RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Letting Resume Errors Block Your Forensic Science Career
Identify and correct the most frequent mistakes that keep hiring managers from seeing your expertise.
How This Page Helps
Help forensic scientists create error‑free, ATS‑optimized resumes that showcase their analytical expertise and lab experience.
Spot hidden ATS blockers
Learn industry‑specific wording
Apply forensic‑focused formatting
Turn vague descriptions into measurable results
Boost your interview rate
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Using generic job titlesMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t quickly see your level of expertise
- ATS may not match your role to the job posting
How to fix
- Replace generic titles with specific forensic roles (e.g., Crime Scene Analyst, DNA Evidence Technician)
- Add the exact title used in the job ad when appropriate
❌ Before
Laboratory Technician, City Lab
✓ After
Forensic DNA Evidence Technician, City Crime Lab
ATS Tip
Match the exact title from the posting to improve keyword relevance
Detection Rules
title contains generic terms like 'Technician' without qualifier
title length < 3 words
Resumly Tip
Our parser flags generic titles and suggests forensic‑specific alternatives.
Listing duties without resultsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Doesn’t demonstrate impact
- ATS looks for quantifiable keywords
How to fix
- Add numbers, percentages, or case outcomes
- Show how your work contributed to case resolution
❌ Before
Performed DNA extraction and analysis.
✓ After
Performed DNA extraction and analysis on 150+ samples, achieving a 98% success rate and contributing to the resolution of 12 homicide cases.
ATS Tip
Include action verbs and metrics that align with forensic keywords.
Detection Rules
bullet points lack numbers or percentages
verbs are generic like 'performed' without outcome
Resumly Tip
Our tool highlights bullets missing quantifiable data.
Omitting accreditation and certificationsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Hiring labs prioritize certified analysts
- ATS may filter out candidates missing required credentials
How to fix
- Create a dedicated Certifications section
- List certifications with issuing body and year
❌ Before
Knowledge of forensic protocols.
✓ After
Certified Crime Scene Investigator (ACSI), International Association for Identification, 2022
ATS Tip
Use exact certification names as keywords.
Detection Rules
no 'certification' keyword in resume
section titled 'Skills' only
Resumly Tip
We detect missing certification sections and suggest placement.
Incorrect date formattingLOW
Why it hurts
- ATS may misread dates, causing timeline gaps
- Hiring managers can’t verify experience length
How to fix
- Use consistent month‑year format (MM/YYYY)
- Avoid abbreviations like 'Jan'
❌ Before
Jan 2020 – Present
✓ After
01/2020 – Present
ATS Tip
Standard MM/YYYY format is universally parsed.
Detection Rules
date contains three‑letter month
mixed formats
Resumly Tip
Our validator normalizes dates to MM/YYYY.
Using non‑standard section headingsLOW
Why it hurts
- ATS may not map custom headings to expected sections
- Recruiters skim for familiar headings
How to fix
- Stick to conventional headings: Summary, Experience, Education, Certifications, Skills, Publications
❌ Before
Professional Highlights
✓ After
Professional Summary
ATS Tip
Standard headings improve ATS parsing accuracy.
Detection Rules
heading not in allowed list
Resumly Tip
We suggest standard headings when custom ones are detected.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Professional Experience, Education, Certifications, Technical Skills, Publications & Presentations
Naming: FirstName_LastName_ForensicScientist.pdf
Consistency
Length: 1–2 pages for early‑career, up to 3 pages for senior forensic scientists
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State (or Country)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a clear Professional Summary that mentions forensic expertise
- List core competencies with forensic‑specific keywords
- Showcase experience with quantifiable results
- Include all relevant certifications and accreditations
- Format dates consistently as MM/YYYY
- Use standard section headings
- Tailor the resume to each lab’s job description
- Proofread for scientific terminology accuracy
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: Taleo, iCIMS, Greenhouse, Workday, Lever
Keyword Strategy: Include terms like 'chain‑of‑custody', 'evidence preservation', 'DNA profiling', 'microsatellite analysis', 'court testimony'
Heading Format: Use standard headings such as 'Professional Experience' and 'Certifications'
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste the bullet you want to improve (e.g., a duty statement)
- Add quantifiable results
- Replace vague verbs with forensic‑specific action verbs
- Align with top forensic keywords
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