RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Letting Resume Mistakes Block Your Network Admin Career
Identify and correct the most common errors that keep hiring managers from noticing your expertise.
How This Page Helps
This page helps Network Administrators recognize frequent resume pitfalls, understand why they hurt, and apply proven fixes to improve ATS compatibility and recruiter appeal.
Spot vague job titles
Add quantifiable achievements
Showcase essential certifications
Use ATS‑friendly formatting
Highlight security and troubleshooting expertise
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Generic Job TitleMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t quickly see your role
- ATS may misclassify your experience
How to fix
- Replace with specific title like 'Network Administrator' or 'Senior Network Administrator'
- Include level (Junior, Mid‑Level, Senior)
❌ Before
IT Professional – XYZ Corp
✓ After
Network Administrator – XYZ Corp
ATS Tip
Use exact keywords from the job posting for the title.
Detection Rules
Title does not contain 'Network' or 'Administrator'
Resumly Tip
Specific titles improve both human and machine readability.
Missing Quantifiable ResultsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Resume looks like a list of duties
- No proof of impact
How to fix
- Add numbers, percentages, or time saved
- Show measurable outcomes of projects
❌ Before
Managed LAN and WAN infrastructure.
✓ After
Managed LAN and WAN infrastructure, reducing network latency by 30% and increasing uptime to 99.9%.
ATS Tip
Include metrics using digits; ATS parses numbers easily.
Detection Rules
Bullet points lack numbers or %
Resumly Tip
Metrics make your achievements tangible.
Omitting Key CertificationsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers look for industry‑standard credentials
- ATS often filters by certification keywords
How to fix
- List relevant certifications in a dedicated section
- Include certification dates and issuing organization
❌ Before
Skills: Routing, Switching, VPN.
✓ After
Certifications: Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) – 2022, CompTIA Network+ – 2021.
ATS Tip
Place certifications under a clear heading; use exact certification names.
Detection Rules
No certification section present
Resumly Tip
Certifications signal validated expertise.
Using Tables or GraphicsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Many ATS cannot read tables, columns, or images
- Content may be skipped or garbled
How to fix
- Use simple bullet points and plain text
- Avoid embedded images; use standard headings
❌ Before
<table>...</table>
✓ After
• Implemented VLAN segmentation across 5 sites...
ATS Tip
Stick to left‑aligned text; avoid multi‑column layouts.
Detection Rules
Resume contains HTML tables or graphic elements
Resumly Tip
Plain text ensures all information is parsed.
Neglecting Security ExperienceLOW
Why it hurts
- Network security is a top priority for employers
- Missing keywords reduces ATS match
How to fix
- Add specific security tasks (firewall config, IDS/IPS)
- Mention compliance standards (PCI‑DSS, ISO 27001)
❌ Before
Maintained network devices.
✓ After
Maintained network devices and configured Cisco ASA firewalls, achieving PCI‑DSS compliance.
ATS Tip
Include security‑related keywords throughout.
Detection Rules
No mention of security, firewall, or compliance
Resumly Tip
Security expertise differentiates you.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Technical Skills, Professional Experience, Education, Certifications
Naming: FirstName_LastName_NetworkAdmin.pdf
Consistency
Length: One page for <5 years experience, two pages up to 10 years
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a clear, specific job title
- Include a concise professional summary with key technologies
- List technical skills in a bullet format
- Show quantifiable achievements for each role
- Add relevant certifications with dates
- Avoid tables, columns, and images
- Use standard headings and simple fonts
- Proofread for spelling and grammar
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Taleo, Greenhouse, Workday
Keyword Strategy: Cisco, LAN/WAN, VPN, DHCP, DNS, Network Monitoring, Security Protocols, Firewall, IDS/IPS, PCI-DSS, ISO 27001
Heading Format: Use standard headings like Professional Summary, Technical Skills, Experience
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current resume text below
- Replace generic titles with specific ones
- Add quantifiable achievements
- Insert relevant certifications
- Reformat dates to MM/YYYY
- Convert any tables to plain bullet points
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