Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan resumes for keywords and formatting to shortlist candidates for roles like Blacktop-Paver Operator. These systems can reject resumes for missing keywords, odd formatting, or unclear headers. To pass ATS checks, you need to use standard job titles, include specific equipment and industry terms, and avoid fancy designs.
Start with clear sections: Work Experience, Skills, and Certifications. Use keywords from job postings, like “asphalt paver operation” or “roller maintenance.” Avoid tables, headers, or images—stick to simple bullet points and readable fonts like Arial or Calibri. Save your resume as a PDF or .docx, not a .psd or .ai file.
Common mistakes include using creative headers like “Paving Expertise” instead of “Skills” or skipping keywords like “compaction standards.” Also, hiding information in headers/footers means ATS might miss it entirely.