Pick a clean, professional template that highlights routes, licenses, and safety records. Use a reverse-chronological layout so your latest driving jobs appear first, and keep sections clear for quick scanning by dispatchers and recruiters.
Keep length tight. One page works for most bus drivers. If you have decades of relevant experience, go to two pages, but cut unrelated roles.
Choose ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Use 10–12pt for body text and 14–16pt for headers. That makes your document readable on screens and in print.
Give each section room. Use consistent spacing between lines and sections. White space helps your safety record and certifications stand out.
Use standard headings like "Experience," "Certifications," "Licenses," "Training," and "Contact." List your commercial license and endorsements near the top. Put key metrics like accident-free miles or on-time percentage in bullets.
Avoid fancy columns, images, or graphics. Those often break ATS parsing and can hide important details like license numbers. Stick to simple bullets and left-aligned text.
Common mistakes include cluttered layouts, tiny fonts, and vague job descriptions. Don’t hide dates or use creative section names that bots won't recognize. Proofread for typos in license numbers and company names.
Prioritize clarity. Start bullets with active verbs like "Drove," "Maintained," or "Trained." Quantify your work when you can, for example miles driven, routes covered, or safety record.