Pick a template that shows your inspection history and certifications clearly. Use a reverse-chronological layout so your recent inspection work appears first. This helps hiring managers and ATS find dates, titles, and employers fast.
Keep length to one page if you have under 10 years of relevant inspection work. Use two pages only if you have extensive project lists, certifications, and specialized training for architectural inspection roles.
Choose an ATS-friendly font like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia. Set body text to 10–12pt and headers to 14–16pt. Leave enough white space between sections so inspectors can scan your records quickly.
Stick to simple formatting. Avoid heavy graphics, tables that span columns, and unusual fonts. These elements often break ATS parsing and slow a hiring manager who skims many resumes.
Use clear headings such as Contact, Summary, Work Experience, Certifications, Technical Skills, Education, and Inspections or Projects. Use consistent bullet styles and dates aligned on the right for easy scanning.
Common mistakes to avoid: packing too much text into one block, using decorative fonts, and placing key details inside images. Don’t list every minor task; highlight inspection outcomes, code knowledge, and safety compliance. Keep each bullet focused on a result or measurable action.
Proof your file by saving as a Word .docx and a clean PDF. Check that ATS reads your key fields like certification names and license numbers. Small layout choices make a big difference when someone checks your inspection credentials.