Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are computer programs that scan resumes for keywords and formatting before sending them to hiring managers. For an Aircraft Painter, this means your resume needs clean sections, standard titles like 'Work Experience' or 'Certifications,' and exact keywords from the job posting. Complex layouts, graphics, or fancy fonts can trip up the system and get your resume tossed before a human even sees it.
Start with a simple layout. Use bullet points to highlight skills like 'Spray Painting,' 'Surface Preparation,' or 'Paint Mixing.' Add certifications such as OSHA or FAA-compliant training. Avoid quirky headers like 'Cool Stuff I’ve Done'—stick to what the job ad uses. If the job mentions 'aircraft maintenance software,' type that verbatim. ATS won’t recognize synonyms like 'tools' or 'apps.'
File formats matter too. Save your resume as a .pdf or .docx, not a .psd or .indd. Use Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman. If you’re listing experience at Brakus-Weimann, mention it in the company name field, not hidden in a table. ATS can’t read columns or text boxes.