RESUME MISTAKES
Locksmith Resume Mistakes Holding You Back?
Identify and fix the errors that keep hiring managers from unlocking your potential.
How This Page Helps
This page helps locksmiths spot and correct the most frequent resume mistakes, ensuring their skills shine through ATS and hiring managers.
Spot hidden ATS blockers
Rewrite vague experience statements
Standardize formatting for trade certifications
Showcase security clearances and licenses
Craft compelling summary sections
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Missing Security Clearance DetailsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Employers can’t verify you’re cleared for high‑security jobs
- ATS may filter out candidates without clearance keywords
How to fix
- Add a dedicated 'Clearances & Licenses' section
- List state‑issued locksmith license, any TSA or FIPS clearance, and expiration dates
❌ Before
Licensed Locksmith, ABC Security
✓ After
Licensed Locksmith Clearances & Licenses: State Locksmith License (#12345, expires 2026), TSA‑Approved Secure Facility Access (2023)
ATS Tip
Include exact clearance names as keywords
Detection Rules
absence of keywords like 'TSA', 'FIPS', 'clearance'
no separate section for licenses
Resumly Tip
Resumly flags missing clearance info and suggests a ready‑made section template.
Using Generic Job TitlesMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Dilutes your specialized expertise
- ATS may not match industry‑specific keywords
How to fix
- Replace 'Technician' with 'Master Locksmith' or 'Commercial Locksmith'
- Add specific service types (e.g., 'Safe Installation', 'Access Control')
❌ Before
Technician at SecureCo
✓ After
Master Locksmith – Commercial & Residential Services at SecureCo
ATS Tip
Match titles to common locksmith job postings
Detection Rules
title contains generic terms like 'Technician'
lack of industry‑specific terms
Resumly Tip
Suggests title upgrades based on job market data.
Unclear Quantifiable AchievementsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t gauge impact
- ATS looks for numbers to rank candidates
How to fix
- Add metrics such as number of locks serviced, revenue generated, response time
- Use action verbs and percentages
❌ Before
Performed lock repairs and installations.
✓ After
Completed 250 lock installations and repairs per month, reducing average service time by 15% and generating $45K in monthly revenue.
ATS Tip
Include numbers, percentages, and dollar amounts
Detection Rules
absence of digits or % in bullet points
no measurable results
Resumly Tip
Highlights bullet points lacking numbers and offers quantified rewrite suggestions.
Inconsistent Date FormattingLOW
Why it hurts
- Confuses ATS parsers
- Looks unprofessional to recruiters
How to fix
- Use month-year format (MM/YYYY) consistently
- Align dates to the right margin
❌ Before
2019 – Present
✓ After
06/2019 – Present
ATS Tip
Standard MM/YYYY format is ATS‑friendly
Detection Rules
dates appear as years only or varied formats
mix of month names and numbers
Resumly Tip
Detects date style mismatches and auto‑formats.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Clearances & Licenses, Professional Experience, Education & Training, Certifications
Naming: FirstName_LastName_Locksmith_Resume
Consistency
Length: One page for entry‑level, up to two pages for senior locksmiths with extensive certifications
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State
Resume Quality Checklist
- Include a clear contact header
- Add a Professional Summary with key locksmith keywords
- List all relevant licenses and security clearances
- Show quantifiable achievements for each role
- Use industry‑specific job titles
- Format dates as MM/YYYY
- Save as PDF with searchable text
- Run through Resumly ATS checker
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: Bullhorn, iCIMS, Workday, Greenhouse
Keyword Strategy: master locksmith, commercial lock installation, access control, TSA clearance, safe combination, key duplication, lockout response
Heading Format: Use standard headings like 'Professional Experience' and 'Certifications' to ensure ATS parsing
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current locksmith resume text below
- Standardize date format
- Add missing clearance section
- Convert generic titles to industry terms
- Insert quantifiable metrics
- Optimize keywords for ATS
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