RESUME MISTAKES

Stop Resume Mistakes Holding Back Your Social Media Career

Identify and fix the most common errors that keep hiring managers scrolling past your application.

How This Page Helps
This guide helps Social Media Managers spot and correct resume mistakes that reduce interview chances, ensuring a polished, ATS‑friendly document.
Learn the top 5 resume errors for Social Media Managers
See before‑and‑after examples
Get actionable ATS optimization tips
Follow a step‑by‑step formatting checklist
Access a mini‑workshop to rewrite your profile summary

Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances

Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples

Missing measurable resultsHIGH
Why it hurts
  • Hiring managers can’t gauge impact
  • ATS filters often look for numbers
  • Resume appears vague
How to fix
  • Add specific percentages, follower counts, or revenue impact
  • Tie achievements to business goals
  • Use action verbs followed by metrics
❌ Before

Managed social media accounts and increased engagement.

✓ After

Managed Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts, boosting engagement by 45% and follower growth by 30% in 6 months.

ATS Tip
Include numbers and keywords like 'engagement', 'growth', 'KPIs'.
Detection Rules
No numeric metrics
Generic verbs only
Resumly Tip
Add specific percentages, follower counts, and campaign names.
Outdated or vague job titlesMEDIUM
Why it hurts
  • Algorithms may not match modern role keywords
  • Recruiters overlook relevance
How to fix
  • Replace generic titles with current industry terms
  • Add a brief qualifier if needed
❌ Before

Social Media Coordinator

✓ After

Social Media Manager – Paid Social & Community Lead

ATS Tip
Use titles that match the target posting, e.g., 'Social Media Manager' or 'Digital Community Manager'.
Detection Rules
Title contains 'Coordinator' for senior roles
Missing keywords like 'Manager'
Resumly Tip
Align your title with the role you’re applying for while keeping it truthful.
Overloading with platform jargonLOW
Why it hurts
  • Resumes become unreadable to non‑technical HR
  • ATS may not recognize niche slang
How to fix
  • Focus on outcomes rather than listing every platform
  • Group platforms under a skill set
❌ Before

Expert in TikTok, Snapchat, Vine, Periscope, and MySpace marketing.

✓ After

Proficient in TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts; leveraged platform‑specific strategies to increase video views by 60%.

ATS Tip
Prioritize high‑impact platforms and include their official names.
Detection Rules
List of >3 obscure platforms
Use of slang terms
Resumly Tip
Highlight the most relevant platforms for the job and describe results.
Dense paragraphs with no visual hierarchyMEDIUM
Why it hurts
  • Hiring managers skim; dense text gets ignored
  • ATS may misinterpret line breaks
How to fix
  • Use bullet points for each achievement
  • Keep each bullet to one line when possible
❌ Before

Responsible for creating content calendars, scheduling posts, analyzing metrics, engaging with followers, and coordinating with design teams to ensure brand consistency across all channels.

✓ After

• Developed monthly content calendar for 5 platforms • Scheduled 150+ posts, maintaining 99% on‑time delivery • Analyzed metrics, increasing click‑through rate by 22%

ATS Tip
Start each bullet with a strong verb and end with a quantifiable result.
Detection Rules
Paragraph longer than 2 sentences
No bullet points
Resumly Tip
Break achievements into concise bullet points for readability and ATS parsing.
Missing relevant certificationsLOW
Why it hurts
  • Credentials validate expertise
  • ATS often scans for certifications like Meta Blueprint
How to fix
  • Add a dedicated Certifications section
  • List date and issuing organization
❌ Before

Education: B.A. in Communications

✓ After

Certifications: • Meta Blueprint Certified – Social Media Marketing (2023) • Google Analytics Individual Qualification (2022)

ATS Tip
Include exact certification names; avoid abbreviations unless widely recognized.
Detection Rules
No Certifications section for mid‑level roles
Missing keywords 'Certified'
Resumly Tip
Showcase industry‑recognized certifications to boost credibility.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Header, Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Professional Experience, Education, Certifications, Tools & Platforms
Naming: FirstName_LastName_SocialMediaManager_Resume
Consistency
Length: 1‑2 pages for mid‑level Social Media Manager
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State (Remote optional)
Resume Quality Checklist
  • Use a clear, professional header with contact info
  • Write a 2‑3 sentence summary highlighting ROI‑focused achievements
  • List core competencies as keyword‑rich bullet points
  • Showcase measurable results for each role
  • Include relevant certifications and tools
  • Keep formatting consistent with standard headings
  • Proofread for spelling and grammar
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: Workday, iCIMS, Greenhouse, Lever
Keyword Strategy: social media strategy, content calendar, paid social, analytics, community management, ROI
Heading Format: Use standard headings like 'Professional Experience' and 'Core Competencies'
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current Professional Summary (max 300 characters)
  • Add measurable results
  • Incorporate top industry keywords
  • Trim to 2‑3 concise sentences
  • Highlight platform expertise
Download Checklist PDF
Ready to land your dream social media role? Get expert help now!
Upgrade to Premium Review

More Common Resume Mistakes

Check out Resumly's Free AI Tools