RESUME MISTAKES
Avoid Costly Resume Errors as an Occupational Health Specialist
Learn the exact fixes that get your resume past ATS and impress hiring managers.
How This Page Helps
Help Occupational Health Specialists identify and correct resume mistakes that hinder job prospects, ensuring ATS compatibility and compelling storytelling.
Spot hidden ATS blockers
Rewrite vague experience statements
Optimize health-specific keywords
Standardize formatting for readability
Boost confidence with a ready-to-use checklist
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Using generic titles instead of specific occupational health rolesHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t quickly see your expertise
- ATS may miss role-specific keywords
How to fix
- Replace generic titles with precise ones like 'Industrial Hygiene Specialist' or 'Occupational Health Nurse'
- Include level and setting (e.g., 'Senior Occupational Health Specialist – Manufacturing')
❌ Before
Health Specialist, ABC Corp
✓ After
Senior Occupational Health Specialist – Manufacturing, ABC Corp
ATS Tip
Match the exact title used in the job posting.
Detection Rules
title contains generic term 'Specialist' without qualifier
absence of industry-specific keywords
Resumly Tip
Add the specific occupational health function to your headline for instant impact.
Listing duties instead of achievementsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Doesn’t demonstrate value
- ATS looks for quantifiable results
How to fix
- Start bullet points with action verbs
- Add metrics (e.g., reduced workplace injuries by 30%)
❌ Before
Conducted health assessments for employees.
✓ After
Led quarterly health assessments for 500+ employees, reducing workplace injuries by 30% over 12 months.
ATS Tip
Include numbers and relevant health-safety metrics.
Detection Rules
bullets start with 'Responsible for' or 'Performed'
no numbers present
Resumly Tip
Turn every duty into a result-focused achievement.
Omitting certifications and licensureHIGH
Why it hurts
- Certifications are key hiring criteria
- ATS may filter out unqualified candidates
How to fix
- Create a dedicated 'Certifications' section
- List credentials with issuing body and expiration date
❌ Before
Certified in occupational health.
✓ After
Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN), American Board of Occupational Health Nurses, Expires 06/2027
ATS Tip
Use exact certification names from the job ad.
Detection Rules
no separate certifications section
generic phrase 'certified' only
Resumly Tip
Show your credentials prominently to pass credential filters.
Inconsistent date formattingLOW
Why it hurts
- Confuses ATS parsers
- Looks unprofessional to recruiters
How to fix
- Use month-year format (MM/YYYY) consistently
- Align dates to the right margin
❌ Before
Jan 2020 – Present
✓ After
01/2020 – Present
ATS Tip
MM/YYYY is universally recognized by ATS.
Detection Rules
mixed formats like 'Jan 2020' and '2020-01' present
Resumly Tip
Standardize all dates to MM/YYYY for clean parsing.
Neglecting location details for each roleMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers need geographic context
- ATS may prioritize local candidates
How to fix
- Add city, state after company name
- If remote, note 'Remote'
❌ Before
ABC Corp
✓ After
ABC Corp – Chicago, IL
ATS Tip
Include location to match location-based filters.
Detection Rules
company lines lack comma and state
no 'Remote' indicator
Resumly Tip
Always pair company with its location for clarity.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Professional Experience, Certifications & Licensure, Education, Professional Affiliations
Naming: FirstName_LastName_OccupationalHealthSpecialist.pdf
Consistency
Length: 1‑2 pages (max 2 pages for experienced specialists)
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State (or Remote)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a specific occupational health title
- Show quantifiable achievements
- List all relevant certifications
- Standardize dates to MM/YYYY
- Include city and state for each role
- Incorporate industry keywords (e.g., ergonomics, industrial hygiene)
- Keep resume to 1‑2 pages
- Save as PDF with proper naming
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Taleo, Workday, Greenhouse, Lever
Keyword Strategy: Include terms like 'occupational health program', 'industrial hygiene', 'risk assessment', 'ergonomic evaluation', 'OSHA compliance'
Heading Format: Use standard headings such as 'Professional Experience' and 'Certifications & Licensure'
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current resume text
- Convert generic titles to specific occupational health titles
- Add metrics to every achievement bullet
- Create a Certifications section with full details
- Standardize all dates to MM/YYYY
- Append location to each employer line
Ready to transform your resume? Get the free fix guide now!
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