Pick a clean, simple template with a reverse-chronological layout. That layout puts your recent carpet cleaning jobs and certifications up front where hiring managers look first.
Use one page if you have under 10 years' experience. Use two pages only if you have long-term contracts, supervisory roles, or many certifications relevant to carpet cleaning.
Choose ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri or Arial. Use 10–12pt for body text and 14–16pt for section headers. Keep bold and italics minimal so parsing stays reliable.
Keep good margins and white space. Use single-spaced lines with 6–8pt spacing between sections. That helps tech screens and human readers scan your duties and accomplishments quickly.
Stick to standard headings: Contact, Summary, Experience, Skills, Certifications, Education. Put certifications like IICRC or OSHA under a visible Certifications heading. Use bullet points for tasks and outcomes, not long paragraphs.
Avoid flashy columns, logos, images, or complex tables. Those elements often confuse ATS and distort layout when a recruiter opens your file. Also avoid unusual fonts and excessive color.
Watch common mistakes. Don't cram everything into tiny type. Don't list duties without results. Don't use vague claims like "hard worker." Instead list measurable outcomes such as stain removal rates, customer satisfaction, or repeat contracts.
Proofread for consistency. Keep date formats, job titles, and punctuation uniform. A tidy, direct layout tells employers you take details seriously.