Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software tools that scan resumes for keywords and structured data. They look for job titles, skills, dates, and certifications. ATS can reject files that use odd formatting or hide text.

For a Cart Attendant, ATS looks for terms like "cart retrieval", "parking lot safety", "customer service", "push carts", "lot inspection", "ADA assistance", "shift coverage", and "cash handling". It also flags certifications like "CPR" or "First Aid" when they appear.

Follow these best practices so the ATS reads your resume correctly:

• Use standard section titles: "Work Experience", "Education", "Skills".
• Include job-specific keywords naturally, mirroring the job posting.
• Avoid tables, columns, headers, footers, images, and text boxes.
• Choose simple fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Save as .docx or text-first PDF, not a heavily designed PDF.

Avoid common mistakes that hurt your chances. Don't swap exact keywords for creative synonyms. Don't hide dates or duties inside images. Don't rely on formatting to show hierarchy.

Write clear bullet points that start with an action verb. Use short phrases and concrete numbers when you can. Keep layout simple so machines and people both read your resume fast.

Pick a clean template with a reverse-chronological layout. This layout shows your recent cart attendant roles first and makes duties and dates easy to find.

Keep the resume to one page if you have under 10 years of experience. If you have long, relevant retail or maintenance history, two pages can work, but be concise.

Use an ATS-friendly font like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Set body text to 10–12pt and headers to 14–16pt for clear hierarchy.

Give each section room to breathe. Use consistent margins and line spacing so the reader can scan quickly.

Avoid overly creative designs, columns, or images. Those elements often break parsing systems and distract hiring managers.

Use standard headings like Contact, Summary, Experience, Skills, and Education. Keep each heading exact so software can find them.

List duties with short bullet points. Start bullets with strong verbs like "cleaned," "organized," "assisted," or "operated." Include one short metric if you can, for example carts returned per hour.

Common mistakes include crowded text, mixed fonts, and long paragraphs. Don’t hide key dates or use headers like "What I Do."

Also avoid excessive color and fancy symbols. They add noise and can confuse both people and systems.

Writing a tailored cover letter helps you show real interest in the Cart Attendant role. You use it to explain why you fit the job and to add personality beyond your resume.

Header: include your full name, phone, email, the company's name, and the date. Add the hiring manager's name if you know it.

Opening paragraph: state the Cart Attendant you want and the store you want to join. Show genuine enthusiasm and name your top qualification or where you found the opening.

Body paragraphs:

• Connect your experience to the job. Mention customer service, safety, and physical stamina. Give short examples of tasks you handled.
• List relevant skills. Use examples like operating a flatbed, handling cash at a cart return kiosk, or organizing parking lot carts. Highlight teamwork and punctuality.
• Show achievements with numbers when possible. For example, say you collected carts for a 150-spot lot in under 30 minutes, or you reduced cart loss by 20%.

Closing paragraph: restate your interest in the Cart Attendant role and the specific store. Say you can add value on day one. Ask politely for an interview or a meeting. Thank the reader for their time.

Tone and tailoring: stay professional and friendly. Use plain language and short sentences. Personalize each letter by naming the store and mentioning a detail from the job post. Avoid generic templates.

Write conversationally. Talk to the reader like you would to a hiring manager in person. Keep sentences short and direct. Edit to cut extra words and keep the letter focused.

When you apply for a Cart Attendant role, small resume errors can cost you the job. Employers look for reliability, teamwork, and customer focus. A few clear edits can make your experience read stronger and more relevant.

Below are common mistakes you should avoid, with short examples and fixes you can use right away.

Use these FAQs and tips to tighten your Cart Attendant resume. They focus on what hiring managers look for and how you can show value quickly.