RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Boilermaker Resume Mistakes From Holding You Back
Identify and correct the most common errors that keep hiring managers and ATS from seeing your skills
How This Page Helps
This guide helps boilermakers spot and correct resume mistakes that reduce interview chances, ensuring a clean, ATS‑friendly document.
Understand why each mistake hurts your candidacy
Learn actionable fixes you can apply in minutes
See before‑and‑after resume snippets
Get ATS optimization tips specific to trade jobs
Use a printable checklist to proofread your final draft
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Missing Trade CertificationsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t verify your qualifications
- ATS may filter out candidates lacking required certifications
How to fix
- Create a dedicated Certifications section
- List each certification with issuing body and date
❌ Before
Skills: welding, pipe fitting
✓ After
Certifications: AWS Certified Welder (2022), NCCER Pipefitter Level I (2021)
ATS Tip
Use exact certification names as keywords
Detection Rules
No Certifications heading
Only generic skills listed
Resumly Tip
Add a Certifications block to boost keyword match.
Using a Functional Resume LayoutMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Boilermaker roles value chronological work history
- ATS may misinterpret functional sections
How to fix
- Switch to reverse‑chronological format
- Highlight each employer, dates, and key duties
❌ Before
Summary: Experienced in metal fabrication...
✓ After
Professional Experience: XYZ Boiler Co., Boilermaker, Jan 2020 – Present
ATS Tip
Start each job entry with a standard heading like 'Professional Experience'
Detection Rules
Functional headings like 'Core Competencies' only
Lack of employment dates
Resumly Tip
Resumly can auto‑reorder sections into a chronological layout.
Listing Irrelevant Soft SkillsLOW
Why it hurts
- Clutters the resume
- Dilutes focus on trade‑specific abilities
How to fix
- Replace generic soft skills with measurable achievements
- Show safety compliance, teamwork on projects
❌ Before
Soft Skills: communication, leadership, problem‑solving
✓ After
Achievements: Led a 5‑person crew to complete a 200‑ft boiler overhaul 2 weeks ahead of schedule, maintaining zero safety incidents.
ATS Tip
Include trade‑specific keywords like 'welding', 'fabrication', 'code compliance'
Detection Rules
Soft Skills section without quantifiable data
Resumly Tip
Our AI suggests replacing soft‑skill bullet points with results‑focused statements.
Incorrect Date or Location FormattingMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- ATS may fail to parse dates
- Hiring managers can’t gauge tenure
How to fix
- Use MM/YYYY format for dates
- List city, state for each employer
❌ Before
Employer: ABC Boilers – 2018 to present
✓ After
ABC Boilers – Houston, TX – 06/2018 – Present
ATS Tip
Consistent date format improves parsing
Detection Rules
Dates written as '2018‑present' or 'June 2018'
Resumly Tip
Resumly validates date and location formats as you type.
Omitting Safety and Compliance DetailsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Safety is critical in boiler work; omission signals risk
- ATS often scans for safety certifications
How to fix
- Add a Safety & Compliance section
- Mention OSHA training, lockout/tagout experience
❌ Before
Experience: Performed welding on boiler components
✓ After
Experience: Performed welding on boiler components; Completed OSHA 10‑hour General Industry safety training; Certified in Lockout/Tagout procedures
ATS Tip
Include keywords like 'OSHA', 'safety training', 'compliance'
Detection Rules
No mention of safety training or certifications
Resumly Tip
Our parser flags missing safety keywords for trade roles.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Certifications, Work Experience, Skills, Safety & Compliance, Education
Naming: FirstName_LastName_Boilermaker_Resume
Consistency
Length: One page for <10 years experience; two pages max for 10+ years
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use reverse‑chronological format
- Include all relevant certifications
- List dates as MM/YYYY
- Add safety training and compliance details
- Tailor keywords to boiler‑making
- Proofread for spelling and grammar
- Save as PDF before submitting
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Greenhouse, Workday, Bullhorn
Keyword Strategy: Use terms like 'welding', 'pipefitting', 'ASME', 'NCCER', 'OSHA', 'fabrication', 'boiler installation'
Heading Format: Standard headings such as 'Professional Experience', 'Certifications', 'Education', 'Skills' are best recognized.
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current boilermaker resume text
- Convert functional layout to chronological
- Add Certifications section
- Standardize dates and locations
- Insert safety & compliance bullet points
- Replace generic soft skills with quantified achievements
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