RESUME MISTAKES
Turn Your Customer Service Resume into a Hiring Magnet
Identify and correct the most common pitfalls that keep recruiters from calling you back.
How This Page Helps
Help customer service professionals create error‑free resumes that pass ATS filters and impress hiring managers.
Spot hidden ATS blockers
Learn industry‑specific wording
See before‑and‑after examples
Apply quick formatting fixes
Boost interview callbacks
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Using generic objective statementsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Doesn't show measurable impact
- Fails to include keywords
- Looks vague to recruiters
How to fix
- Replace with a concise summary highlighting key metrics
- Incorporate relevant customer service keywords
- Show specific achievements
❌ Before
Objective: Seeking a customer service position where I can utilize my skills.
✓ After
Summary: Dedicated Customer Service Representative with 3+ years delivering 95% satisfaction scores, adept at resolving high‑volume inquiries and boosting loyalty.
ATS Tip
Include keywords like 'customer satisfaction', 'call handling', 'CRM' in the summary.
Detection Rules
Contains the word 'objective'
Length under 30 words
Lacks quantifiable data
Resumly Tip
Swap the objective for a results‑focused summary to capture recruiter attention.
Listing duties instead of achievementsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Provides no proof of value
- Makes resume blend with others
- Reduces impact in ATS keyword scans
How to fix
- Turn each duty into an achievement with numbers
- Start bullet points with action verbs
- Highlight outcomes like reduced call time or increased CSAT
❌ Before
Handled customer inquiries via phone and email.
✓ After
Resolved 150+ daily customer inquiries, reducing average handling time by 12% and achieving a 96% CSAT rating.
ATS Tip
Use action verbs and embed keywords such as 'resolved', 'handled', 'customer inquiries'.
Detection Rules
Bullets start with verbs like 'Handled' without metrics
No percentages or numbers present
Resumly Tip
Quantify your impact – numbers speak louder than tasks.
Using an unprofessional email addressLOW
Why it hurts
- Creates a sloppy impression
- May be flagged by ATS as low quality
- Hard to remember for recruiters
How to fix
- Create a simple email using first.last@example.com
- Avoid nicknames, numbers, or slang
- Update contact info across all documents
❌ Before
Email: coolguy123@gmail.com
✓ After
Email: jane.doe@gmail.com
ATS Tip
Professional email improves readability and trust.
Detection Rules
Email contains numbers or slang
Domain not a common provider (e.g., hotmail, gmail ok)
Resumly Tip
A clean email address shows professionalism.
Incorrect date formatting causing ATS confusionMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- ATS may not parse employment dates
- Creates gaps that look suspicious
- Inconsistent dates look unprofessional
How to fix
- Use consistent month-year format (MMM YYYY)
- Align dates to the right
- Avoid abbreviations like 'Jan‑20'
❌ Before
June 2019 – 2021
✓ After
Jun 2019 – Dec 2021
ATS Tip
Standardize to 'MMM YYYY' for all entries.
Detection Rules
Date strings vary in length or style
Missing month
Uses numeric month without month name
Resumly Tip
Uniform dates help ATS map your timeline correctly.
Overusing graphics or tablesHIGH
Why it hurts
- ATS cannot read embedded images
- Important info may be skipped
- File size may exceed limits
How to fix
- Stick to plain text with bullet points
- Use simple headings and bold for emphasis
- Save as .docx or PDF (ATS‑friendly)
❌ Before
Resume includes a two‑column table with skills icons.
✓ After
Resume uses single column, plain text, bold headings, and bullet points.
ATS Tip
Avoid tables; keep layout linear.
Detection Rules
Contains HTML tags or table markup
File type is .png or .jpg embedded
Layout uses columns
Resumly Tip
ATS reads left‑to‑right; keep it simple.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Professional Experience, Education, Certifications, Additional Skills
Naming: FirstName_LastName_CustomerService_Resume
Consistency
Length: One page for less than 5 years experience; two pages max for 5+ years
Date Format: MMM YYYY
Location Format: City, State (or Country)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a professional email address
- Include a concise summary with metrics
- List achievements, not duties
- Incorporate industry keywords
- Standardize dates to MMM YYYY
- Avoid tables, graphics, and images
- Save as PDF or DOCX
- Proofread for spelling and grammar
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Greenhouse, Workday, Lever, Taleo
Keyword Strategy: customer satisfaction, call handling, CRM, conflict resolution, upselling, ticketing system
Heading Format: Use standard headings like 'Professional Experience' and 'Core Competencies' to ensure ATS recognition.
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste the bullet point you want to improve
- Add a quantifiable result
- Start with a strong action verb
- Insert relevant keyword
- Trim to one concise sentence
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