RESUME MISTAKES
Rev Up Your Mechanic Resume
Identify and fix the biggest resume errors that keep hiring managers from calling you back.
How This Page Helps
Help mechanics create error‑free, ATS‑optimized resumes that showcase hands‑on expertise and get interview calls.
Spot the most common resume blunders for technicians
Learn actionable fixes that boost ATS scores
See before‑and‑after examples tailored to automotive roles
Get a printable checklist for quick self‑audit
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Generic Objective StatementMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Doesn't highlight specific mechanical skills
- Looks like a copy‑paste template
- Fails to capture employer's needs
How to fix
- Replace with a concise summary that lists years of experience, specialties (e.g., diesel, HVAC), and measurable achievements.
- Use action verbs and quantifiable results.
❌ Before
Objective: Seeking a challenging position where I can utilize my skills.
✓ After
Summary: Certified Automotive Technician with 5+ years maintaining diesel fleets, reducing downtime by 15% through proactive diagnostics.
ATS Tip
Include keywords like 'diagnostic', 'maintenance', 'certified' in the summary.
Detection Rules
Contains the word 'objective'
Length < 30 words
Generic phrasing
Resumly Tip
Swap the objective for a targeted summary that matches the job posting.
Listing Every Job Ever HeldHIGH
Why it hurts
- Clutters resume
- Dilutes relevant experience
- Exceeds recommended length
How to fix
- Focus on the last 10 years or most relevant roles.
- Group similar positions under a single heading.
- Remove unrelated retail or unrelated roles.
❌ Before
Mechanic at Joe's Garage (2005-2007), Bike repair at CycleWorld (2003-2005), etc.
✓ After
Senior Automotive Technician, XYZ Motors (2015‑Present) – Lead a team of 4, oversee preventive maintenance for a 50‑vehicle fleet.
ATS Tip
Use standard job titles like 'Automotive Technician' to match ATS keywords.
Detection Rules
More than 5 job entries
Dates older than 10 years
Unrelated job titles
Resumly Tip
Trim to the most recent, relevant positions and use concise bullet points.
Missing Quantifiable AchievementsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Provides no evidence of impact
- Hard for hiring manager to gauge performance
How to fix
- Add numbers: % improvement, number of vehicles serviced, cost savings.
- Use action verbs and results.
❌ Before
Performed routine maintenance on trucks.
✓ After
Performed routine maintenance on 30+ trucks weekly, decreasing breakdowns by 12%.
ATS Tip
Include metrics like '30+ trucks' and '12% reduction' to match performance keywords.
Detection Rules
Bullets lack numbers
Verb phrases only
Resumly Tip
Turn duties into achievements with measurable results.
Improper Formatting & TyposHIGH
Why it hurts
- ATS may not parse
- Looks unprofessional
- Reduces readability
How to fix
- Use a clean, single‑column layout.
- Stick to standard fonts (Arial, Calibri).
- Proofread for spelling errors.
- Save as PDF.
❌ Before
• Diagnosed engine issues – 5 years exp
✓ After
• Diagnosed engine issues on 120+ vehicles, reducing repeat repairs by 8%.
ATS Tip
Avoid tables, graphics, and headers with special characters.
Detection Rules
Contains tables
Uncommon fonts
Spelling errors detected
Resumly Tip
Apply Resumly's formatting wizard to ensure ATS‑friendly layout.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Core Skills, Work Experience, Certifications, Education
Naming: FirstName_LastName_Mechanic_Resume
Consistency
Length: One page for less than 10 years experience; two pages max for 10+ years
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a professional summary instead of an objective
- Show at least three measurable achievements
- List only relevant mechanical roles from the past 10 years
- Include core skills such as diagnostics, ASE certification, and fleet maintenance
- Format dates as MM/YYYY
- Save the final file as PDF
- Proofread for spelling and grammar errors
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Workday, Greenhouse, Bullhorn
Keyword Strategy: Include terms like 'diagnostic', 'preventive maintenance', 'ASE certified', 'hydraulic systems', 'fleet management'.
Heading Format: Use standard headings such as 'Professional Summary', 'Core Skills', 'Work Experience', 'Certifications'.
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current mechanic resume text
- Convert objective to summary
- Add quantifiable metrics
- Standardize date format
- Optimize keywords for ATS
- Apply clean formatting
Ready to land your next garage job? Let Resumly polish your resume.
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