RESUME MISTAKES
Exporter Resume Mistakes Holding You Back?
Identify and correct the errors that keep hiring managers from seeing your global trade expertise.
How This Page Helps
Help exporters create a clear, ATS‑friendly resume that showcases their international logistics, compliance, and sales achievements.
Spot hidden ATS blockers
Learn industry‑specific wording
See before‑and‑after examples
Apply a step‑by‑step checklist
Access a quick fix workshop
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Vague Job TitlesMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t instantly recognize export expertise
- ATS may miss critical export‑related keywords
How to fix
- Replace generic titles with precise export roles
- Add location or market focus when relevant
❌ Before
Sales Representative
✓ After
Export Sales Manager – North America
ATS Tip
Include keywords like Export, International Trade, Market Development
Detection Rules
Title lacks export‑specific keywords
Title length under three words
Resumly Tip
Swap generic titles for precise export roles.
Missing Trade Compliance DetailsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Compliance knowledge is a core requirement for exporters
- ATS filters out resumes without regulatory terms
How to fix
- Add bullet points that mention Incoterms, customs clearance, export licenses
- Specify the scale of compliance responsibilities
❌ Before
Handled shipments
✓ After
Managed customs clearance and ensured compliance with Incoterms 2020 for $10M shipments
ATS Tip
Use terms such as Incoterms, customs compliance, export licensing
Detection Rules
No mention of Incoterms
No compliance‑related keywords
Resumly Tip
Highlight compliance expertise in bullet points.
Unclear MetricsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t gauge impact without numbers
- ATS ranks resumes higher when achievements are quantified
How to fix
- Add percentages, monetary values, or volume figures to each achievement
- Start bullet points with the result before the action
❌ Before
Increased sales
✓ After
Boosted export sales by 25% YoY, generating $3M additional revenue
ATS Tip
Include numeric values ($, %, units) early in bullet points
Detection Rules
Bullet lacks numeric value
No % or $ symbols present
Resumly Tip
Add concrete figures to every achievement.
Improper Formatting for ATSHIGH
Why it hurts
- Complex layouts cause parsing errors
- Important sections may be omitted from the ATS view
How to fix
- Use a single‑column, left‑aligned layout
- Stick to standard fonts like Arial or Calibri
- Avoid tables, graphics, and text boxes
❌ Before
Resume with two columns, icons, and a shaded skills bar
✓ After
Plain‑text, single‑column resume with clear headings and bullet points
ATS Tip
Do not use tables or images; keep headings simple
Detection Rules
Contains tables
Contains graphics
Multiple columns detected
Resumly Tip
Stick to a plain‑text, single‑column layout.
Omitting Language ProficiencyLOW
Why it hurts
- Export roles often require multilingual communication
- ATS may search for language keywords
How to fix
- Create a dedicated Languages section
- List each language with proficiency level (e.g., Professional, Intermediate)
❌ Before
(No language section)
✓ After
Languages: Mandarin – Professional; Spanish – Intermediate; English – Native
ATS Tip
Add language names as keywords and include proficiency descriptors
Detection Rules
No language section present
Missing proficiency levels
Resumly Tip
Add a concise language proficiency list.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Professional Experience, Education, Certifications, Languages
Naming: FirstName_LastName_Exporter
Consistency
Length: 1–2 pages
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, Country
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a clear professional title with export keywords
- Quantify every achievement with numbers
- Include compliance and Incoterms experience
- List language proficiency with levels
- Keep formatting ATS‑safe (no tables, single column)
- Save as PDF with a searchable text layer
- Proofread for industry‑specific terminology
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Workday, Greenhouse, Lever
Keyword Strategy: Export, International Trade, Incoterms, Customs Clearance, Freight Forwarding, Market Expansion
Heading Format: Use standard headings like Professional Experience, Education, Certifications
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current export resume text
- Replace generic titles with export‑specific titles
- Add compliance keywords
- Insert measurable results
- Convert to ATS‑safe layout
- Add language proficiency section
Ready to turn your export resume into a hiring magnet?
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