RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Port Manager Resume Mistakes From Holding You Back
Identify and correct the top errors that keep hiring managers sailing past your application.
How This Page Helps
Help port managers create error‑free, ATS‑compatible resumes that showcase their expertise in maritime operations, logistics, and team leadership.
Spot the most common formatting slip‑ups
Understand why each mistake hurts your candidacy
Apply step‑by‑step fixes
Align your resume with top maritime ATS
Boost your chances of landing a senior port management role
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Using generic or vague job titlesMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t gauge your seniority
- ATS may not match industry‑specific keywords
How to fix
- Replace generic titles with precise port‑specific titles (e.g., “Senior Port Operations Manager”)
- Add a brief descriptor if the official title is ambiguous
❌ Before
Operations Manager
✓ After
Senior Port Operations Manager – Oversaw cargo handling for a 2‑million TEU terminal
ATS Tip
Include exact titles used in the job posting.
Detection Rules
title contains generic terms like manager without qualifier
title length < 10 characters
Resumly Tip
Resumly flags titles under 12 characters or lacking port‑specific keywords.
Failing to quantify achievementsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Numbers give hiring managers concrete proof of impact
- ATS often scores resumes higher when metrics are present
How to fix
- Add percentages, volume figures, cost savings
- Use the format: Action + Metric + Result
❌ Before
Improved terminal efficiency.
✓ After
Improved terminal efficiency by 18%, increasing vessel turnaround speed by 22 minutes per call.
ATS Tip
Insert keywords like “throughput”, “TEU”, “vessel turnaround”.
Detection Rules
no numbers or % in bullet points
Resumly Tip
Resumly highlights bullets lacking any digits.
Using inconsistent or non‑standard date formatsLOW
Why it hurts
- ATS may misread employment dates
- Hiring managers can’t quickly assess career timeline
How to fix
- Use month‑year format (MMM YYYY)
- Keep dates aligned to the right
❌ Before
Jan 2020 – Present
✓ After
Jan 2020 – Present
ATS Tip
Standardize to “MMM YYYY”.
Detection Rules
date contains full month name or numeric month without abbreviation
Resumly Tip
Resumly checks for month abbreviations.
Leaving out essential port‑industry terminologyHIGH
Why it hurts
- ATS filters out resumes missing required keywords
- Recruiters may think you lack relevant experience
How to fix
- Review job ads for terms like “TEU”, “customs clearance”, “berth allocation”, “cargo handling equipment”
- Integrate them naturally into duties
❌ Before
Managed cargo operations.
✓ After
Managed cargo operations, coordinating berth allocation for 1,200+ vessels and overseeing customs clearance of 1.5M TEU annually.
ATS Tip
Match at least 70% of the keywords from the posting.
Detection Rules
absence of industry‑specific terms
Resumly Tip
Resumly suggests missing maritime keywords based on the role.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Professional Experience, Education, Certifications, Professional Affiliations
Naming: FirstName_LastName_PortManager.pdf
Consistency
Length: 1–2 pages for mid‑level, up to 3 pages for senior port managers
Date Format: MMM YYYY
Location Format: City, State/Country (Port)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a clear, professional font (e.g., Calibri 11pt)
- Include a concise summary with port‑specific value proposition
- List achievements with metrics
- Incorporate maritime keywords
- Format dates as MMM YYYY
- Save as PDF with proper naming convention
- Run through Resumly ATS checker
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Taleo, Workday, SmartRecruiters, Bullhorn
Keyword Strategy: Use terms like “TEU throughput”, “vessel turnaround”, “customs compliance”, “cargo handling equipment”.
Heading Format: Use standard headings such as “Professional Experience” and “Core Competencies” to ensure ATS parsing.
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current Port Manager resume text
- Standardize job titles
- Add quantifiable metrics
- Insert missing maritime keywords
- Convert dates to MMM YYYY format
- Align sections for ATS readability
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