RESUME MISTAKES

Stop Losing Jobs Over a Bad Resume

Identify and correct the copywriter resume pitfalls that keep hiring managers scrolling past you.

How This Page Helps
Help copywriters recognize critical resume mistakes, understand their impact, and apply proven fixes to improve ATS compatibility and hiring manager appeal.
Spot the 5 most damaging copywriter resume errors
Learn why each mistake hurts your chances
Apply step‑by‑step fixes with real examples
Boost your resume’s SEO and ATS score

Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances

Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples

Overly Creative Layout That Confuses ATSHIGH
Why it hurts
  • Non‑standard headings prevent parsing
  • Graphics and columns are stripped, losing information
  • Hiring managers may view it as unprofessional
How to fix
  • Use a clean, single‑column format
  • Stick to standard headings (Experience, Skills, Education)
  • Save as PDF or DOCX without embedded images
❌ Before

John Doe Creative Copy Specialist [Graphic header with logo] Experience — Freelance Writer (2018‑Present)

✓ After

John Doe Copywriter | john.doe@email.com | (555) 123‑4567 | New York, NY Professional Summary Experienced copywriter with 5+ years crafting SEO‑optimized content that drives 30% traffic growth. Experience Copywriter, XYZ Agency – Jan 2020 to Present - Developed brand voice for 12 clients, increasing engagement by 25%. - Produced 200+ web pages, averaging 1.8% conversion lift.

ATS Tip
Keep headings simple (e.g., Experience, Skills) and avoid tables or text boxes.
Detection Rules
Contains graphic elements
Uses custom heading names
Has multi‑column layout
Resumly Tip
Switch to a plain‑text template to ensure every keyword is read by the ATS.
Missing Quantifiable ResultsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
  • Hiring managers can’t gauge impact
  • ATS often scores keywords higher when paired with numbers
  • Resume looks vague and generic
How to fix
  • Add specific metrics (e.g., % increase, revenue lift)
  • Use action verbs followed by numbers
  • Tie results to business goals
❌ Before

Created blog posts for client websites, improving brand visibility.

✓ After

Created 45 SEO‑optimized blog posts per month, boosting client organic traffic by 40% and generating $120K in incremental revenue.

ATS Tip
Include numbers directly after keywords (e.g., "SEO copywriting – 40% traffic growth").
Detection Rules
Sentences lack digits
Phrases like "improved" without percentages
Resumly Tip
Quantify every achievement; replace vague verbs with data‑driven statements.
Using Generic Buzzwords Without ContextLOW
Why it hurts
  • Buzzwords are ignored by ATS without supporting evidence
  • Hiring managers see them as filler
  • Reduces credibility
How to fix
  • Replace buzzwords with concrete skills (e.g., "SEO copywriting" instead of "innovative")
  • Show context through projects or results
❌ Before

Innovative team player with strong communication skills.

✓ After

Collaborated with cross‑functional teams to launch 8 multi‑channel campaigns, achieving a 22% lift in click‑through rates.

ATS Tip
Pair each buzzword with a measurable outcome or specific tool.
Detection Rules
Contains words like "innovative","dynamic","hard‑working" without follow‑up
Resumly Tip
Swap empty adjectives for skill‑specific language backed by data.
No Link to Portfolio or Writing SamplesMEDIUM
Why it hurts
  • Copywriters need proof of style and quality
  • Hiring managers waste time searching for work
  • ATS may flag missing URL as incomplete
How to fix
  • Add a short, trackable URL to an online portfolio
  • Place the link in the header and under Professional Summary
  • Ensure the portfolio is up‑to‑date and mobile‑friendly
❌ Before

Professional Summary: Experienced copywriter with a passion for storytelling.

✓ After

Professional Summary: Experienced copywriter with a passion for storytelling. Portfolio: https://johnDoeWrites.com (latest campaigns, SEO case studies, ad copy).

ATS Tip
Include the URL as plain text (e.g., https://) so the ATS can capture it.
Detection Rules
No http/https link present
Resumly Tip
Add a clickable portfolio link; avoid embedding it in an image.
Ignoring SEO Keywords Specific to CopywritingHIGH
Why it hurts
  • ATS ranks resumes based on keyword match
  • Recruiters search for exact skill terms
  • Your resume may be filtered out before human review
How to fix
  • Research job descriptions for common copywriting terms
  • Incorporate keywords like "SEO copywriting," "brand voice," "content strategy," "editorial calendar"
  • Distribute keywords naturally across headings and bullet points
❌ Before

Wrote content for various clients.

✓ After

Produced SEO‑focused copy for e‑commerce sites, optimizing product descriptions and landing pages, resulting in a 15% increase in conversion rates. Key Skills: SEO copywriting, brand voice development, content strategy, editorial calendar management.

ATS Tip
Place top keywords in the Professional Summary and Core Competencies sections.
Detection Rules
Few or no industry‑specific terms
Resumly Tip
Run a keyword density check; aim for 2‑3% inclusion of target terms.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Header, Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Experience, Education, Portfolio
Naming: FirstName_LastName_Copywriter_Resume
Consistency
Length: 1-2 pages
Date Format: MMM YYYY
Location Format: City, State
Resume Quality Checklist
  • Use a single‑column, ATS‑friendly template
  • Include a professional email and phone number in the header
  • Add a clickable portfolio URL
  • Quantify every achievement with numbers
  • Insert at least 8 copywriting‑specific keywords
  • Save as PDF with file name matching the naming convention
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Greenhouse, Workday, Lever
Keyword Strategy: copywriting, SEO, brand voice, content strategy, editorial calendar, headline writing, conversion copy
Heading Format: Use standard headings like Professional Summary, Experience, Skills, Education
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current copywriter resume text below
  • Trim to 2 pages
  • Add quantifiable results to each bullet
  • Insert top copywriting keywords
  • Standardize headings
  • Add portfolio link
Download Checklist PDF
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