RESUME MISTAKES
Craft a Mason Resume That Builds Opportunities
Avoid costly mistakes and showcase your craftsmanship with a resume that stands out.
How This Page Helps
Help masons identify and correct resume mistakes that keep them from getting hired.
Identify the top 5 resume errors specific to masonry
Learn actionable fixes for each mistake
Optimize your resume for ATS used in construction hiring
Get formatting tips that highlight trade skills
Access a quick-fix workshop to revamp your resume instantly
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Missing Trade CertificationsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t verify your qualifications
- ATS may filter out resumes lacking key keywords
How to fix
- List all relevant certifications like OSHA 10, NCCER Masonry
- Place them in a dedicated "Certifications" section
- Include issuing organization and date
❌ Before
Certifications: None
✓ After
Certifications: OSHA 10 – General Industry (2022), NCCER Masonry (2021)
ATS Tip
Include exact certification names as keywords
Detection Rules
No "Certifications" heading
Absence of known certification keywords
Resumly Tip
Add a Certifications section to boost credibility.
Vague Job DescriptionsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Fails to demonstrate concrete results
- Makes it hard for ATS to match skill keywords
How to fix
- Use action verbs and quantify achievements
- Mention specific materials, techniques, and project sizes
❌ Before
Worked as a mason at XYZ Construction.
✓ After
Mason, XYZ Construction (Jan 2020 – Present) – Laid 5,000 sq ft of brick veneer for a 10-unit residential project, achieving 0% rework.
ATS Tip
Incorporate keywords like "bricklaying", "formwork", "concrete finishing"
Detection Rules
Bullet points lack numbers or specific tasks
Generic titles without details
Resumly Tip
Add measurable results to each work entry.
Inconsistent Date FormattingLOW
Why it hurts
- Confuses hiring managers
- ATS may misinterpret employment timeline
How to fix
- Use MM/YYYY for all dates
- Align dates to the right side of the line
❌ Before
June 2018 – March 2020
✓ After
06/2018 – 03/2020
ATS Tip
Standard date format improves parsing
Detection Rules
Mixed month formats (e.g., "June" vs "06")
Missing year for some entries
Resumly Tip
Standardize all dates to MM/YYYY.
Overly Creative LayoutHIGH
Why it hurts
- ATS cannot read graphics or columns
- Hiring managers may miss key info
How to fix
- Stick to a single-column, clean design
- Use standard fonts like Arial or Calibri
- Avoid tables for core content
❌ Before
Resume with side graphic of a brick wall
✓ After
Plain text resume with clear headings
ATS Tip
Use ATS‑friendly templates
Detection Rules
Presence of images, tables, or multi‑column sections
Non‑standard fonts
Resumly Tip
Choose a simple template for maximum readability.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Summary, Skills, Work Experience, Education, Certifications, Projects
Naming: FirstName_LastName_Mason_Resume
Consistency
Length: 1-2 pages
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State
Resume Quality Checklist
- Include a professional summary
- List certifications
- Quantify project achievements
- Use consistent date format
- Use standard headings
- Avoid graphics and tables
- Tailor keywords to masonry
- Proofread for spelling and grammar
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Workday, Greenhouse, Lever
Keyword Strategy: bricklaying, concrete finishing, formwork, OSHA 10, blueprint reading
Heading Format: Use headings like "Professional Experience" and "Construction Skills"
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current mason resume text
- Standardize job titles
- Add measurable results
- Insert trade certifications
- Format dates uniformly
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