RESUME MISTAKES
Turn Your Musician Resume into a Showstopper
Identify and fix the biggest resume errors that keep you from getting booked.
How This Page Helps
Help musicians craft resumes that showcase talent, experience, and professionalism while passing ATS scans.
Spot hidden formatting errors
Learn industry‑specific keyword strategies
See before‑and‑after resume examples
Apply quick fixes in minutes
Boost your chances of landing auditions
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Missing Instrument Proficiency DetailsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t gauge your skill level
- ATS may miss key instrument keywords
How to fix
- Add a dedicated 'Instruments' line
- List proficiency level (e.g., Advanced, Professional) for each instrument
❌ Before
John Doe – Musician
✓ After
John Doe – Musician Instruments: Piano (Professional), Violin (Advanced)
ATS Tip
Include exact instrument names used in job postings.
Detection Rules
No line containing instrument names
No proficiency level mentioned
Resumly Tip
Use our 'Instrument Profiler' to auto‑populate common instrument terms.
Chronological Gaps Without ExplanationMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Employers assume inactivity
- Gaps can lower ATS relevance score
How to fix
- Add a 'Freelance/Project Work' section for gaps
- Briefly note activities like teaching, recording, or touring
❌ Before
2018–2020 – No entries
✓ After
2018–2020 – Freelance Composer (Film scores, remote collaborations)
ATS Tip
Label gaps as 'Freelance' or 'Contract' to retain keywords.
Detection Rules
Date ranges with empty sections
More than 12 months without entry
Resumly Tip
Our gap‑detector flags any >6‑month empty periods.
Using Non‑Standard Section TitlesLOW
Why it hurts
- ATS may not map content to expected sections
- Recruiters skim quickly and miss info
How to fix
- Use standard headings: 'Experience', 'Education', 'Skills', 'Performance Highlights'
❌ Before
Career Highlights
✓ After
Performance Highlights
ATS Tip
Stick to common headings recognized by most ATS.
Detection Rules
Section titles not in approved list
Resumly Tip
Select from our pre‑set heading library.
Embedding Links as ImagesMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- ATS cannot read image‑based URLs
- Hiring managers can’t click to listen to samples
How to fix
- Provide plain text URLs or use hyperlinked text
- Add a QR code only as supplemental, not primary link
❌ Before
[Image of QR code]
✓ After
Portfolio: https://soundcloud.com/johndoe
ATS Tip
Place URLs in a separate 'Links' section.
Detection Rules
Presence of <img> tags or QR code references
Resumly Tip
Our link‑extractor converts QR codes to text URLs.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Header, Summary, Performance Highlights, Experience, Education, Skills, Links
Naming: First Last – Musician – Instrument(s)
Consistency
Length: 1–2 pages (max 2 for seasoned professionals)
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State (or Country)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a clear, professional header
- List instruments and proficiency
- Include performance dates with MM/YYYY
- Add a concise summary of musical style
- Highlight awards and recordings
- Provide active links to audio/video
- Proofread for spelling and grammar
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Greenhouse, Workday, JazzHR
Keyword Strategy: Include terms like 'session musician', 'live performance', 'recording studio', 'improvisation', and specific instrument names.
Heading Format: Use headings such as 'Experience', 'Performance Highlights', 'Education', 'Skills', and 'Links'
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current musician resume text
- Standardize dates to MM/YYYY
- Convert instrument list to bullet format
- Replace image links with plain URLs
- Add missing 'Skills' section
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