RESUME MISTAKES
Avoid These Resume Pitfalls and Book Your Next Big Event Job
Expert fixes for event planners to showcase your planning prowess and impress hiring managers.
How This Page Helps
Help event planners identify and correct resume mistakes that keep them from landing top event management positions.
Spot vague experience descriptions
Eliminate generic skill lists
Optimize for ATS used by event venues
Showcase measurable event successes
Use proper formatting for fast readability
Align keywords with industry standards
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Vague Job DescriptionsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can't gauge your impact
- ATS may miss relevant keywords
How to fix
- Add specific responsibilities
- Include quantifiable results like budget size, attendee numbers
❌ Before
Managed events for corporate clients.
✓ After
Coordinated 20+ corporate events annually, managing budgets up to $150K and increasing attendee satisfaction scores by 15%.
ATS Tip
Insert keywords such as 'event coordination', 'budget management', 'vendor negotiation'.
Detection Rules
Contains generic verbs without metrics
Lacks numbers or specific outcomes
Resumly Tip
Use our bullet optimizer to turn bland duties into achievement‑focused statements.
Missing Relevant CertificationsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Shows lack of professional development
- ATS may filter out candidates without key certifications
How to fix
- List certifications like CMP, CSEP, or Certified Meeting Professional
- Place them in a dedicated 'Certifications' section
❌ Before
Skills: event planning, budgeting
✓ After
Certifications: Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP)
ATS Tip
Match certification names exactly as they appear in job postings.
Detection Rules
No certifications section
Only generic skill list
Resumly Tip
Add a certifications badge to boost credibility.
Unclear Timeline and DatesLOW
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can't see career progression
- ATS may misinterpret date ranges
How to fix
- Use consistent month/year format
- List most recent role first
❌ Before
Event Coordinator, XYZ Events, 2018-2020
✓ After
Event Coordinator, XYZ Events, Jan 2018 – Dec 2020
ATS Tip
Use 'Jan 2018 – Dec 2020' format for all entries.
Detection Rules
Inconsistent date formats
Only years provided
Resumly Tip
Our date formatter standardizes all entries.
Overloading with Irrelevant Software SkillsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Dilutes focus on event‑specific tools
- ATS may penalize for low relevance
How to fix
- Highlight event management platforms like Cvent, Eventbrite, Bizzabo
- Remove unrelated software like Photoshop unless directly used
❌ Before
Software: Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, QuickBooks
✓ After
Software: Cvent, Eventbrite, Bizzabo, Microsoft Office Suite
ATS Tip
Prioritize tools mentioned in the job description.
Detection Rules
List of generic software >3 items
Missing event‑specific platforms
Resumly Tip
Our skill matcher suggests the top event‑tech keywords.
Lack of Measurable ResultsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Fails to demonstrate ROI
- ATS may miss impact keywords
How to fix
- Add numbers: attendees, budget saved, revenue generated
- Use percentages to show growth
❌ Before
Responsible for event logistics.
✓ After
Oversaw logistics for 500‑attendee conferences, reducing vendor costs by 12% and increasing on‑site revenue by $30K.
ATS Tip
Include metrics like % increase, $ saved, # attendees.
Detection Rules
No numbers in bullet points
Only action verbs without outcomes
Resumly Tip
Our metric enhancer suggests where to insert numbers.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Professional Experience, Key Projects, Certifications, Education, Technical Skills
Naming: FirstName_LastName_EventPlanner.pdf
Consistency
Length: One page for early‑career, up to two pages for senior planners
Date Format: MMM YYYY
Location Format: City, State (or Country)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a clear, professional headline with your title
- Include quantifiable achievements for each role
- Add relevant event‑planning certifications
- List event‑tech platforms you master
- Format dates consistently as MMM YYYY
- Tailor keywords to the specific job posting
- Proofread for spelling and grammar
- Save as PDF with proper file name
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Greenhouse, Workday, Lever
Keyword Strategy: event coordination, budget management, vendor negotiation, Cvent, event marketing, attendee experience
Heading Format: Use standard headings like 'Professional Experience' and 'Core Competencies' to ensure ATS parsing.
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current event planner resume text
- Standardize date format
- Add quantifiable metrics
- Insert industry‑specific keywords
- Reorder sections for optimal flow
Ready to transform your event planner resume? Get expert feedback now!
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