RESUME MISTAKES
Stop Losing Urban Planner Jobs to Resume Errors
Identify and correct the most common resume mistakes that keep hiring managers from seeing your planning expertise.
How This Page Helps
This guide helps urban planners spot critical resume mistakes, understand why they hurt your candidacy, and apply actionable fixes to create an ATS‑friendly, compelling document.
Learn the top 5 resume errors for planners
See before‑and‑after examples
Get ATS optimization tips
Download a printable fix checklist
Access Resumly’s AI‑powered resume reviewer
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Vague Project DescriptionsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t gauge your impact
- ATS may miss key planning keywords
- Fails to demonstrate technical competence
How to fix
- Quantify outcomes (e.g., % increase in walkability)
- Include specific tools (GIS, AutoCAD, SketchUp)
- Highlight stakeholder collaboration
❌ Before
Worked on city development projects.
✓ After
Led a multi‑disciplinary team to redesign 12‑acre downtown district, increasing pedestrian traffic by 27% using GIS analysis and community workshops.
ATS Tip
Insert keywords like 'zoning analysis', 'master plan', 'GIS mapping'.
Detection Rules
Look for generic verbs without metrics
Absence of planning software names
Length < 5 words per bullet
Resumly Tip
Resumly flags bullets under 8 words and suggests adding numbers and tools.
Incorrect Date FormattingMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- ATS may misread dates
- Creates confusion about employment timeline
- Appears unprofessional
How to fix
- Use consistent month‑year format (MM/YYYY)
- Align dates to the right margin
- Avoid abbreviations like 'Jan' vs 'January'
❌ Before
June 2020 – Present
✓ After
06/2020 – Present
ATS Tip
Standardize to MM/YYYY for all entries.
Detection Rules
Mixed date styles
Spelled-out months combined with numeric months
Resumly Tip
Resumly highlights any date that doesn't match MM/YYYY.
Missing Professional Licenses & CertificationsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Planners often need AICP or GIS certification
- Hiring managers may assume you lack credentials
- ATS keywords omitted
How to fix
- Create a dedicated 'Licenses & Certifications' section
- List AICP, GIS Professional, LEED AP, etc.
- Include issuing organization and year
❌ Before
Certified in GIS.
✓ After
GIS Professional (GISP) – GIS Certification Institute, 2022
ATS Tip
Add exact certification titles as keywords.
Detection Rules
No separate certifications heading
Only generic 'certified' word present
Resumly Tip
Resumly suggests adding a certifications block if none detected.
Overly Creative LayoutsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- ATS may not parse columns or graphics
- Recruiters may miss key info
- File size issues
How to fix
- Stick to single‑column, clean design
- Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times)
- Save as PDF/A for compatibility
❌ Before
Resume with sidebars, icons, and background image.
✓ After
Plain single‑column PDF with clear headings and bullet points.
ATS Tip
Avoid tables and text boxes.
Detection Rules
Presence of tables, graphics, or multi‑column layout tags
File size > 2 MB
Resumly Tip
Resumly warns when layout complexity exceeds ATS‑safe limits.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Key Projects, Experience, Education, Licenses & Certifications, Technical Skills, Professional Affiliations
Naming: FirstName_LastName_UrbanPlanner_Resume
Consistency
Length: 1–2 pages for early‑career, up to 3 pages for senior planners
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State, Country (optional)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a clear, single‑column layout
- Include quantifiable project results
- List planning software and tools
- Add AICP or other relevant certifications
- Standardize dates to MM/YYYY
- Tailor summary with target job keywords
- Proofread for spelling and grammar
- Save as PDF/A under 2 MB
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: Taleo, iCIMS, Workday, Greenhouse, Lever
Keyword Strategy: Include terms like 'zoning', 'land use planning', 'GIS mapping', 'community engagement', 'master plan', 'environmental impact assessment'
Heading Format: Use standard headings such as 'Professional Experience' and 'Key Projects'
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current urban planner resume text
- Convert vague bullets into quantified statements
- Standardize date formats
- Add missing certifications section
- Simplify layout for ATS compatibility
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