RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Lab Assistant Resume Mistakes From Holding You Back
Identify and correct the top errors that keep your application from getting noticed.
How This Page Helps
This page helps lab assistants recognize frequent resume pitfalls, understand why they damage your candidacy, and apply actionable fixes to create a polished, ATS‑friendly document.
Spot vague job descriptions
Eliminate irrelevant experience
Use proper scientific terminology
Format for ATS readability
Show measurable lab achievements
Align with industry standards
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Vague or Generic Job TitlesMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t see your specific role
- ATS may not match keywords
- Reduces perceived expertise
How to fix
- Replace generic titles with precise lab roles (e.g., “Research Lab Assistant”)
- Include department and equipment used
- Add relevant certifications
❌ Before
Lab Assistant at XYZ Corp
✓ After
Molecular Biology Lab Assistant – XYZ Corp
ATS Tip
Match the exact title used in the job posting.
Detection Rules
title contains generic term 'Assistant' without qualifier
no department or specialty mentioned
Resumly Tip
Add the specific lab discipline to boost keyword relevance.
Missing Quantifiable ResultsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Fails to demonstrate impact
- Hard for ATS to rank achievements
- Leaves hiring manager guessing
How to fix
- Add numbers, percentages, or time saved
- Show sample volumes processed
- Highlight safety compliance improvements
❌ Before
Performed routine sample preparation.
✓ After
Prepared 150+ biological samples weekly, reducing prep time by 20% while maintaining 99.8% accuracy.
ATS Tip
Include metrics that align with common lab KPIs.
Detection Rules
bullet points lack numbers or percentages
verbs not followed by metrics
Resumly Tip
Quantify every core responsibility where possible.
Improper Formatting – Dense ParagraphsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- ATS may not parse sections
- Hiring managers skim and miss key info
- Looks unprofessional
How to fix
- Use bullet points for duties
- Keep lines under 12 words
- Separate sections with clear headings
❌ Before
Responsible for maintaining lab equipment, ordering supplies, and ensuring safety protocols were followed.
✓ After
- Maintained and calibrated 10+ lab instruments weekly - Ordered reagents, reducing stockouts by 15% - Conducted safety audits, achieving 100% compliance
ATS Tip
Use standard headings like Experience, Skills, Education.
Detection Rules
paragraphs longer than 2 sentences
lack of bullet points
Resumly Tip
Bullet points improve readability for both ATS and recruiters.
Omitting Relevant Technical SkillsHIGH
Why it hurts
- ATS keyword gaps cause resume to be filtered
- Hiring managers doubt technical competence
- Missed chance to showcase lab expertise
How to fix
- Create a dedicated Skills section
- List instruments, software, and techniques
- Prioritize skills mentioned in job ad
❌ Before
Skills: Microsoft Office, communication
✓ After
Technical Skills: PCR, Gel Electrophoresis, Spectrophotometer (NanoDrop), LIMS, LabVIEW, GLP compliance
ATS Tip
Mirror the exact terminology from the job description.
Detection Rules
Skills section missing or contains only generic tools
no mention of lab-specific equipment
Resumly Tip
Include at least 5 lab‑specific skills to pass ATS filters.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Experience, Technical Skills, Education, Certifications, Professional Affiliations
Naming: FirstName_LastName_LabAssistant.pdf
Consistency
Length: One page for early‑career, up to two pages for senior lab assistants
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State (optional country)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a clear professional title
- Write a concise summary with key lab competencies
- List experience in reverse chronological order
- Show quantifiable achievements for each role
- Include a dedicated technical skills section
- Add relevant certifications and safety training
- Proofread for spelling and grammar
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: Taleo, iCIMS, Workday, Greenhouse, Lever
Keyword Strategy: Include terms like 'sample preparation', 'quality control', 'GLP', 'instrument calibration', 'data analysis'
Heading Format: Use standard headings: Summary, Experience, Skills, Education
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current Lab Assistant resume text
- Convert generic titles to specific roles
- Add quantifiable achievements
- Reformat into bullet points
- Insert a technical skills list
- Standardize dates and locations
Ready to transform your Lab Assistant resume? Get a free expert review now!
Start My Review
