RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Losing Jobs Over Your Resume
Fix the critical mistakes that keep automation technicians from getting hired.
How This Page Helps
This guide helps automation technicians identify and correct resume mistakes that hinder ATS parsing and recruiter interest, boosting interview chances.
Identify hidden ATS blockers
Learn industry‑specific wording
See before‑and‑after resume snippets
Apply proven formatting rules
Access a downloadable fix workshop
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Missing Technical CertificationsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Recruiters can’t verify your expertise
- ATS often scans for certification keywords
- You appear less qualified than competitors
How to fix
- Create a dedicated Certifications section
- List each certification with full name, issuing body, and date
- Use exact certification titles as they appear on the credential
❌ Before
Certifications: None
✓ After
Certifications: - Certified Automation Professional (CAP), ISA, 06/2022 - PLC Programming Certificate, Rockwell Automation, 09/2021
ATS Tip
Include exact certification names; match them to common ATS keyword variations
Detection Rules
Search for the word 'certification' in the resume
Check if a Certifications heading exists
Resumly Tip
Add a Certifications section right after Education and use bullet points for each credential.
Using Vague Job TitlesMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t gauge your level of responsibility
- ATS may not map your role to the target title
- You blend in with generic candidates
How to fix
- Replace generic titles with industry‑standard titles
- Add a brief qualifier if your role was unique
- Align the title with the job posting you’re targeting
❌ Before
Job Title: Technician
✓ After
Job Title: Automation Technician – PLC & HMI Specialist
ATS Tip
Match the title to common keywords like 'Automation Technician', 'Controls Engineer', or 'PLC Programmer'
Detection Rules
Look for titles lacking industry keywords
Compare title against a list of standard automation roles
Resumly Tip
Use the title field to insert the exact role name; avoid abbreviations unless widely recognized.
Listing Responsibilities Instead of AchievementsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Provides no evidence of impact
- ATS favors quantifiable results
- Recruiters skim for numbers and outcomes
How to fix
- Start each bullet with a strong action verb
- Add measurable results (percentages, savings, uptime)
- Focus on what you improved, not just what you did
❌ Before
- Maintained PLC programs and performed routine troubleshooting.
✓ After
- Optimized PLC logic, reducing cycle time by 15% and increasing line uptime to 99.2% over 12 months.
ATS Tip
Include keywords like 'improved', 'reduced', 'increased' alongside metrics
Detection Rules
Identify bullets lacking numbers or percentages
Check for generic verbs without outcome statements
Resumly Tip
Convert each responsibility into an achievement by adding a result and a metric.
Incorrect Date FormatLOW
Why it hurts
- ATS may fail to parse employment dates
- Hiring managers can’t quickly assess career timeline
- Inconsistent dates look unprofessional
How to fix
- Use MM/YYYY for all dates
- Ensure start date is earlier than end date
- If a role is ongoing, use 'Present'
❌ Before
Jan 2020 – June 2022
✓ After
01/2020 – 06/2022
ATS Tip
Standard MM/YYYY format is recognized by all major ATS platforms
Detection Rules
Search for dates containing month names or inconsistent separators
Check for missing year information
Resumly Tip
Replace month names with two‑digit numbers and keep the same separator throughout.
Unoptimized File Type or LayoutMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Some ATS cannot read PDFs with complex graphics
- Recruiters may need to open the file quickly on mobile
- Non‑standard layouts can cause parsing errors
How to fix
- Save as PDF (PDF/A) or DOCX without headers/footers graphics
- Use a clean, single‑column layout with standard headings
- Avoid tables, text boxes, and images
❌ Before
Resume saved as a colorful PDF with sidebars and icons
✓ After
Resume saved as PDF/A, single column, plain text headings, no graphics
ATS Tip
Plain text PDFs and DOCX files have the highest parsing success rates
Detection Rules
Detect presence of tables, graphics, or multi‑column sections
Check file extension
Resumly Tip
Choose the 'ATS‑Friendly' template in Resumly to ensure optimal layout.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Work Experience, Education, Certifications, Technical Skills
Naming: FirstName_LastName_AutomationTechnician.pdf
Consistency
Length: 1‑2 pages (max 2)
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a clear professional summary with key automation keywords
- List achievements with measurable results
- Include a Certifications section with dates
- Format all dates as MM/YYYY
- Save the file as PDF/A or DOCX
- Use standard headings and a single‑column layout
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Workday, Greenhouse, Lever, Taleo
Keyword Strategy: PLC programming, SCADA, HMI, robotics, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, ISA95, ladder logic, motion control
Heading Format: Use standard headings like 'Professional Summary', 'Work Experience', 'Education', 'Certifications'
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current resume text
- Standardize headings
- Convert dates to MM/YYYY
- Add industry keywords
- Replace generic verbs with action verbs
- Format certifications list
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