RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Freight Forwarder Resume Mistakes From Holding You Back
Identify and correct the most common errors that keep hiring managers and ATS from noticing your logistics expertise.
How This Page Helps
This guide helps freight forwarders spot and correct resume mistakes that reduce interview chances, ensuring ATS compatibility and recruiter appeal.
Spot hidden ATS blockers
Learn industry‑specific wording
See before‑and‑after examples
Apply proven formatting rules
Use Resumly’s instant fix tools
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 gauge your level of responsibility
- ATS may not match your role to the job posting
How to fix
- Replace generic titles with specific freight‑forwarding terms
- Add seniority level and scope of operations
❌ Before
Logistics Coordinator
✓ After
Senior Freight Forwarding Coordinator – International Ocean & Air Shipments
ATS Tip
Use exact keywords from the job ad such as 'Freight Forwarder', 'Import/Export Coordinator'
Detection Rules
title contains generic words like 'Coordinator' without qualifier
title length < 3 words
Resumly Tip
Hover to see suggested industry‑standard titles.
Missing Quantifiable AchievementsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Resume looks like a duty list
- No proof of impact for hiring manager
How to fix
- Add numbers: shipments handled, cost savings, on‑time delivery rates
- Use action verbs and results
❌ Before
Managed shipment documentation.
✓ After
Managed documentation for 1,200+ international shipments monthly, reducing clearance delays by 15%.
ATS Tip
Include metrics with keywords like 'reduced', 'increased', 'saved'
Detection Rules
no digits in bullet points
bullets start with verbs but lack numbers
Resumly Tip
Click to auto‑generate metric suggestions.
Incorrect Date FormatLOW
Why it hurts
- ATS may fail to parse employment timeline
- Recruiters can’t quickly assess career progression
How to fix
- Use month-year format (MM/YYYY)
- Keep dates consistent across all entries
❌ Before
2019 – Present
✓ After
06/2019 – Present
ATS Tip
Avoid textual months only (e.g., 'June 2019')
Detection Rules
date strings not matching MM/YYYY pattern
Resumly Tip
Tool will auto‑convert dates.
Overloading with Industry JargonMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- ATS may not recognize uncommon acronyms
- Recruiters unfamiliar with niche terms may skip your resume
How to fix
- Spell out acronyms on first use
- Balance technical terms with plain language
❌ Before
Handled LCL, FCL, DAP, DDP shipments.
✓ After
Handled Less‑than‑Container Load (LCL) and Full‑Container Load (FCL) shipments, managing Delivered‑At‑Place (DAP) and Delivered‑Duty‑Paid (DDP) customs terms.
ATS Tip
Include both full term and abbreviation for keyword matching.
Detection Rules
bullets contain three or more unexplained acronyms
Resumly Tip
Tooltip shows common freight‑forwarding acronyms.
Unclear Location InformationLOW
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t see geographic expertise
- ATS may filter out candidates lacking required region experience
How to fix
- List city, state, and country for each role
- Highlight regions you serviced
❌ Before
Logistics Coordinator – XYZ Corp
✓ After
Logistics Coordinator – XYZ Corp, Miami, FL, USA (Managed shipments to North America & Caribbean)
ATS Tip
Include location keywords like 'Miami' or 'Port of Los Angeles'
Detection Rules
job entry missing city or country
Resumly Tip
Add location field with auto‑complete.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Professional Experience, Education, Certifications, Technical Skills
Naming: FirstName_LastName_FreightForwarder_Resume
Consistency
Length: 1‑2 pages for most freight forwarders; 2 pages if 10+ years experience
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State, Country
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a clear professional title
- Include quantifiable results
- Format dates as MM/YYYY
- Spell out acronyms on first use
- Tailor keywords to the job description
- Keep resume under 2 pages
- Save as PDF with proper file name
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Workday, Greenhouse, Lever, Bullhorn
Keyword Strategy: Include terms like 'customs clearance', 'import/export compliance', 'carrier negotiation', 'freight cost optimization'
Heading Format: Use standard headings such as 'Professional Experience' and 'Core Competencies' to ensure ATS parsing.
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current freight forwarder resume text
- Standardize dates
- Add missing metrics
- Replace vague titles with industry‑specific titles
- Expand acronyms
- Reformat sections for ATS readability
Ready to turn your freight forwarder resume into an interview magnet?
Start My Free Review
