ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) scan resumes for keywords and formatting to shortlist candidates. For an AutoCAD Designer, this means your resume must clearly highlight technical skills and experience using the exact terms recruiters use—like 'AutoCAD Civil 3D', 'BIM workflows', or 'ASME standards'. ATS often ignore creative formatting, so stick to simple sections like 'Work Experience' and 'Skills'.
Best practices include copying keywords from job descriptions (e.g., 'shop drawings', '3D modeling', 'construction documentation') and avoiding tables, headers, or graphics. Use bullet points with action verbs ('Drafted', 'Collaborated', 'Optimized') and standard fonts (Arial, Calibri). Save your resume as a .docx or PDF—never a .pub or .psd.
Common mistakes: Using jargon like 'CAD wizard' instead of 'AutoCAD proficiency', hiding key terms in headers/footers, or listing skills in a non-standard 'Technical Expertise' section. ATS might miss these, dropping your resume before a human sees it.