RESUME MISTAKES
Avoid These Costly Plumber Resume Mistakes
Fix your resume, pass the ATS, and get hired faster.
How This Page Helps
Help plumbers create error‑free resumes that showcase their skills and pass applicant tracking systems.
Identify the most damaging resume errors for plumbers
Learn why each mistake hurts your candidacy
Get step‑by‑step fixes that satisfy ATS filters
Boost your chances of landing interviews with hiring managers
Create a professional, industry‑specific resume in minutes
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Missing Trade CertificationsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Employers can’t verify your qualifications
- ATS often filters for required licenses
- Lack of certifications signals inexperience
How to fix
- Create a dedicated Certifications section near the top
- List each certification with issuing body and date
- Include license numbers when applicable
❌ Before
John Doe – Experienced plumber with 5 years of experience
✓ After
John Doe – Licensed Journeyman Plumber (EPA Certified, OSHA 10, License #123456)
ATS Tip
Use exact certification names as keywords (e.g., "EPA Certified Plumber")
Detection Rules
absence of certification keywords
no mention of license numbers
Resumly Tip
Add a Certifications heading and populate it with all relevant trade licenses.
Using Generic Job TitlesMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers skim for specific roles
- ATS may miss relevant experience if titles are vague
How to fix
- Replace generic titles with industry‑standard titles (e.g., "Commercial Pipefitter" instead of "Plumber")
- Add a brief qualifier that reflects the work environment
❌ Before
Plumber – ABC Construction
✓ After
Commercial Pipefitter – ABC Construction (Industrial Projects)
ATS Tip
Match the job title to the posting’s keywords
Detection Rules
title does not contain keywords like "pipefitter","service plumber"
Resumly Tip
Swap generic titles for the exact role listed in the job ad.
Listing Duties Instead of AchievementsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Doesn’t demonstrate impact
- ATS favors quantifiable results
How to fix
- Turn each duty into a result‑focused bullet
- Include numbers, percentages, or cost savings
❌ Before
- Installed water lines for residential homes
✓ After
- Installed 120+ residential water lines, reducing leak incidents by 15% and completing projects 10% ahead of schedule
ATS Tip
Start bullets with strong action verbs and embed relevant keywords
Detection Rules
bullets begin with "responsible for" or "duties included"
Resumly Tip
Rewrite each duty bullet to highlight measurable outcomes.
Improper Date FormattingLOW
Why it hurts
- ATS may fail to parse employment dates
- Hiring managers can’t quickly assess tenure
How to fix
- Standardize all dates to MM/YYYY
- Place dates on the right side of each entry
❌ Before
June 2018 – March 2020
✓ After
06/2018 – 03/2020
ATS Tip
Consistent MM/YYYY format is recognized by all major ATS platforms
Detection Rules
dates contain month name or inconsistent separators
Resumly Tip
Convert all date strings to numeric month/year format.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Certifications, Work Experience, Skills, Education
Naming: FirstName_LastName_Plumber_Resume
Consistency
Length: 1‑2 pages
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State
Resume Quality Checklist
- Include a clear contact header with phone and email
- Add a Professional Summary that mentions pipefitting, water‑line installation, and safety certifications
- List certifications with issuing authority and dates
- Show achievements with numbers (e.g., projects completed, cost savings)
- Use standard headings and consistent MM/YYYY dates
- Proofread for spelling of trade terms (e.g., "PVC", "galvanized")
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Workday, Greenhouse, Bullhorn
Keyword Strategy: pipefitting, water line installation, OSHA 10, EPA certification, troubleshooting, blueprint reading, backflow prevention
Heading Format: Use standard headings like "Work Experience" and "Certifications"
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current plumber resume text below
- Add certifications section
- Convert duties into quantified achievements
- Standardize all dates to MM/YYYY
- Insert industry‑specific keywords
Ready to upgrade your plumber resume? Get expert help now!
Start My Resume Upgrade
