RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Losing Delivery Driver Jobs to Resume Mistakes
Identify and fix the top errors that keep hiring managers from calling you back.
How This Page Helps
This page helps delivery drivers spot and correct the most damaging resume mistakes, ensuring their experience shines through ATS filters and hiring managers.
Understand why generic job titles hurt
Learn how to quantify delivery metrics
Fix formatting issues that break ATS parsing
Add the right keywords for logistics and safety
Showcase safety records and customer service scores
Create a clean, scannable layout
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Using a vague job titleHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t tell what you actually did
- ATS may not match the title to driver keywords
How to fix
- Replace generic titles with specific ones like 'Route Delivery Driver' or 'Parcel Delivery Associate'
- Include the type of vehicle operated
❌ Before
Driver
✓ After
Route Delivery Driver – 10‑Wheeler
ATS Tip
Match the title to common industry keywords such as 'Delivery Driver', 'Courier', 'Truck Driver'.
Detection Rules
title contains generic word 'Driver' without qualifier
title length < 3 words
Resumly Tip
Add the vehicle class and route type to make your title searchable.
Missing quantifiable achievementsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Resume looks like a list of duties
- No proof of performance for hiring managers
How to fix
- Add numbers: packages delivered per day, on‑time rate, miles driven
- Show safety stats like accident‑free miles
❌ Before
Delivered packages to customers.
✓ After
Delivered 150+ packages daily with a 99.5% on‑time rate, achieving 120,000 accident‑free miles.
ATS Tip
Include metrics that match keywords like 'on‑time delivery', 'packages per day'.
Detection Rules
no digits in bullet points
bullets start with verbs only
Resumly Tip
Use numbers to quantify speed, volume, and safety.
Poor formatting that confuses ATSMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- ATS may skip sections
- Hiring managers struggle to read
How to fix
- Use standard headings (Experience, Skills, Certifications)
- Avoid tables, graphics, and columns
- Use a single .docx or PDF with simple fonts
❌ Before
Experience — * Delivered goods...
✓ After
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Delivery Driver, XYZ Logistics, Jan 2021 – Present - Delivered 150+ packages daily...
ATS Tip
Stick to left‑aligned, single‑column layout with standard fonts.
Detection Rules
contains tables
contains images
multiple columns
Resumly Tip
Resumly’s formatter strips tables and converts to clean text.
Omitting relevant certifications and safety trainingMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers look for CDL, safety courses
- ATS keywords miss
How to fix
- Create a Certifications section
- List CDL class, OSHA safety, defensive driving
❌ Before
Skills: Customer service, time management.
✓ After
CERTIFICATIONS - Class A CDL (2022) - OSHA 10‑Hour Forklift Safety - Defensive Driving Course
ATS Tip
Include exact certification names to match ATS filters.
Detection Rules
no certification heading
no CDL mention
Resumly Tip
Add a dedicated certifications block for driver credentials.
Using a one‑size‑fits‑all objectiveLOW
Why it hurts
- Objective is generic and ignored by ATS
- Takes space from achievements
How to fix
- Replace objective with a professional summary that highlights experience, metrics, and value
❌ Before
Objective: Seeking a delivery driver position.
✓ After
Professional Summary: Reliable Route Delivery Driver with 4 years of experience, 120,000 accident‑free miles, and a proven 99.5% on‑time delivery record.
ATS Tip
Start summary with keywords like 'Delivery Driver', 'logistics', 'on‑time'.
Detection Rules
contains word 'Objective'
Resumly Tip
Swap objective for a concise, keyword‑rich summary.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Core Skills, Professional Experience, Certifications, Education
Naming: FirstName_LastName_DeliveryDriver_Resume
Consistency
Length: One page for less than 5 years experience; two pages max for extensive routes
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a specific job title
- Add quantifiable metrics
- Keep layout ATS‑friendly
- List all driver certifications
- Write a keyword‑rich summary
- Proofread for spelling and grammar
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Greenhouse, Workday, Lever
Keyword Strategy: Delivery Driver, Route Driver, Parcel Courier, On‑time Delivery, Accident‑Free Miles, CDL, Defensive Driving
Heading Format: Use standard headings like 'Professional Experience' and 'Certifications'
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current delivery driver resume text
- Standardize headings
- Convert bullet points to action‑verb + metric format
- Remove tables and images
- Add missing certifications section
Ready to turn your delivery driver resume into a job‑winning document?
Download the Free Fix Guide
