Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan resumes for keywords and readable structure. They score resumes and often filter out ones that lack key terms or use odd layouts.

For an Assessor role, ATS looks for terms like "property assessment", "mass appraisal", "CAMA", "GIS", "valuation", "property tax", "sales comparables", "field inspection", "appeals", "IAAO", and "certified assessor". Use those words exactly when they match your experience.

Best practices:

• Use standard section titles: "Work Experience", "Education", "Skills", "Certifications".
• Include role-specific keywords naturally in bullets and the skills list.
• Avoid tables, columns, text boxes, headers, footers, images, and graphs.
• Use readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman at 10–12 point.
• Save as .docx or PDF, but avoid heavily designed PDFs that strip text.

Keep each job entry simple. Start with job title, employer, dates, then 3–6 bullets. Put measurable outcomes first. Mention software such as CAMA, GIS, Excel, and SQL when you used them.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Swapping exact keywords for creative synonyms like "value analyst" instead of "assessor" when the job asks for "assessor".
• Putting critical info in headers or footers where ATS may skip it.
• Leaving out certifications such as IAAO or state assessor certificates.

Follow these steps and you’ll help your resume get parsed and ranked. The ATS won’t decide your fit, but it will decide if a human sees your resume.

Pick a template that shows dates and roles clearly. Use a reverse-chronological layout so your assessor work history stands out and an ATS reads it easily.

Keep length to one page if you have under 10 years of assessor experience. Use two pages only when you have long, directly relevant inspection, valuation, or casework history.

Use fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Set body text to 10–12pt and headers to 14–16pt. Keep line spacing at 1.0–1.15 and add clear margins so each section breathes.

Keep formatting simple so both humans and ATS can parse your file. Avoid complex tables, images, and multi-column layouts that can scramble content when scanned.

Use clear headings such as Contact, Summary, Experience, Certifications, Education, and Skills. Put dates and locations on the right or in a dedicated column for easy scanning.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Using columns or graphics that break ATS parsing.
• Choosing nonstandard fonts or heavy color schemes.
• Packing too much text with no white space.
• Leaving out section headings or using vague titles.

For assessor roles, highlight quantifiable outcomes. List the number of inspections, average valuation accuracy, appeals won, or time-to-complete metrics. Use short bullets that start with strong verbs.

Purpose: A tailored cover letter shows why you fit the Assessor role. It complements your resume and shows real interest in the team and the work.

Header:

• Include your name, phone, email and the date.
• Add the employer name and contact if you know it.

Opening paragraph: Start strong. Say the exact role you want. Show real enthusiasm for the company. Mention one top qualification or where you found the posting.

Body paragraphs (1-3):

Connect your experience to the job needs. Highlight relevant assessments, audits, or reviews you led. Name specific skills like risk assessment, data analysis, report writing, or stakeholder consultation.

Give concrete examples. State a project, the action you took, and the result. Use numbers when possible, such as percent improvements or counts of audits completed.

Match your words to the job description. Use a few keywords from the listing. Show how your approach will help the employer meet targets or meet standards.

Closing paragraph: Reiterate interest in the Assessor role and the company. State confidence in your ability to help. Ask for an interview or a meeting. Thank them for their time.

Tone & tailoring: Keep your voice professional, confident, and friendly. Speak directly to the reader. Change each letter to match the company and job. Avoid generic templates.

When you apply for an Assessor role, small resume errors can cost you interviews. You need to show precise valuation skills, inspection experience, and clear reporting. Attention to detail matters because hiring managers look for accuracy and judgment in your work. Use this list to spot common pitfalls and fix them quickly.

Preparing a resume for an Assessor means showing your valuation skill, attention to detail, and clear reporting. These FAQs and tips help you pick the right format, list relevant skills, and highlight fieldwork and technical tools employers want.