RESUME MISTAKES
Avoid Costly Resume Mistakes That Keep You Off the Shop Floor
Learn the exact fixes that turn a generic mechanic CV into a hiring‑ready document
How This Page Helps
This page helps truck mechanics identify frequent resume pitfalls, understand their impact on hiring managers and ATS, and apply proven corrections to boost interview callbacks.
Identify the 5 most damaging resume errors for truck mechanics
Learn why each mistake hurts your candidacy
Get step‑by‑step fixes with real‑world examples
Download a printable checklist to audit your own resume
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Using a Generic Job TitleHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers skim for specific titles like "Heavy‑Duty Truck Mechanic"
- ATS keyword filters may miss generic terms
- It downplays your specialized expertise
How to fix
- Replace "Mechanic" with the exact title used in the job posting (e.g., "Diesel Truck Mechanic")
- Add a subtitle that highlights your focus area (e.g., "Specialized in 18‑Wheel Tractor‑Trailer Maintenance")
❌ Before
Mechanic at XYZ Logistics
✓ After
Heavy‑Duty Truck Mechanic – Specialized in 18‑Wheel Tractor‑Trailer Maintenance
ATS Tip
Match the exact title wording from the posting; include common industry abbreviations like "HD" or "Diesel"
Detection Rules
title contains "Mechanic" without qualifiers
absence of keywords: "Heavy‑Duty","Diesel","Truck"
Resumly Tip
Swap generic titles for the precise role you performed to catch both recruiter eyes and ATS scans.
Listing Duties Without NumbersMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Vague statements don’t demonstrate impact
- Recruiters can’t gauge your productivity
- ATS looks for quantifiable keywords like "repaired 30+ engines"
How to fix
- Add metrics: number of trucks serviced per week, downtime reduced, cost savings
- Use action verbs followed by numbers
❌ Before
Performed routine maintenance on fleet trucks
✓ After
Performed routine maintenance on a fleet of 45 trucks, reducing average downtime by 15% and saving $12,000 annually
ATS Tip
Include numbers, percentages, and dollar amounts to trigger relevance scores
Detection Rules
bullet points lack digits
phrases start with "Performed" or "Responsible for" without metrics
Resumly Tip
Quantify every responsibility – numbers make your achievements concrete.
Omitting Certifications and LicensesHIGH
Why it hurts
- Certifications like ASE are industry standards and often required
- ATS filters for keywords such as "ASE Certified"
- Missing credentials can make you appear underqualified
How to fix
- Create a dedicated "Certifications" section
- List each certification with issuing body and year
❌ Before
Skills: brake repair, engine diagnostics
✓ After
Certifications: ASE Certified Diesel Technician (2022), EPA 608 Certified (2021)
ATS Tip
Place certifications near the top of the resume; use exact certification names as keywords
Detection Rules
no section titled "Certifications" or "Licenses"
absence of keywords: "ASE","EPA 608","Certified"
Resumly Tip
Showcase every relevant certification – they’re often the first filter in hiring.
Inconsistent Formatting and FontsLOW
Why it hurts
- Recruiters may view the resume as unprofessional
- ATS can misread irregular bullet symbols or spacing
- A cluttered layout distracts from content
How to fix
- Choose one clean font (e.g., Arial 11pt) for the entire document
- Use uniform bullet points and spacing
- Limit to two font styles (one for headings, one for body)
❌ Before
• Repaired engines - Conducted inspections * Managed parts inventory
✓ After
• Repaired engines • Conducted inspections • Managed parts inventory
ATS Tip
Stick to standard Unicode bullet characters; avoid special symbols that ATS can’t parse
Detection Rules
mixed bullet characters
multiple font families detected
Resumly Tip
A consistent look signals attention to detail – essential for a mechanic role.
Missing Relevant Keywords for Truck MaintenanceMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- ATS algorithms rank resumes based on keyword match
- Hiring managers look for specific tools and systems (e.g., "JLG lifts","Fleetio")
- Lack of keywords reduces visibility in searches
How to fix
- Review the job description and extract key terms
- Incorporate tools, equipment, and software names naturally into experience bullets
❌ Before
Used diagnostic equipment to troubleshoot issues
✓ After
Utilized Snap-on diagnostic scanner and Fleetio software to troubleshoot and resolve engine issues, decreasing diagnostic time by 20%
ATS Tip
Include both generic terms ("diagnostic scanner") and brand‑specific names ("Snap-on")
Detection Rules
absence of brand names like "Snap-on","JLG","Fleetio"
no mention of specific tools
Resumly Tip
Blend industry‑specific keywords into your achievements for maximum ATS impact.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Work Experience, Certifications, Technical Skills, Education
Naming: FirstName_LastName_TruckMechanic_Resume.pdf
Consistency
Length: 1‑2 pages (max 2 for senior mechanics)
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a specific job title (e.g., Heavy‑Duty Truck Mechanic)
- Quantify every responsibility with numbers or percentages
- Add a Certifications section with ASE, EPA, etc.
- Maintain one font and uniform bullet style
- Insert at least 8–10 industry keywords from the posting
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Workday, Greenhouse, Jobvite
Keyword Strategy: Heavy‑Duty, Diesel, ASE Certified, Snap-on, Fleetio, JLG, preventive maintenance, downtime reduction
Heading Format: Use standard headings like "Work Experience" and "Certifications"
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current resume text below
- Replace generic titles with specific ones
- Add metrics to each bullet
- Insert a Certifications section
- Standardize fonts and bullets
- Embed top 10 ATS keywords
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