RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Losing Jobs Over Your Animal Trainer Resume
Identify and correct the critical mistakes that keep you from landing the perfect training role.
How This Page Helps
Help animal trainers create error‑free, ATS‑optimized resumes that showcase their unique skills and experience.
Spot hidden formatting errors
Learn why vague skill descriptions cost you interviews
Get actionable rewrite examples
Align your resume with top animal training ATS keywords
Boost readability for hiring managers
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Using generic job titlesHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t see your specific expertise
- ATS may not match niche keywords
How to fix
- Replace generic titles with specific ones like 'Marine Mammal Trainer' or 'Canine Behavior Specialist'
- Include the species or environment you worked with
❌ Before
Job Title: Trainer
✓ After
Job Title: Exotic Bird Trainer – Zoo
ATS Tip
Match the exact title used in job postings.
Detection Rules
title contains generic word 'trainer' without qualifier
no species or environment mentioned
Resumly Tip
Add the animal type or setting to make your role stand out.
Listing duties instead of achievementsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Doesn’t demonstrate impact
- Fails to quantify results
How to fix
- Start bullet points with action verbs
- Include metrics like number of animals trained, safety improvements, program success rates
❌ Before
• Trained animals for shows
✓ After
• Trained 15 dolphins for weekly performances, increasing audience satisfaction scores by 22%
ATS Tip
Use keywords like 'trained', 'behavior modification', 'performance'.
Detection Rules
bullets start with verbs like 'responsible for'
no numbers or results present
Resumly Tip
Turn tasks into results with numbers.
Poor formatting and unreadable fontsHIGH
Why it hurts
- ATS can’t parse the document
- Hiring managers skim and skip messy layouts
How to fix
- Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) 10‑12pt
- Keep margins 0.5‑1 inch
- Use clear headings and bullet points
❌ Before
Resume in a decorative script with multiple columns
✓ After
Resume in clean single‑column layout with headings in bold
ATS Tip
Save as .docx or PDF (text‑based)
Detection Rules
font name not standard
multiple columns
use of graphics
Resumly Tip
Stick to simple, ATS‑friendly design.
Omitting relevant certifications and safety trainingMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Misses key qualifications
- ATS keyword gaps
How to fix
- Create a dedicated 'Certifications' section
- List credentials like 'Certified Professional Animal Trainer (CPAT)', 'Animal Behavior Associate (ABA)'
❌ Before
No certifications listed
✓ After
Certifications: Certified Professional Animal Trainer (CPAT) – 2022; OSHA Animal Handling Safety – 2021
ATS Tip
Include exact certification names used in job ads
Detection Rules
no section titled Certifications or Licenses
keywords 'certified' missing
Resumly Tip
Show your credentials prominently.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF (text‑based), DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Key Skills, Professional Experience, Certifications, Education, Volunteer Work (optional)
Naming: FirstName_LastName_AnimalTrainer_Resume
Consistency
Length: 1‑2 pages
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State (or Country)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a professional email address
- Include a concise summary with species expertise
- Quantify training outcomes
- List certifications and safety courses
- Use ATS‑friendly fonts and headings
- Save as PDF with searchable text
- Proofread for spelling and grammar
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Greenhouse, Workday, Lever
Keyword Strategy: trained, behavior modification, enrichment, safety protocols, species-specific handling
Heading Format: Use standard headings like 'Professional Experience' and 'Certifications'
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste the bullet point you want to improve
- Add a strong action verb
- Include specific animal species
- Quantify results
- Incorporate relevant keywords
Ready to transform your animal trainer resume?
Download the Free Fix Guide
