RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Losing Architecture Jobs to Resume Errors
Identify and fix the most damaging mistakes that keep Solutions Architects from getting interviews.
How This Page Helps
This page helps Solutions Architects pinpoint frequent resume mistakes, understand why they hurt, and apply proven fixes to improve ATS compatibility and recruiter appeal.
Spot hidden ATS blockers
Learn industry‑specific wording
See before‑and‑after resume snippets
Apply a step‑by‑step formatting checklist
Access a quick fix workshop
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Vague Job TitlesHIGH
Why it hurts
- Recruiters can’t gauge seniority
- ATS may not match keywords
How to fix
- Replace generic titles with specific ones like 'Enterprise Solutions Architect'
- Include level indicators (Lead, Senior)
❌ Before
Job Title: Architect
✓ After
Job Title: Senior Enterprise Solutions Architect
ATS Tip
Use exact titles that appear in job postings.
Detection Rules
title contains generic term 'Architect' without qualifier
no seniority level
Resumly Tip
Add the specific domain and seniority to boost relevance.
Missing Quantifiable ImpactHIGH
Why it hurts
- Lacks proof of value
- ATS keywords like 'reduced cost' are absent
How to fix
- Add metrics (e.g., % cost savings, number of systems integrated)
- Use action verbs with results
❌ Before
Designed cloud solutions for clients.
✓ After
Designed and deployed cloud solutions for 12 enterprise clients, reducing infrastructure costs by 22%.
ATS Tip
Include numbers and keywords such as 'cost reduction', 'scalable'.
Detection Rules
bullet points lack numbers
no % or $ signs
Resumly Tip
Quantify achievements to make impact clear.
Unstructured Technical Skills SectionMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- ATS may not parse skills
- Recruiters waste time scanning
How to fix
- Create a dedicated 'Technical Skills' table
- Group by categories (Cloud, Architecture, DevOps)
- Use commas or bullet list
❌ Before
Skills: AWS, Docker, Java, Agile
✓ After
Technical Skills: - Cloud Platforms: AWS, Azure, GCP - Containerization: Docker, Kubernetes - Programming: Java, Python, Go - Methodologies: Agile, TOGAF
ATS Tip
List each skill on a separate line or separated by commas.
Detection Rules
single line skill list
no categories
Resumly Tip
Organize skills for readability and ATS parsing.
Overly Long Resume ( >2 pages)MEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Recruiters lose interest
- ATS may truncate beyond first page
How to fix
- Trim older roles older than 10 years
- Focus on last 10 years or most relevant experience
- Use concise bullet points (max 2 lines)
❌ Before
10+ years of experience listed with detailed duties for each role.
✓ After
Focused on last 8 years, highlighting key architecture projects and outcomes.
ATS Tip
Keep resume to 1-2 pages, prioritize relevance.
Detection Rules
page count >2
word count >800
Resumly Tip
Prioritize recent, high‑impact achievements.
Missing Certifications and Security ClearancesLOW
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers look for AWS Certified Solutions Architect, etc.
- ATS filters for certifications
How to fix
- Add a 'Certifications' section with dates
- Include security clearance level if applicable
❌ Before
No certifications listed.
✓ After
Certifications: - AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional (2023) - TOGAF 9 Certified (2022) - Active Secret Clearance
ATS Tip
Place certifications near the top, after summary.
Detection Rules
no 'certification' keyword
section missing
Resumly Tip
Show credentials prominently to pass keyword filters.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Header, Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Professional Experience, Technical Skills, Certifications, Education, Professional Affiliations
Naming: FirstName LastName – Solutions Architect
Consistency
Length: 1‑2 pages (max 800 words)
Date Format: MMM YYYY (e.g., Jan 2020 – Present)
Location Format: City, State, Country (optional)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a clear, professional header with contact info
- Write a 3‑sentence summary focused on architecture expertise
- Include quantifiable achievements for each role
- List technical skills in categorized format
- Add relevant certifications and clearances
- Tailor keywords to the job description
- Keep formatting consistent (fonts, bullet style)
- Save as PDF with searchable text
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Greenhouse, Lever, Workday, Taleo
Keyword Strategy: Enterprise architecture, cloud migration, multi‑cloud strategy, cost optimization, TOGAF, AWS, Azure, GCP, Kubernetes
Heading Format: Use standard headings like 'Professional Experience' and 'Technical Skills' to ensure ATS recognition.
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current Solutions Architect resume text
- Standardize headings
- Convert bullet points to action‑result format
- Add missing metrics
- Reformat technical skills section
- Insert certifications block
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