Include OSHA 10, NCCER, and any specialized certificates
- Maintain consistent bullet points and fonts
- Limit resume to 1‑2 pages
- Save as PDF with the proper file name
- Proofread for spelling and grammar
- Run through an ATS checker before sending
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Taleo, Workday, Greenhouse
Keyword Strategy: steel erection, rigging, blueprint reading, OSHA 10, NCCER, welding, concrete formwork, project management, safety inspections
Heading Format: Use standard headings such as "Professional Summary", "Work Experience", "Certifications", and "Education"
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste the full text of your current Ironworker resume below
- Standardize job titles to include "Ironworker"
- Insert quantifiable metrics for each duty
- Add missing safety certifications
- Normalize headings and bullet styles
- Convert to PDF with the correct naming convention
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