RESUME MISTAKES

Avoid Costly Tile Setter Resume Mistakes

Learn the top errors hiring managers spot and how to correct them for a winning resume.

How This Page Helps
This guide helps tile setters identify and correct common resume mistakes, ensuring their experience shines and passes ATS filters.
Spot hidden errors that reduce interview chances
Learn industry‑specific wording
Apply ATS‑friendly formatting
Get actionable before‑and‑after examples
Access a quick‑fix workshop

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 assume you lack formal training
  • ATS filters often prioritize certified candidates
  • Certifications validate safety and quality standards
How to fix
  • Create a dedicated Certifications section
  • List each certification with issuing body and date
  • Use exact certification titles (e.g., Certified Tile Installer – NTI)
❌ Before

Certifications: None

✓ After

Certifications: • Certified Tile Installer – National Tile Institute (NTI), 2021 • OSHA 10‑Hour Construction Safety, 2020

ATS Tip
Match certification names exactly as they appear in job postings
Detection Rules
No certification heading
Only generic skills listed
Resumly Tip
Add a Certifications section and populate it with any trade‑specific credentials you hold.
Vague Job DescriptionsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
  • Provides no evidence of skill level
  • Makes it hard for ATS to match keywords
  • Leaves hiring managers guessing your impact
How to fix
  • Start each bullet with a strong action verb
  • Quantify results (sq ft installed, % efficiency, client satisfaction)
  • Include specific tile types and tools used
❌ Before

Tile Setter, ABC Construction, 2018‑2022 – Did tile work.

✓ After

Tile Setter, ABC Construction, Jan 2018 – Dec 2022 • Installed 1,200 sq ft of ceramic and porcelain tile in residential projects • Achieved 98% client satisfaction rating • Reduced material waste by 12% through precise cutting techniques

ATS Tip
Embed high‑impact keywords like "ceramic tile installation" and "grout finishing" within each bullet
Detection Rules
Bullets lack numbers or specifics
Only generic verbs like "did" or "worked"
Resumly Tip
Replace vague statements with quantified achievements that showcase your expertise.
Incorrect Date FormattingLOW
Why it hurts
  • ATS may fail to recognize employment periods
  • Hiring managers can misinterpret tenure length
  • Inconsistent dates look unprofessional
How to fix
  • Use month/year format (MM/YYYY) consistently
  • Align dates to the right margin for easy scanning
  • Avoid textual dates like "June 2015"
❌ Before

June 2015 – March 2019

✓ After

06/2015 – 03/2019

ATS Tip
Standard MM/YYYY format is universally parsed by ATS platforms
Detection Rules
Dates written as full month names
Mixed date styles within the same resume
Resumly Tip
Standardize all employment dates to MM/YYYY for ATS compatibility.
Using Non‑Standard HeadingsLOW
Why it hurts
  • ATS may not map content to expected sections
  • Recruiters skim for familiar headings
  • Important information can be missed
How to fix
  • Replace creative headings with common ones (e.g., "Work Experience", "Skills")
  • Keep heading hierarchy clear (H1 for name, H2 for sections)
  • Use bold or larger font for headings only
❌ Before

My Work Tile Installation Experience

✓ After

Work Experience Tile Installation Experience

ATS Tip
Stick to conventional headings like "Professional Summary", "Work Experience", "Education", and "Skills"
Detection Rules
Headings contain slang or brand names
Multiple headings for the same section
Resumly Tip
Swap any custom headings for standard industry‑accepted titles.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Work Experience, Certifications, Skills, Education
Naming: FirstName_LastName_TileSetter_Resume
Consistency
Length: 1-2 pages
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State
Resume Quality Checklist
  • Include a clear professional title (Tile Setter)
  • Add a concise summary highlighting years of experience
  • List certifications with dates
  • Use quantified bullet points for each role
  • Format dates as MM/YYYY
  • Use standard section headings
  • Save as PDF for final submission
  • Proofread for spelling and grammar
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Workday, Taleo, Greenhouse
Keyword Strategy: tile installation, grout work, floor preparation, ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, safety compliance, certified tile installer
Heading Format: Use standard headings like "Work Experience" and "Certifications"
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current Tile Setter resume text below.
  • Standardize job titles
  • Add measurable achievements
  • Insert relevant certifications
  • Convert dates to MM/YYYY
  • Replace custom headings with standard ones
Download Checklist PDF
Ready to land more tile setting jobs? Get a professional resume now!
Create My Tile Setter Resume

More Common Resume Mistakes

Check out Resumly's Free AI Tools