Master the Art of Certification Listings for ATS Success

Certification listings on your resume are crucial for demonstrating your qualifications. However, mistakes in this section can lead to rejections from both ATS and recruiters. Identifying and correcting these errors is essential to enhance your job application.

Issue #1 – Incomplete Certification Names

Why this hurts

Using abbreviations or incomplete names can confuse ATS systems, leading to missed opportunities.

Example

• Weak: PMP
• Stronger: Project Management Professional (PMP)

How to fix

• Always include the full name of the certification followed by the acronym.

Issue #2 – Incorrect Dates

Why this hurts

Incorrect or missing dates can imply that you are not up to date with your certifications, which is a red flag for recruiters.

Example

• Weak: Certified 2020
• Stronger: Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified March 2020

How to fix

• Always include the certification date clearly.

Issue #3 – Irrelevant Certifications

Why this hurts

Listing certifications that are not related to the job you're applying for can dilute your resume's focus.

Example

• Weak: First Aid Certification
• Stronger: Agile Certified Practitioner

How to fix

• Only include certifications that are relevant to the position.

Issue #4 – Lack of Certification Authority

Why this hurts

Not mentioning the certifying body can reduce credibility and raise questions about the certification's legitimacy.

Example

• Weak: Certified Scrum Master
• Stronger: Certified Scrum Master (CSM) - Scrum Alliance

How to fix

• Include the name of the organization that issued the certification.

Issue #5 – Poor Formatting

Why this hurts

ATS may struggle to read certifications if they are poorly formatted, leading to misunderstandings during parsing.

Example

• Weak: PMP, CSM
• Stronger: Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

How to fix

• Use bullet points and clear headings to structure certification listings.

Issue #6 – Missing Expiration Dates

Why this hurts

Certifications often have expiration dates, and not including them can make it seem like they are outdated.

Example

• Weak: AWS Certified Solutions Architect
• Stronger: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Expires June 2024

How to fix

• Clearly state expiration dates for relevant certifications.

Issue #7 – Using Non-standard Terms

Why this hurts

Using unconventional terms or jargon can confuse ATS and recruiters, leading to misinterpretation.

Example

• Weak: Certified in Agile
• Stronger: Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

How to fix

• Stick to widely recognized certification titles and terms.

Issue #8 – Overloading with Certifications

Why this hurts

Listing too many certifications can overwhelm recruiters, making key qualifications harder to identify.

Example

• Weak: PMP, CSM, AWS, Six Sigma, ITIL
• Stronger: Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

How to fix

• Limit your certifications to those most relevant to the job.

Entry

Entry-level candidates often overlook certain certifications that may not be relevant yet. Ensure that any listed certifications are recent and pertinent to the roles you are applying for.

Mid

Mid-level professionals should focus on demonstrating a clear progression in certifications. Highlighting advanced certifications can set you apart.

Senior

Senior candidates should ensure their certifications reflect leadership and strategic skills. Outdated or irrelevant certifications can detract from your extensive experience.

• Use full certification names with acronyms.
• Include relevant dates and certifying bodies.
• Limit listings to job-relevant certifications.
• Ensure proper formatting for ATS readability.
• Indicate expiration dates where applicable.

Don't let certification listing mistakes hold you back. A professional review can unveil potential issues that you may overlook.

Utilize Mistakes.cv for a thorough analysis of your resume and ensure your certification listings are compelling and ATS-friendly.