Common Resume Mistakes for Welders in New Zealand

As a welder in New Zealand, your resume plays a crucial role in securing interviews. Yet, many candidates make common mistakes that hinder their chances of being noticed by recruiters.

To avoid repeated rejections, it’s wise to review your resume early, ensuring it highlights your skills and experience accurately.

Mistake #1 – Poor Formatting

Why this hurts

Resumes that are poorly formatted are hard to read and may confuse ATS software. Recruiters prefer clear, structured resumes that highlight qualifications.

Example

• Bad: Dense blocks of text with inconsistent fonts.
• Better: Clear sections with bullet points and consistent formatting.

How to fix

• Use a clean, professional layout with consistent fonts and sizes.
• Utilize bullet points to break down responsibilities and achievements.

Mistake #2 – Lack of Relevant Keywords

Why this hurts

Without using industry-specific keywords, your resume may not pass ATS filters. Recruiters search for terms related to specific welding techniques and certifications.

Example

• Bad: "I have skills in welding."
• Better: "Certified in MIG, TIG, and Stick welding techniques."

How to fix

• Incorporate relevant welding jargon and keywords from the job description.
• Look for synonyms and variations of common terms.

Mistake #3 – Ignoring Experience Details

Why this hurts

Vague descriptions of past roles fail to highlight your expertise and may lead to doubts about your capabilities.

Example

• Bad: "Worked at a factory."
• Better: "Operated welding machinery at XYZ Factory, achieving a 20% reduction in production time."

How to fix

• Detail your responsibilities and achievements with quantifiable results.
• Focus on relevant experience that aligns with the job you’re applying for.

Mistake #4 – Typos and Grammatical Errors

Why this hurts

Errors in your resume can convey a lack of attention to detail, which is crucial in the welding profession.

Example

• Bad: "Welded steel beams in a safe and efficent manner."
• Better: "Welded steel beams in a safe and efficient manner."

How to fix

• Proofread your resume multiple times and consider using grammar-checking tools.
• Ask a friend or professional to review your resume for errors.

Mistake #5 – Unclear Job Titles

Why this hurts

Using unconventional job titles can confuse recruiters. They may not understand your previous roles if the titles are not standard.

Example

• Bad: "Metal Joining Specialist."
• Better: "Welder."

How to fix

• Use commonly recognized job titles that align with industry standards.
• Include a brief explanation of your role if the title is not straightforward.

Mistake #6 – Overly Lengthy Resumes

Why this hurts

Resumes longer than two pages can overwhelm recruiters, making it hard to find key information quickly.

Example

• Bad: A three-page resume packed with irrelevant information.
• Better: A concise, two-page resume focused on relevant skills and experience.

How to fix

• Limit your resume to two pages, focusing on the most relevant experiences.
• Remove any information that does not directly relate to the job you’re applying for.

Mistake #7 – Objective Statements Without Focus

Why this hurts

Generic objective statements can make your resume blend in with others, failing to capture attention.

Example

• Bad: "Looking for a position in the welding industry."
• Better: "Dedicated welder seeking to leverage 5 years of experience to enhance production at ABC Company."

How to fix

• Customize your objective statement for each application, reflecting specific goals.
• Highlight your unique skills and experiences relevant to the company or job.

Mistake #8 – Neglecting Soft Skills

Why this hurts

While technical skills are crucial, soft skills like teamwork and communication are also vital in welding roles.

Example

• Bad: "Good at working with tools."
• Better: "Excellent communication and collaboration skills, fostering a strong team environment."

How to fix

• Include soft skills relevant to the role, demonstrating your ability to work effectively in teams.
• Provide examples of how you've applied these skills in previous positions.

Entry-Level

Entry-level welders often struggle with showcasing limited experience. Highlight any relevant training or internships and be sure to include keywords related to entry-level skills.

Mid-Level

Mid-level professionals should focus on quantifiable achievements and leadership skills. Avoid vague descriptions and ensure you highlight progression in responsibilities.

Senior / Lead

For senior roles, emphasize strategic contributions and project management skills. Your resume should reflect a higher level of responsibility and industry impact.

• Ensure your format is clean and professional.
• Incorporate relevant keywords from job descriptions.
• Detail your experience with quantifiable results.
• Proofread for typos and grammatical errors.
• Use standard job titles that recruiters recognize.
• Keep your resume to two pages or less.
• Customize your objective statement for each application.
• Include soft skills relevant to the job.
• Check file type compatibility for ATS.
• Consider a professional review for hidden mistakes.

Don’t let simple mistakes hold you back from securing interviews. Review your resume today to identify and fix potential issues.

Consider using mistakes.cv for a professional review to enhance your chances of landing that desired welding position.