RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Editor Resume Mistakes From Holding You Back
Identify, correct, and optimize your editorial resume to impress hiring managers and ATS.
How This Page Helps
This page helps editors pinpoint frequent resume pitfalls, understand their impact, and apply proven fixes to create a compelling, ATS‑friendly resume.
Spot critical content gaps
Learn why vague language hurts
Apply industry‑specific formatting
Boost ATS compatibility with the right keywords
Turn mistakes into strengths with actionable examples
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Missing quantifiable achievementsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t gauge impact
- ATS may miss keywords related to performance
How to fix
- Add specific numbers (e.g., increased readership by 30%)
- Use action verbs and measurable results
❌ Before
Edited articles for a major publishing house.
✓ After
Edited 120+ articles, boosting monthly readership by 25% and reducing turnaround time by 15%.
ATS Tip
Include metrics like % increase, # of pieces, audience size.
Detection Rules
No numbers or percentages
Only generic verbs present
Resumly Tip
Resumly flags missing metrics and suggests where to insert them.
Using generic job titlesMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Reduces relevance to specific editorial roles
- ATS may not match specialized keywords
How to fix
- Specify role (e.g., Senior Copy Editor, Digital Content Manager)
- Align title with job posting language
❌ Before
Writer
✓ After
Senior Copy Editor – Print & Digital
ATS Tip
Match titles to those in the job description.
Detection Rules
Title is one word
Title lacks seniority or medium
Resumly Tip
Suggests title variations based on industry data.
Poor layout and inconsistent formattingMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Human readers lose focus
- ATS may misread sections
How to fix
- Use clean headings, bullet points, consistent fonts
- Stick to one date format and align margins
❌ Before
Experience section with varied bullet styles and dates like Jan 2020 – Present
✓ After
Experience Senior Copy Editor, XYZ Media Jan 2020 – Present
ATS Tip
Use standard headings like Experience, Education.
Detection Rules
Mixed bullet symbols
Multiple date formats
Resumly Tip
Detects formatting inconsistencies and offers a template.
Omitting relevant editorial tools and softwareHIGH
Why it hurts
- Missed keyword matches
- Shows lack of technical proficiency
How to fix
- List tools such as AP Stylebook, Adobe InDesign, CMS platforms, SEO tools
- Place them in Skills or Tools section
❌ Before
Skills: Editing, Writing
✓ After
Skills: Editing, AP Stylebook, Adobe InDesign, WordPress, SEO tools (Moz, Ahrefs)
ATS Tip
Include exact tool names from job ads.
Detection Rules
Skills list lacks software names
Only soft skills present
Resumly Tip
Recommends adding top editorial software based on role.
Unclear career progressionLOW
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t see growth
- ATS may not prioritize senior roles
How to fix
- Show promotions, added responsibilities, timeline
- Use clear headings for each role
❌ Before
Editor at ABC Corp (2018‑2022)
✓ After
Assistant Editor (2018‑2020) → Senior Editor (2020‑2022) – ABC Corp
ATS Tip
Highlight upward movement with dates.
Detection Rules
Single title for multiple years
No promotion indicators
Resumly Tip
Suggests progression phrasing.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Header, Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Experience, Education, Skills & Tools, Publications (optional)
Naming: FirstName_LastName_Editor_Resume
Consistency
Length: 1‑2 pages for most editorial positions; up to 3 pages for senior or academic editorial roles
Date Format: MMM YYYY (e.g., Jan 2020)
Location Format: City, State (or Country)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a clear, professional header with contact info
- Write a concise summary highlighting editorial expertise
- List achievements with numbers
- Include relevant editorial tools and software
- Use consistent formatting and headings
- Tailor keywords to the job description
- Proofread for spelling, grammar, and AP style
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Greenhouse, Workday, Lever, SmartRecruiters
Keyword Strategy: Copy editor, AP style, SEO, content strategy, CMS, fact‑checking, headline writing
Heading Format: Use standard headings like Professional Summary, Experience, Education, Skills
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current editor resume text below
- Add quantifiable results
- Standardize headings
- Insert relevant software keywords
- Convert dates to MMM YYYY
- Optimize summary with target keywords
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