RESUME MISTAKES
Navigate Your Resume to Success
Avoid the hidden pitfalls that keep sailors from catching their next vessel assignment
How This Page Helps
This guide helps maritime professionals identify and correct the most damaging resume mistakes, ensuring their experience shines through both human recruiters and applicant tracking systems.
Spot the top 5 resume errors that cost sailors interviews
Learn concrete, step‑by‑step fixes for each mistake
See before‑and‑after examples tailored to sea service
Get ATS‑friendly formatting tips for maritime hiring platforms
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Vague Sea Service DescriptionsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Recruiters can’t gauge your responsibilities
- ATS misses key maritime keywords
- Hiring managers assume lack of impact
How to fix
- Start each entry with a strong action verb
- Quantify cargo handled, crew size, or vessel tonnage
- Include specific vessel types and routes
❌ Before
Deckhand – Various vessels, 2018‑2022
✓ After
Deckhand – Operated on a 30,000‑ton bulk carrier (Atlantic Trade) handling 5,000 tons of cargo per voyage, supervised a crew of 4, and maintained safety logs for 150+ trips
ATS Tip
Insert keywords like "bulk carrier", "cargo handling", "safety logs"
Detection Rules
Missing quantifiable metrics
Generic job titles without vessel details
Resumly Tip
Add numbers and vessel specs to turn vague duties into measurable achievements.
Incorrect Date FormattingMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Creates timeline gaps that raise red flags
- ATS may misread employment periods
- Hiring managers struggle to assess continuity
How to fix
- Use consistent MM/YYYY format
- List dates chronologically, most recent first
- Avoid month names or textual ranges
❌ Before
June 2019 – Present
✓ After
06/2019 – Present
ATS Tip
Standard MM/YYYY ensures ATS parses dates correctly
Detection Rules
Mixed date styles
Spelled‑out months
Resumly Tip
Standardize all dates to MM/YYYY for clarity and ATS compatibility.
Missing Maritime CertificationsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Certifications are mandatory for many shipboard roles
- ATS filters out resumes lacking required credentials
- Recruiters may overlook qualified candidates
How to fix
- Create a dedicated Certifications section
- List each credential with issuing authority and expiration date
- Use official certification titles (e.g., STCW, MARPOL)
❌ Before
Certifications: None listed
✓ After
Certifications: - STCW Basic Safety Training, US Coast Guard, Expires 12/2026 - MARPOL Pollution Prevention, International Maritime Organization, Expires 07/2025
ATS Tip
Include exact certification names to match ATS keyword searches
Detection Rules
No certifications section
Only generic "Certificates" label
Resumly Tip
Add a clear Certifications section with dates to satisfy both recruiters and ATS.
Overuse of Nautical Jargon for Non‑Maritime ReadersLOW
Why it hurts
- Civilian HR staff may not understand specialized terms
- ATS may not map slang to standard keywords
- Reduces resume readability
How to fix
- Translate jargon into universally understood language
- Pair nautical terms with plain‑English equivalents
- Keep industry‑specific terms in a keyword list, not the main narrative
❌ Before
Managed watch‑standing duties and performed helm‑watch on the bridge.
✓ After
Managed watch‑standing duties (supervised 8 crew members) and performed helm‑watch (steering) on the bridge, ensuring safe navigation during all voyages.
ATS Tip
Include both the term and its plain‑English counterpart to capture ATS matches
Detection Rules
Use of terms like "helm‑watch" without explanation
Unexplained abbreviations
Resumly Tip
Balance technical language with clear explanations to appeal to all readers.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Sea Service History, Certifications, Skills, Education
Naming: FirstName_LastName_Sailor.pdf
Consistency
Length: 1-2 pages
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State/Country
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a professional email address
- Include a headline with the desired role (e.g., "Deck Officer")
- List sea service with vessel type, tonnage, and routes
- Quantify achievements for each position
- Add all relevant maritime certifications with expiry dates
- Standardize dates to MM/YYYY
- Save as PDF with the naming convention
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Taleo, Workday
Keyword Strategy: Navigation, Vessel Operations, Safety Management, Cargo Handling, STCW, MARPOL, Deck Officer, Marine Engineering
Heading Format: Use standard headings like "Professional Summary", "Sea Service History", "Certifications", "Skills"
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current sailor resume text below
- Standardize date format to MM/YYYY
- Add vessel type, tonnage, and cargo metrics
- Replace unexplained jargon with plain English equivalents
- Insert missing certifications with expiration dates
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