RESUME MISTAKES
Avoid Costly Resume Mistakes
Boost your software engineering job prospects with proven fixes.
How This Page Helps
Help software engineers identify and correct resume errors that prevent them from passing ATS and impressing hiring managers.
Identify hidden ATS blockers
Learn industry‑specific wording
Apply formatting best‑practices
See before‑and‑after examples
Get a ready‑to‑use checklist
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Missing Technical KeywordsHIGH
Why it hurts
- ATS cannot match your resume to relevant job postings
- Hiring managers assume you lack required skills
- Your profile ranks lower in keyword searches
How to fix
- Research the job description for required languages, frameworks, and tools
- Add those exact terms to the Technical Skills and Experience sections
- Use industry‑standard terminology rather than synonyms
❌ Before
Developed web applications using various technologies.
✓ After
Developed web applications using Java, Spring Boot, React, Docker, and AWS.
ATS Tip
Match at least 80% of the keywords from the posting.
Detection Rules
Keyword count below 5 for core languages
No mention of frameworks in experience bullets
Resumly Tip
Resumly scans job ads and suggests the top 10 technical keywords to include.
Using a Functional LayoutMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers struggle to see career progression
- ATS favors chronological headings for parsing
- Recruiters spend more time deciphering sections
How to fix
- Switch to reverse‑chronological format
- Place most recent role at the top with dates
- Group skills in a dedicated Technical Skills section
❌ Before
Skills: Java, Python, Agile. Experience: Software Engineer at XYZ Corp.
✓ After
Professional Experience Software Engineer, XYZ Corp – Jan 2021 to Present - ... Technical Skills Java, Python, Spring, React, Agile
ATS Tip
Use standard headings like "Professional Experience" and "Technical Skills".
Detection Rules
Header named "Skills Summary" instead of "Technical Skills"
Experience listed without dates
Resumly Tip
Resumly detects layout patterns and recommends a reverse‑chronological template.
Listing Responsibilities Instead of AchievementsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Provides no evidence of impact
- Fails to quantify results for recruiters
- ATS may overlook bullet points without metrics
How to fix
- Start each bullet with an action verb
- Add measurable outcomes (e.g., % increase, revenue saved)
- Focus on what you delivered, not just what you did
❌ Before
Responsible for developing backend services and fixing bugs.
✓ After
Designed and implemented microservices that reduced API latency by 35% and decreased bug tickets by 20%.
ATS Tip
Include at least one numeric metric per bullet.
Detection Rules
Bullets begin with "Responsible for" or "Worked on"
No numbers or percentages present
Resumly Tip
Resumly highlights bullets lacking metrics and suggests quantifiable alternatives.
Including Irrelevant Non‑Tech ExperienceLOW
Why it hurts
- Dilutes focus on engineering expertise
- Consumes valuable space on a short resume
- ATS may misclassify your profile as non‑technical
How to fix
- Remove jobs unrelated to software engineering unless they demonstrate transferable skills
- If kept, reframe to emphasize technical aspects (e.g., automation, data analysis)
- Prioritize tech roles and projects in the first two pages
❌ Before
Barista at CoffeeCo – Served customers and managed inventory.
✓ After
(Removed – unrelated to software engineering)
ATS Tip
Keep the resume 80% technical content.
Detection Rules
Job titles unrelated to tech appear after the first two entries
Resumly Tip
Resumly flags non‑technical roles and offers suggestions to either remove or reframe them.
Unclear Employment DatesMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Creates employment gaps that raise questions
- ATS may misinterpret date ranges
- Hiring managers cannot assess tenure
How to fix
- Use consistent format (e.g., MMM YYYY – MMM YYYY)
- Include month and year for each role
- If a gap exists, add a brief explanation or freelance work
❌ Before
Software Engineer – XYZ Corp – 2020 – Present
✓ After
Software Engineer, XYZ Corp – Jan 2020 to Present
ATS Tip
Standard date format improves parsing accuracy.
Detection Rules
Dates missing month
Date range uses only years
Resumly Tip
Resumly checks date consistency and auto‑formats to the recommended style.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Header, Summary, Technical Skills, Professional Experience, Education, Projects, Certifications
Naming: FirstName_LastName_SoftwareEngineer.pdf
Consistency
Length: 1‑2 pages for mid‑level, up to 3 pages for senior engineers
Date Format: MMM YYYY – MMM YYYY
Location Format: City, State (or Remote)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a reverse‑chronological layout
- Include a concise 2‑sentence summary with key technologies
- List technical skills in a dedicated section
- Add measurable achievements for each role
- Incorporate at least 10 relevant keywords from the job posting
- Format dates as MMM YYYY – MMM YYYY
- Keep the resume under 2 pages (3 for senior)
- Save as PDF with a professional file name
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: LinkedIn Recruiter, Greenhouse, Lever, iCIMS, Workday
Keyword Strategy: Include languages (e.g., Python, Java), frameworks (React, Spring), tools (Docker, Kubernetes) and methodologies (Agile, TDD)
Heading Format: Use standard headings like "Professional Experience" and "Technical Skills"
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current resume text
- Add relevant keywords
- Convert to reverse‑chronological format
- Quantify achievements
- Standardize date and location format
- Optimize headings for ATS
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