RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Risk Manager Resume Mistakes From Holding You Back
Identify and correct the most common errors that keep hiring managers and ATS from seeing your expertise.
How This Page Helps
Help Risk Managers create error‑free, ATS‑optimized resumes that showcase risk assessment, mitigation, and governance expertise.
Spot hidden formatting errors
Learn why vague risk metrics hurt
Apply industry‑specific keywords
Turn generic statements into measurable achievements
Ensure compliance with financial regulations language
Boost your resume’s ATS score
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Using vague job titlesMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t gauge seniority
- ATS may not match risk-specific titles
How to fix
- Replace generic titles with precise ones like 'Enterprise Risk Manager' or 'Operational Risk Lead'
- Add a brief descriptor if the internal title is ambiguous
❌ Before
Risk Analyst
✓ After
Senior Operational Risk Manager
ATS Tip
Match the title to common keywords used in risk management job postings.
Detection Rules
title contains generic terms like Analyst, Specialist without qualifier
title length < 3 words
Resumly Tip
Hover over the title field to see suggested industry‑standard titles.
Missing quantifiable resultsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Fails to demonstrate impact
- ATS looks for numbers
How to fix
- Add specific metrics such as % reduction in loss events, dollar value of risk exposure mitigated
- Use action‑result format
❌ Before
Managed risk assessment processes.
✓ After
Led risk assessment processes that reduced potential loss exposure by $3.2M (12% YoY)
ATS Tip
Include at least one numeric value per bullet.
Detection Rules
bullet points lack numbers
no currency symbols or percentages
Resumly Tip
Our AI highlights bullets without metrics and suggests data points.
Improper formatting that confuses ATSHIGH
Why it hurts
- Headers not recognized
- Tables and graphics stripped
- Parsing errors cause loss of content
How to fix
- Use standard headings (Experience, Education, Certifications)
- Avoid tables, text boxes, images
- Save as .docx or PDF (ATS‑friendly)
❌ Before
Experience placed inside a two‑column table.
✓ After
Experience listed under a plain 'Professional Experience' heading with bullet points.
ATS Tip
Stick to left‑aligned, single‑column layout.
Detection Rules
document contains tables
contains columns >1
uses graphic elements
Resumly Tip
Resumly scans for tables and suggests a plain‑text version.
Omitting key risk‑management certificationsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers look for CRMA, FRM, PRM
- ATS keyword filters may drop resume
How to fix
- Create a dedicated 'Certifications' section
- List certifications with year earned
❌ Before
No certifications listed.
✓ After
Certifications: Certified Risk Management Analyst (CRMA) – 2022; Financial Risk Manager (FRM) – 2021
ATS Tip
Place certifications near the top of the resume.
Detection Rules
no line containing 'certification' or known cert abbreviations
Resumly Tip
Our parser flags missing common risk certifications.
Using generic soft‑skill statementsLOW
Why it hurts
- Doesn’t differentiate you
- ATS may ignore generic terms
How to fix
- Tie soft skills to risk outcomes, e.g., 'Communicated risk findings to C‑suite, influencing $5M investment decisions'
❌ Before
Strong communication and leadership skills.
✓ After
Presented quarterly risk dashboards to senior leadership, influencing $5M in risk‑mitigation investments.
ATS Tip
Combine soft skills with measurable impact.
Detection Rules
bullet contains phrases like 'strong communication' without context
Resumly Tip
Resumly suggests adding context to soft‑skill claims.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: docx, pdf
Sections: Header, Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Professional Experience, Education, Certifications, Technical Skills, Professional Affiliations
Naming: FirstName LastName – Risk Manager
Consistency
Length: 1–2 pages for mid‑level, up to 3 pages for senior risk executives
Date Format: MMM YYYY – MMM YYYY
Location Format: City, State (or Country)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a clear, professional header with name and contact info
- Include a concise Professional Summary with risk focus
- List Core Competencies using industry keywords
- Showcase achievements with numbers and dollar values
- Add relevant certifications (CRMA, FRM, PRM)
- Avoid tables, graphics, and multi‑column layouts
- Use standard headings and chronological order
- Proofread for spelling, grammar, and consistency
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Workday, Taleo, Greenhouse, Lever
Keyword Strategy: risk assessment, risk mitigation, enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance, loss prevention, CRMA, FRM, risk appetite, internal controls
Heading Format: Use standard headings like 'Professional Experience' and 'Core Competencies'
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current Risk Manager resume text
- Standardize headings
- Add quantifiable metrics
- Replace generic titles
- Convert tables to plain text
- Insert risk‑specific keywords
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