RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Losing Security Leadership Jobs to Bad Resumes
Identify and correct the critical mistakes that keep your Information Security Manager resume from standing out.
How This Page Helps
This guide helps Information Security Managers spot and correct resume mistakes that hinder ATS parsing and hiring manager interest.
Learn the top 5 resume errors for security leaders
See before‑and‑after examples
Get ATS‑friendly formatting tips
Use our quick fix workshop to rewrite key sections
Boost your chances for CISO‑track roles
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Vague Job TitlesHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t gauge seniority
- ATS may not match senior-level keywords
How to fix
- Replace generic titles with specific ones like 'Information Security Manager' or 'Cybersecurity Operations Lead'
- Add context such as team size or budget responsibility
❌ Before
Manager, Security
✓ After
Information Security Manager – Led a team of 12 engineers and managed a $3M security budget
ATS Tip
Include exact title keywords from the job posting
Detection Rules
title contains generic terms like 'manager' without qualifier
missing security-specific keywords
Resumly Tip
Our parser flags titles that lack industry-specific descriptors.
Missing Measurable AchievementsHIGH
Why it hurts
- No proof of impact
- ATS often looks for numbers
How to fix
- Quantify results (e.g., reduced incidents by 30%)
- Use action verbs and metrics
❌ Before
Implemented security policies.
✓ After
Implemented ISO 27001 policies, achieving compliance 3 months ahead of schedule and reducing audit findings by 40%
ATS Tip
Add numbers and percentages
Detection Rules
bullet points lack digits or %
verbs not paired with results
Resumly Tip
Our AI suggests metrics based on your responsibilities.
Improper Formatting That Confuses ATSMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- ATS may skip sections
- Hiring managers see a cluttered layout
How to fix
- Use standard headings (Experience, Education, Certifications)
- Avoid tables, graphics, and columns
- Save as .docx or PDF (text-based)
❌ Before
Experience placed in two-column table with icons
✓ After
Plain text headings with bullet points, left-aligned
ATS Tip
Stick to simple fonts like Arial or Calibri
Detection Rules
presence of tables or columns
use of non‑standard fonts
Resumly Tip
Our formatter strips unsupported elements automatically.
Omitting Key Security CertificationsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers look for CISSP, CISM, etc.
- ATS keyword filters miss you
How to fix
- Create a dedicated Certifications section
- List certifications with year earned
❌ Before
Certifications: None listed
✓ After
Certifications: CISSP (2022), CISM (2021), CEH (2020)
ATS Tip
Place certifications near the top of the resume
Detection Rules
no certification keywords found
certifications not in separate section
Resumly Tip
Our tool auto‑detects missing common certs for security roles.
Using Outdated Security TerminologyLOW
Why it hurts
- Recruiters may think you’re not current
- ATS keyword sets evolve
How to fix
- Replace legacy terms like 'firewall admin' with 'Network Security Engineer'
- Include modern frameworks like Zero Trust, NIST CSF
❌ Before
Managed firewall and antivirus
✓ After
Implemented Zero Trust architecture and managed endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions
ATS Tip
Align language with current job descriptions
Detection Rules
presence of terms older than 5 years
absence of modern frameworks
Resumly Tip
Our keyword updater suggests contemporary equivalents.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF (text-based), DOCX
Sections: Header, Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Professional Experience, Education, Certifications, Technical Skills, Publications (optional)
Naming: FirstName_LastName_InformationSecurityManager.pdf
Consistency
Length: 1‑2 pages for mid‑senior roles, up to 3 pages for extensive leadership experience
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State (or Country)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a clear professional title
- Include measurable security outcomes
- List relevant certifications with dates
- Optimize for ATS keywords (CISSP, NIST, Zero Trust)
- Keep formatting simple and ATS‑compatible
- Proofread for spelling and grammar
- Tailor summary to the target role
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Greenhouse, Lever, Workday, SmartRecruiters
Keyword Strategy: CISSP, ISO 27001, NIST CSF, Risk Management, Incident Response, Penetration Testing
Heading Format: Use standard headings like 'Professional Experience' and 'Certifications'
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste the bullet point you want to improve
- Add a quantifiable result
- Insert relevant security keyword
- Convert passive voice to active
- Shorten to one concise line
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