RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Landscape Architect Resume Mistakes From Holding You Back
Identify and correct the top errors that keep hiring managers from seeing your design talent.
How This Page Helps
This guide helps landscape architects spot and correct the most damaging resume mistakes, ensuring their portfolio shines and passes ATS filters.
Learn the 5 most common resume errors for landscape architects
See before‑and‑after examples tailored to design roles
Get actionable ATS optimization tips
Follow a step‑by‑step formatting checklist
Access a mini‑workshop to instantly improve your resume
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Using generic job titlesHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t tell you specialize in landscape architecture
- ATS may not match industry keywords
How to fix
- Replace generic titles with specific roles like 'Senior Landscape Architect' or 'Urban Greenspace Designer'
❌ Before
Designer, XYZ Company
✓ After
Landscape Architect – Urban Greenspace Designer, XYZ Company
ATS Tip
Include the exact title from the job posting.
Detection Rules
Title does not contain 'Landscape' or 'Architect'
Resumly Tip
Resumly flags titles lacking core keywords.
Omitting project metricsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Impact of your designs is unclear
- Recruiters miss quantifiable results
How to fix
- Add measurable outcomes such as square footage, budget, sustainability certifications
❌ Before
Designed community park
✓ After
Designed 5‑acre community park, staying 10% under budget and achieving LEED Silver certification
ATS Tip
Use numbers and keywords like 'LEED', 'budget', 'acre'.
Detection Rules
Bullet points lack numbers or percentages
Resumly Tip
Resumly highlights bullets without quantifiable data.
Poor visual hierarchy – dense paragraphsLOW
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers skim quickly and may miss key info
- ATS parses plain text; dense blocks can cause parsing errors
How to fix
- Use bullet points, short sentences, and clear headings
- Leave white space between sections
❌ Before
Responsible for site analysis, concept development, planting plans, and construction documentation for multiple projects.
✓ After
- Site analysis for 12 residential projects - Concept development & planting plans - Construction documentation overseeing 8 builds
ATS Tip
Bullet points improve ATS readability.
Detection Rules
Paragraphs longer than 2 sentences
Resumly Tip
Resumly suggests converting paragraphs to bullets.
Missing software proficiencyMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Landscape architecture relies on specific tools; omission signals lack of expertise
- ATS may filter for software keywords
How to fix
- Add a dedicated 'Technical Skills' section listing AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, GIS, Adobe Creative Suite, and any BIM tools
❌ Before
Proficient with design software
✓ After
Technical Skills: AutoCAD 2023, SketchUp Pro, Rhino 7, ArcGIS, Adobe InDesign, Revit (basic)
ATS Tip
List exact software names and versions.
Detection Rules
Skills section missing or vague
Resumly Tip
Resumly prompts to expand software list.
Incorrect date format causing ATS errorsLOW
Why it hurts
- Inconsistent dates confuse parsers
- May be flagged as missing experience
How to fix
- Use month-year format (MM/YYYY) consistently across all entries
❌ Before
2018 – 2020
✓ After
01/2018 – 06/2020
ATS Tip
Standardize to MM/YYYY.
Detection Rules
Date entries not in MM/YYYY
Resumly Tip
Resumly highlights non‑standard dates.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Header, Professional Summary, Key Projects, Experience, Education, Technical Skills, Certifications, Professional Affiliations
Naming: FirstName_LastName_LandscapeArchitect_Resume
Consistency
Length: 1‑2 pages for early‑career, up to 3 pages for senior roles
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State (or Country)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a clear professional title
- Include at least 3 quantified project achievements
- List relevant software with versions
- Maintain consistent MM/YYYY dates
- Apply bullet points for responsibilities
- Add a portfolio link
- Proofread for spelling and grammar
- Save as PDF with proper naming
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: Greenhouse, Lever, iCIMS, Workday, Taleo
Keyword Strategy: Landscape architecture, site planning, sustainable design, LEED, master plan, planting design, GIS, AutoCAD, SketchUp
Heading Format: Use standard headings like 'Professional Summary', 'Experience', 'Key Projects', 'Education', 'Technical Skills'
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current resume text
- Convert paragraphs to bullet points
- Add missing project metrics
- Standardize date format
- Insert specific landscape architecture keywords
- Create a technical skills list
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