RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Losing Importer Jobs to Resume Mistakes
Identify and fix the critical errors that keep hiring managers from seeing your expertise in global trade.
How This Page Helps
This guide helps import professionals eliminate resume pitfalls, align with ATS requirements, and showcase the skills that matter to logistics and supplyâchain employers.
Learn the top 5 resume errors that cost importers interviews
Get stepâbyâstep fixes that are ATSâcompatible
See beforeâandâafter examples tailored to global trade roles
Download a readyâtoâuse checklist and miniâfix workshop
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Vague Objective or SummaryMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Provides no value to recruiters
- Fails to include key trade terms
- Reduces keyword match for ATS
How to fix
- Write a 2âsentence headline that states your role, years of experience, and core competency (e.g., customs clearance, freight negotiation)
- Insert 2â3 industryâspecific keywords
- Focus on the value you bring to the importerâs bottom line
â Before
Objective: Seeking a challenging position in a reputable company.
â After
Import Specialist with 5+ years managing $120M annual freight volume, expert in customs compliance and costâreduction negotiations.
ATS Tip
Place the summary at the top using the heading âProfessional Summaryâ to ensure ATS reads it.
Detection Rules
Contains the word 'objective' with less than 15 words
Lacks industry keywords
Resumly Tip
Swap the generic objective for a concise professional summary that includes numbers.
No Quantifiable AchievementsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers canât gauge impact
- ATS scores lower on resultâoriented language
How to fix
- Add metrics such as volume, cost savings, leadâtime reduction
- Use action verbs and percentages
- Show beforeâandâafter scenarios
â Before
Managed import shipments for various clients.
â After
Managed import shipments for 30+ clients, reducing average clearance time by 22% and saving $350K annually.
ATS Tip
Start bullet points with strong verbs and include numbers early.
Detection Rules
Bullet points lack numbers or %
Verbs are generic (managed, handled)
Resumly Tip
Insert concrete figures to turn duties into achievements.
Missing Customs & Compliance DetailsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Overlooks a core competency for import roles
- ATS may miss essential compliance keywords
How to fix
- List certifications (e.g., CâENP, AEO)
- Mention specific regulations (e.g., Incoterms 2020, HS codes)
- Highlight experience with customs brokerage software
â Before
Handled import documentation.
â After
Prepared and submitted customs documentation (HS codes, Incoterms 2020) for $80M worth of goods, maintaining 100% compliance audit record.
ATS Tip
Include headings like âCompliance & Certificationsâ to capture keywords.
Detection Rules
No mention of customs, HS code, Incoterms, or certifications
Resumly Tip
Add a dedicated compliance bullet or section.
Overuse of Unexplained JargonLOW
Why it hurts
- Recruiters outside the niche may be confused
- ATS may not recognize abbreviations
How to fix
- Spell out acronyms on first use
- Provide brief context for specialized terms
- Balance technical language with plain English
â Before
Coordinated LCL shipments via NVOCC.
â After
Coordinated lessâthanâcontainerâload (LCL) shipments through nonâvesselâoperating common carriers (NVOCC), achieving a 15% cost reduction.
ATS Tip
Use full terms before abbreviations to ensure keyword capture.
Detection Rules
Contains acronyms without definition
Resumly Tip
Define each acronym the first time it appears.
Inconsistent Formatting That Breaks ATSMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- ATS may skip sections
- Important data can be lost
- Professional image suffers
How to fix
- Use standard headings (Experience, Education, Skills)
- Avoid tables, graphics, and columns
- Save as .docx or PDF (textâbased)
â Before
Experience (2020â2022) â Imported Goods â âą ManagedâŠ
â After
Professional Experience Import Manager | Global Trade Co. | Jan 2020 â Dec 2022 - ManagedâŠ
ATS Tip
Stick to a singleâcolumn, leftâaligned layout with bullet points.
Detection Rules
Presence of tables or multiâcolumn layout
File type not .docx/.pdf
Resumly Tip
Switch to a clean, ATSâfriendly template.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: docx, pdf
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Professional Experience, Education, Certifications, Technical Skills
Naming: FirstName_LastName_Importer_Resume
Consistency
Length: 1â2 pages (max 2 pages for midâlevel, 1 page for entry)
Date Format: MMM YYYY (e.g., Jan 2020)
Location Format: City, State/Country (e.g., Shanghai, China)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a clear professional summary with trade keywords
- Quantify every major responsibility
- List customs compliance certifications
- Define all acronyms on first use
- Apply standard ATSâfriendly headings
- Save the file as .docx or textâbased PDF
- Proofread for spelling and grammar
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Greenhouse, Workday, Lever
Keyword Strategy: customs clearance, Incoterms, HS code, freight cost reduction, supplier negotiation, AEO, CâENP, LCL, FCL, trade compliance
Heading Format: Use standard headings like Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Professional Experience, Education, Certifications
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current resume text or upload a .docx file
- Convert vague objectives into a professional summary
- Add quantifiable metrics to each achievement
- Insert compliance keywords and certifications
- Standardize headings for ATS readability
- Replace undefined acronyms with full terms
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