Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software platforms recruiters use to filter resumes. They scan for keywords, section headings, dates, and contact details. If your resume uses weird layouts or misses keywords, an ATS can drop it before a human sees it.
You should use standard section titles like "Work Experience", "Education", and "Skills". Match keywords from Building Carpenter job posts. Common keywords include framing, rough carpentry, finish carpentry, blueprint reading, layout, site safety, OSHA 10/30, residential, commercial, scaffold, and measuring tools.
- Use clear bullets for duties and tools.
- Put certifications and licenses near the top.
- Save as a simple .docx or readable PDF.
Avoid tables, columns, text boxes, images, headers, and footers. ATS often misread those elements and drop information. Use simple fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman so the system parses text correctly.
Don’t replace exact job keywords with creative synonyms. If a posting asks for "blueprint reading", don’t write only "plan interpretation". Don’t hide dates in headers or footers. The ATS may ignore them.
Check job descriptions for must-have tools and certifications. Add them naturally in your experience and skills sections. Then run your resume through a keyword checker or plain-text view to confirm readability.