RESUME MISTAKES
Avoid Costly Underwriter Resume Mistakes
Learn the exact fixes that get your resume past recruiters and ATS.
How This Page Helps
Help underwriters create error‑free resumes that showcase analytical skills, risk assessment expertise, and compliance knowledge, while passing ATS filters.
Identify the top 7 resume errors for underwriters
Understand why each mistake hurts your candidacy
Step‑by‑step fixes with before‑and‑after examples
ATS‑friendly formatting tips
Download a printable checklist and quick‑fix worksheet
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Vague Job TitlesMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Recruiters can’t quickly see your seniority
- ATS may not match industry‑specific titles
How to fix
- Replace generic titles with specific underwriting roles (e.g., 'Commercial Mortgage Underwriter')
- Add level indicators like Junior, Senior, Lead
❌ Before
Underwriter, ABC Corp
✓ After
Senior Commercial Mortgage Underwriter, ABC Corp
ATS Tip
Use exact role keywords from the job posting.
Detection Rules
title contains generic term 'Underwriter' without qualifier
no seniority indicator
Resumly Tip
Resumly flags generic titles and suggests industry‑standard alternatives.
Missing Quantifiable ResultsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hard to gauge impact
- ATS often looks for numbers
How to fix
- Add metrics like loan volume, risk reduction percentages, turnaround time improvements
- Use action verbs + numbers
❌ Before
Reviewed loan applications and approved them.
✓ After
Reviewed and approved $45M in loan applications, reducing approval cycle time by 22%.
ATS Tip
Include at least one numeric achievement per role.
Detection Rules
no digits in bullet points
bullets start with vague verbs
Resumly Tip
Resumly highlights bullet points lacking numbers and suggests where to insert metrics.
Incorrect Date FormatLOW
Why it hurts
- ATS may misinterpret dates
- Hiring managers can’t see career timeline
How to fix
- Use month/year format (MM/YYYY) consistently
- Avoid abbreviations like 'Jan'
❌ Before
2019 – Present
✓ After
06/2019 – Present
ATS Tip
Standardize to MM/YYYY for all positions.
Detection Rules
date strings not matching MM/YYYY pattern
Resumly Tip
Resumly auto‑converts dates to the preferred format.
Overloading with Unrelated SkillsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Dilutes focus on underwriting expertise
- ATS keyword stuffing can lower relevance score
How to fix
- List only underwriting‑relevant hard skills (e.g., Credit Analysis, Risk Modeling)
- Create a separate 'Technical Proficiencies' section for software
❌ Before
Skills: Photoshop, Java, Risk Assessment, Customer Service
✓ After
Core Skills: Credit Analysis, Risk Modeling, Financial Statement Review, Regulatory Compliance
ATS Tip
Prioritize keywords from the job description.
Detection Rules
skill list contains non‑industry terms
Resumly Tip
Resumly scans skill list and flags unrelated items.
Unclear Location InformationLOW
Why it hurts
- Recruiters can’t assess geographic eligibility
- ATS may filter by location
How to fix
- Include city and state for each role
- If remote, note 'Remote'
❌ Before
ABC Insurance
✓ After
ABC Insurance – Chicago, IL
ATS Tip
Place location on same line as company name.
Detection Rules
company line lacks comma-separated city/state
Resumly Tip
Resumly adds missing location data based on user input.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Header, Professional Summary, Core Competencies, Professional Experience, Education, Certifications, Technical Skills
Naming: FirstName_LastName_Underwriter.pdf
Consistency
Length: One page for early‑career, up to two pages for senior underwriters
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State (or Remote)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use specific underwriting titles
- Add quantifiable achievements
- Standardize dates to MM/YYYY
- Include only relevant underwriting skills
- Provide city and state for each role
- Save as PDF with proper file name
- Run through Resumly ATS checker
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Taleo, Workday, Greenhouse
Keyword Strategy: Credit analysis, risk assessment, loan underwriting, regulatory compliance, portfolio management
Heading Format: Use standard headings like 'Professional Experience' and 'Core Competencies'
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current underwriter resume text
- Replace generic titles with specific ones
- Insert missing metrics
- Reformat dates
- Trim unrelated skills
- Add location details
Ready to transform your underwriter resume? Get our free fix guide now!
Download the Guide
