RESUME MISTAKES
Landscaper Resume Mistakes That Cost You Jobs
Identify and fix the most common errors so you can showcase your green‑thumb expertise and get hired faster.
How This Page Helps
Help landscapers recognize and correct resume mistakes that hinder job prospects, improve ATS compatibility, and present their skills professionally.
Spot the top 5 resume errors for landscapers
Learn actionable fixes with before‑and‑after examples
Boost ATS scoring with keyword and formatting tips
Download a printable fix worksheet
Increase interview callbacks
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Vague job descriptionsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t see the impact of your work
- ATS may miss key action verbs
- Leaves no evidence of measurable results
How to fix
- Replace generic verbs with specific actions (e.g., "installed" instead of "responsible for"
- Add numbers: acres maintained, projects completed, cost savings
- Mention tools, equipment, and plant types used
❌ Before
Landscaper, XYZ Corp – Maintained lawns and gardens.
✓ After
Landscaper, XYZ Corp – Maintained 15+ acres of commercial lawns, installed 200+ irrigation heads, reducing water usage by 12%.
ATS Tip
Include quantifiable verbs and industry‑specific terms like "irrigation", "hardscape", "plant health"
Detection Rules
Contains generic phrases such as "responsible for" or "duties included" without specifics
Lacks numbers or measurable outcomes
Resumly Tip
Use our quantifier tool to add numbers and concrete results to each bullet.
Missing relevant certificationsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Certifications validate expertise in safety and specialized techniques
- Many landscaping employers filter resumes for OSHA or Certified Landscape Technician credentials
- Absence can signal lack of professionalism
How to fix
- Create a dedicated "Certifications" section
- List certifications with issuing organization and date (e.g., OSHA 10 – 2023)
- If you have pending certifications, note "In progress"
❌ Before
Work Experience section only, no certifications listed.
✓ After
Certifications • OSHA 10 General Industry – 2023 • Certified Landscape Technician (CLT) – 2022
ATS Tip
Use the exact certification name; ATS often matches exact strings
Detection Rules
No section titled "Certifications" or "Licenses"
Keywords like "OSHA" or "Certified" missing
Resumly Tip
Add certifications via our quick‑add widget to ensure proper formatting.
Improper file format or layoutHIGH
Why it hurts
- Some ATS cannot parse PDFs with images or complex tables
- Recruiters may struggle to read a cluttered layout
- Inconsistent fonts reduce readability
How to fix
- Save as PDF or DOCX with searchable text (no scanned images)
- Use a clean, single‑column layout with standard headings
- Stick to 10‑12 pt sans‑serif fonts
❌ Before
Resume saved as a scanned JPEG image attached to an email.
✓ After
Resume saved as searchable PDF, 1‑column layout, headings in bold, 11 pt Arial.
ATS Tip
Avoid headers/footers that contain important info; ATS may skip them
Detection Rules
File type not PDF/DOCX
Presence of images covering text
Multiple columns or tables
Resumly Tip
Our formatter converts your file to ATS‑friendly PDF automatically.
Unoptimized keywords for landscapingHIGH
Why it hurts
- ATS rank resumes based on keyword matches
- Missing key terms reduces your chance of passing the initial screen
- Hiring managers may think you lack relevant experience
How to fix
- Research job ads and extract common terms (e.g., "hardscape", "soil preparation", "plant health")
- Integrate these keywords naturally throughout the summary and experience bullets
- Use a keyword density tool to ensure coverage
❌ Before
Summary: Experienced landscaper with strong work ethic.
✓ After
Summary: Experienced landscaper specializing in hardscape installation, soil preparation, irrigation system design, and plant health management.
ATS Tip
Match exact phrasing from the job posting; plural vs singular matters
Detection Rules
Keyword count for core terms below threshold
No mention of specific landscaping processes
Resumly Tip
Run our keyword optimizer to match your resume to the target job description.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Work Experience, Certifications, Skills, Education
Naming: FirstName_LastName_Landscaper_Resume
Consistency
Length: 1‑2 pages (max 2)
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a clear professional summary
- List measurable achievements for each role
- Include certifications like OSHA 10 and Certified Landscape Technician
- Add relevant keywords such as hardscape, irrigation, horticulture
- Keep formatting consistent across sections
- Save as PDF with searchable text
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Greenhouse, Workday, Lever
Keyword Strategy: Use terms like "landscape design", "maintenance", "plant health", "hardscape installation", "irrigation systems"
Heading Format: Use standard headings such as "Professional Summary", "Work Experience", "Certifications", "Skills"
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current resume text below
- Trim to 2 pages
- Add quantifiable results
- Insert industry keywords
- Standardize date and location format
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