RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Losing Loads Because of Your Resume
Identify the top truck driver resume mistakes and fix them fast with Resumly’s expert guide.
How This Page Helps
Help truck drivers create a clean, ATS‑friendly resume that showcases driving experience, safety record, and reliability.
Spot the most common formatting errors
Learn why vague job descriptions cost you miles
Apply proven ATS‑compatible fixes
Use a ready‑to‑download checklist
Boost your chances of landing CDL positions
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Missing CDL and endorsementsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t verify you have the required license
- ATS filters out candidates without the right credentials
How to fix
- Add a dedicated 'Licenses & Certifications' section
- List your CDL class, endorsements, and expiration dates clearly
❌ Before
John Doe – Professional Driver
✓ After
John Doe – Professional Driver Licenses & Certifications: CDL Class A (Expires 06/2026), HAZMAT, Tanker, Doubles/Triples
ATS Tip
Use exact keywords like 'CDL Class A' and 'HAZMAT endorsement'
Detection Rules
No section titled 'Licenses' or 'Certifications'
No mention of CDL class or endorsements
Resumly Tip
Resumly auto‑detects missing license info and suggests a formatted block.
Vague bullet points without metricsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Doesn’t demonstrate impact
- ATS may miss key performance terms
How to fix
- Start each bullet with an action verb
- Include numbers: miles driven, safety rating, on‑time deliveries
❌ Before
• Delivered goods across the Midwest
✓ After
• Safely delivered 150,000 miles of freight across the Midwest with a 98% on‑time delivery rate
ATS Tip
Include keywords like 'on‑time delivery', 'safety rating', 'miles driven'
Detection Rules
Bullets lack numbers or percentages
Bullets start with generic verbs like 'Responsible for'
Resumly Tip
Resumly suggests quantified bullet rewrites.
Inconsistent date formatLOW
Why it hurts
- ATS may not parse employment dates
- Hiring managers can’t gauge tenure
How to fix
- Use consistent MM/YYYY format
- Align dates to the right side of the page
❌ Before
June 2018 – Present
✓ After
06/2018 – Present
ATS Tip
MM/YYYY is universally recognized by ATS
Detection Rules
Dates written as 'June 2018' or '2018-06'
Resumly Tip
Resumly normalizes dates automatically.
Including irrelevant hobbiesLOW
Why it hurts
- Clutters resume
- Diverts focus from driving qualifications
How to fix
- Remove hobby section unless directly related (e.g., 'Volunteer driver')
- Keep resume to 1‑2 pages focusing on experience
❌ Before
Hobbies: Fishing, Gaming, Cooking
✓ After
Volunteer Driver – Local Food Bank (02/2022 – 05/2023)
ATS Tip
ATS ignores hobby sections, so they waste space
Detection Rules
Section titled 'Hobbies' or 'Interests'
Resumly Tip
Resumly flags non‑essential sections for removal.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Licenses & Certifications, Work Experience, Education, Skills
Naming: FirstName_LastName_TruckDriver_Resume
Consistency
Length: 1‑2 pages, max 2 pages for experienced drivers
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State
Resume Quality Checklist
- Include CDL class and endorsements
- Use quantified bullet points
- Format dates as MM/YYYY
- Keep resume under 2 pages
- Use standard section headings
- Save as PDF
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: Taleo, iCIMS, Workday, Greenhouse
Keyword Strategy: CDL Class A, HAZMAT, Tanker, Doubles/Triples, On‑time delivery, Safety rating, Freight, Long‑haul
Heading Format: Use headings like 'Professional Summary', 'Work Experience', 'Licenses & Certifications'
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current truck driver resume text
- Add Licenses section
- Quantify experience bullets
- Standardize dates
- Remove hobby section
- Apply ATS‑friendly headings
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