RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Losing Training Manager Opportunities
Identify and correct the biggest resume errors that keep hiring managers from calling you back.
How This Page Helps
This page helps Training Managers spot critical resume mistakes, understand why they hurt, and apply actionable fixes to boost ATS compatibility and recruiter appeal.
Learn the top 5 resume errors for Training Managers
See before-and-after examples
Get ATS-friendly keyword and formatting tips
Use a ready-made checklist and mini-workshop
Download a printable PDF guide
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
- Hiring managers can’t gauge seniority
- ATS may not match industry-standard titles
How to fix
- Replace generic titles with specific ones like 'Corporate Training Manager' or 'Learning & Development Manager'
- Add a brief descriptor if the official title is ambiguous
❌ Before
Training Manager
✓ After
Corporate Training Manager – Learning & Development
ATS Tip
Use exact keywords from the job posting such as 'Learning & Development'
Detection Rules
title contains generic term without qualifier
title length < 3 words
Resumly Tip
Hover over the title field to see suggested industry-standard alternatives.
Missing quantifiable resultsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Resume looks like a list of duties
- Recruiters can’t see impact
How to fix
- Add numbers: % increase, # of participants, cost savings
- Use the STAR format for key achievements
❌ Before
Designed and delivered training programs for new hires.
✓ After
Designed and delivered onboarding program for 200+ new hires, reducing time-to-productivity by 15%.
ATS Tip
Include action verbs and metrics; ATS parses numbers as keywords.
Detection Rules
no digits in bullet points
bullets start with 'Responsible for'
Resumly Tip
Resumly flags bullets without numbers and suggests adding metrics.
Unoptimized skills sectionMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- ATS may skip the section if headings are non-standard
- Recruiters miss key competencies
How to fix
- Label the section as 'Core Competencies' or 'Key Skills'
- List 8–12 relevant keywords from the job description, separated by commas
❌ Before
Technical Skills: PowerPoint, Excel, LMS
✓ After
Core Competencies: Instructional Design, LMS Administration (Cornerstone), Leadership Development, ROI Analysis, Agile Training Delivery
ATS Tip
Match exact skill phrases from the posting.
Detection Rules
section heading not in allowed list
skill list < 5 items
Resumly Tip
Resumly suggests top industry keywords based on your target role.
Inconsistent date formattingLOW
Why it hurts
- ATS may misread employment dates
- Hiring managers view it as sloppy
How to fix
- Use month-year format (MM/YYYY) consistently across all entries
- Align dates to the right margin for readability
❌ Before
Jan 2020 – Present
✓ After
01/2020 – Present
ATS Tip
Avoid textual months; numeric format parses reliably.
Detection Rules
date contains full month name
mixed formats across entries
Resumly Tip
Resumly auto-converts dates to the preferred format.
Overly long resumeMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Recruiters lose focus after 2 pages
- ATS may truncate beyond 2 pages
How to fix
- Trim older roles older than 10 years unless highly relevant
- Use concise bullet points (max 2 lines each)
- Prioritize recent, relevant achievements
❌ Before
Resume length: 3 pages
✓ After
Resume length: 2 pages, focusing on last 8 years
ATS Tip
Keep to 1-2 pages; ATS scores the most recent content higher.
Detection Rules
page count > 2
total word count > 800
Resumly Tip
Resumly highlights sections that can be condensed.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Header, Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Professional Experience, Education, Certifications, Professional Development
Naming: FirstName_LastName_TrainingManager_Resume
Consistency
Length: 1-2 pages (max 2 pages for Training Manager)
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State (or Country)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a clear, specific job title
- Add quantifiable achievements for each role
- Include at least 8 relevant keywords in Core Competencies
- Format dates as MM/YYYY
- Keep resume to 2 pages max
- Proofread for spelling and grammar
- Save file as PDF with proper naming convention
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Workday, Greenhouse, Lever
Keyword Strategy: Learning Management System, Instructional Design, Leadership Development, ROI Analysis, Agile Training, Soft Skills Coaching
Heading Format: Use standard headings like Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Professional Experience
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current Training Manager resume text below
- Standardize job titles
- Insert metrics into achievement bullets
- Reformat dates to MM/YYYY
- Rename Skills section to Core Competencies
- Trim content to 2 pages
Ready to transform your Training Manager resume? Get expert feedback now!
Start My Free Review
