Uncover the Hidden Mistakes in Your Resume That ATS Might Miss

Missing skills in ATS extraction can significantly impact your resume's chances of being noticed by recruiters. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) prioritize resumes that contain relevant keywords and skills. If yours lacks these, it could be filtered out before a human ever sees it.

Many candidates are unaware of the importance of accurately showcasing their skills. This oversight can lead to missed opportunities. Using a platform like Mistakes.cv can help identify these blind spots and ensure your resume is optimized.

Issue #1 – Failing to Tailor Skills to Job Descriptions

Why this hurts

Generic skills listings do not align with specific job requirements, causing your resume to be overlooked.

Example

• Weak: Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Stronger: Expert in Excel, including VLOOKUP and pivot tables for data analysis

How to fix

• Review job descriptions and extract required skills.
• Customize your resume to reflect these skills accurately.

Issue #2 – Using Vague Skill Descriptions

Why this hurts

Vague terms like “good communicator” do not provide detail, making it hard for ATS to categorize your skills.

Example

• Weak: Good at communication
• Stronger: Strong verbal and written communication skills demonstrated through presentations and reports

How to fix

• Be specific about your communication skills and provide context.

Issue #3 – Omitting Relevant Certifications

Why this hurts

Certifications relevant to the industry may be crucial for ATS filtering but are often left out.

Example

• Weak: Certified Project Manager
• Stronger: Certified Project Management Professional (PMP), demonstrating expertise in project lifecycle management

How to fix

• List all relevant certifications with their full titles and acronyms.

Issue #4 – Ignoring Soft Skills

Why this hurts

Many ATS overlook soft skills, but recruiters value them highly. Lack of mention may hurt your appeal.

Example

• Weak: Team player
• Stronger: Collaborative team player with experience in cross-functional teams to achieve project goals

How to fix

• Integrate soft skills into professional experiences with examples.

Issue #5 – Using Non-Standard Job Titles

Why this hurts

Non-standard titles may confuse ATS, leading to misclassification of your skills.

Example

• Weak: Customer Happiness Coordinator
• Stronger: Customer Service Manager

How to fix

• Use commonly recognized job titles that match industry standards.

Issue #6 – Not Including Technical Skills

Why this hurts

Failure to list critical technical skills can disqualify you from technical roles.

Example

• Weak: Knowledgeable in coding
• Stronger: Proficient in Python and JavaScript for web development

How to fix

• Clearly list all technical skills relevant to the job.

Issue #7 – Neglecting Transferable Skills

Why this hurts

Transferable skills demonstrate your versatility but are often overlooked.

Example

• Weak: Worked in retail
• Stronger: Developed customer service and problem-solving skills while managing retail operations

How to fix

• Highlight transferable skills that apply to the new role.

Issue #8 – Overlooking Industry-Specific Jargon

Why this hurts

Not using industry-specific terms can signal a lack of familiarity with the field.

Example

• Weak: Familiar with digital marketing
• Stronger: Experienced in SEO, PPC, and content marketing strategies to drive traffic

How to fix

• Incorporate industry jargon relevant to the position.

Entry

Entry-level candidates often list skills broadly without specifying relevant experiences. Be sure to tailor your skills to the job description closely.

Mid

Mid-level professionals may neglect to update their skills section when transitioning roles, leading to outdated listings that do not reflect current capabilities.

Senior

Senior candidates sometimes overlook the importance of including leadership and strategic skills, which are crucial for higher-level positions.

• Review job descriptions for required skills.
• Use specific language to describe your skills.
• List relevant certifications clearly.
• Incorporate both soft and technical skills.
• Maintain industry-standard job titles.
• Highlight transferable skills for versatility.
• Include industry-specific jargon where applicable.

Don’t let missing skills hold you back from landing your dream job. A thorough review can reveal critical blind spots in your resume.

Using Mistakes.cv can help you detect hidden mistakes and optimize your resume for ATS, increasing your chances of being noticed by recruiters.