RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Loan Officer Resume Mistakes From Holding You Back
Identify and correct the most common errors that keep hiring managers from calling you back.
How This Page Helps
This page helps loan officers spot frequent resume pitfalls, understand why they matter, and apply proven fixes to boost interview chances.
Learn the top 5 resume errors for loan officers
See before-and-after examples
Get ATS-friendly formatting tips
Use a step-by-step checklist
Access a mini-workshop to rewrite your resume instantly
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Missing industry-specific keywordsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Your resume won't rank in ATS scans
- Hiring managers think you lack relevant experience
How to fix
- Research loan-officer keywords from job ads
- Incorporate them naturally in bullet points and summary
❌ Before
Managed loan portfolios and assisted clients.
✓ After
Managed $50M loan portfolio, achieving 98% on-time repayment; utilized FICO scoring and CRA compliance to underwrite consumer loans.
ATS Tip
Place keywords in the professional summary, skills, and each experience bullet.
Detection Rules
No mention of loan types (e.g., mortgage, auto)
Absence of regulatory terms (e.g., CRA, RESPA)
Resumly Tip
Resumly scans your text for missing loan-officer buzzwords and suggests alternatives.
Using vague metricsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can't gauge impact
- ATS may miss quantifiable achievements
How to fix
- Add specific numbers, percentages, dollar amounts
- Show results relative to targets
❌ Before
Improved loan approval rates.
✓ After
Improved loan approval rates by 15% YoY, processing 200+ applications per month.
ATS Tip
Start bullet points with action verb + metric.
Detection Rules
Bullet points lack numbers or %
Only generic verbs used
Resumly Tip
Our metric enhancer suggests concrete figures based on your input.
Unclear career progressionMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Recruiters can't see growth
- ATS may misinterpret job titles
How to fix
- List positions chronologically with clear titles
- Include promotions and added responsibilities
❌ Before
Loan Officer, XYZ Bank (2018‑2022)
✓ After
Senior Loan Officer (Promoted 2020), XYZ Bank – Led a team of 5, oversaw $30M loan volume.
ATS Tip
Use standard titles like 'Loan Officer', 'Senior Loan Officer'.
Detection Rules
Single title for multiple years
Missing promotion indicators
Resumly Tip
Resumly highlights gaps and suggests promotion phrasing.
Poor formatting and dense paragraphsLOW
Why it hurts
- ATS may fail to parse sections
- Hiring managers skim and miss key info
How to fix
- Use bullet points, clear headings, white space
- Limit to one page for early-career, two pages max for senior
❌ Before
Responsible for loan processing, client communication, compliance, and reporting.
✓ After
- Processed loan applications (150/month) • Communicated with clients to gather documentation • Ensured compliance with RESPA and TILA • Produced weekly performance reports
ATS Tip
Use standard headings: Summary, Experience, Education, Skills.
Detection Rules
Paragraphs longer than 2 sentences
Missing bullet points
Resumly Tip
Our formatter auto-converts paragraphs into ATS-friendly bullets.
Omitting licensing and certificationsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Licenses are mandatory for many loan officer roles
- ATS may filter out candidates without required credentials
How to fix
- Create a dedicated 'Licenses & Certifications' section
- List state license numbers and dates
❌ Before
Certified Mortgage Banker
✓ After
Licenses & Certifications: NMLS #123456 (Active), Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB), State Mortgage License – CA
ATS Tip
Place certifications under a separate heading and include dates.
Detection Rules
No NMLS number
No certification dates
Resumly Tip
Resumly checks for missing NMLS and suggests proper formatting.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Professional Experience, Education, Licenses & Certifications, Awards & Affiliations
Naming: FirstName_LastName_LoanOfficer_Resume
Consistency
Length: One page for <5 years experience; two pages max for 5+ years
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State
Resume Quality Checklist
- Include NMLS number
- Add at least 3 quantifiable achievements per role
- Use loan-officer keywords
- Format with bullet points and standard headings
- Save as PDF with searchable text
- Proofread for spelling and grammar
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: Taleo, iCIMS, Workday, Greenhouse
Keyword Strategy: Loan underwriting, credit analysis, NMLS, RESPA, TILA, FICO, portfolio management
Heading Format: Use standard headings like 'Professional Experience' and 'Licenses & Certifications'
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current loan officer resume text
- Extract key metrics
- Insert missing industry keywords
- Reformat into ATS-friendly layout
- Add Licenses & Certifications section
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