Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) parse resumes and look for matching keywords and clear structure. They often reject files with odd layouts, images, or missing keywords. For a Charter Pilot (Commercial), ATS looks for certificates, ratings, hours, and operational terms.

Use standard section titles like "Work Experience", "Education", and "Skills". Include specific keywords that hiring teams list. For Charter Pilot (Commercial), mention: "Commercial Pilot Certificate", "Instrument Rating", "Multi-Engine", "FAR Part 135", "PIC", "ATP" if held, "IFR", "VFR", "cross-country", "weight and balance", "CRM", "SOPs", and specific aircraft types like "King Air" or "Cessna 208".

• Use clear dates and company names.
• Show total flight hours and PIC hours.
• List certifications and currency, e.g., "Flight Review 2024".

Avoid complex formatting like tables, columns, headers, footers, images, or text boxes. ATS often misread text inside those elements. Use simple layouts with bullet points and short lines.

Pick readable fonts like Arial or Calibri. Save as a clean PDF or .docx unless the job asks for another format. Avoid heavily designed templates that break parsing.

Common mistakes include swapping keywords for creative synonyms, hiding hours inside images, or putting certifications in an unlabelled footer. Many pilots omit specific tools or regulations like "FAR Part 135" or "instrument approaches". Recruiters and ATS both reject resumes that lack clear keywords or that use weird layouts.

Keep your resume scannable. Lead with your certificate and total hours. Then add PIC hours, aircraft types, and recent checks or training.

Pick a clean, professional template that puts your flight experience front and center. Use a reverse-chronological layout so your most recent charter flights and type ratings show first. That layout reads well and helps applicant tracking systems parse dates and job titles.

Keep length tight. One page works for early and mid-career pilots. You can use two pages if you log many flight hours, multiple type ratings, or detailed operational roles.

Choose ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia. Use 10–12pt for body text and 14–16pt for headers. Keep line spacing at 1.0–1.15 and use 0.2–0.3in spacing between sections. That gives enough white space for quick scanning.

Organize sections clearly. Use standard headings like Contact, Licenses & Ratings, Flight Experience, Professional Experience, Training, and Education. Put total flight hours and most recent medical class near the top.

Avoid complex visuals and multiple columns. They confuse ATS and hiring managers. Avoid non-standard fonts, excessive color, and embedded images of certificates. Use simple bullet points under each job to highlight responsibilities and measurable outcomes, like on-time cargo delivery rates or safety record improvements.

Watch these common mistakes: long dense paragraphs, unclear dates, missing FAA certificate numbers, and inconsistent formatting. Use consistent date formats and tense. Proofread for spacing and alignment issues before you submit.

Writing a tailored cover letter matters for a Charter Pilot (Commercial). It shows why you fit the route, the aircraft, and the client needs. Your letter complements your resume and shows real interest in the operator.

Keep the letter short and clear. Use active sentences. Focus on a few strong examples that match the job listing.

• Header: Include your contact details, the company's name, and the date. Add the hiring manager's name if you know it.
• Opening Paragraph: State the exact role you want. Show real enthusiasm for the company. Mention your top qualification or where you saw the listing.
• Body Paragraphs: Link your flying experience to the job needs. Highlight key flights, aircraft types, and certifications. Mention technical skills like instrument flying, flight planning, or weight-and-balance. Note soft skills such as crew resource management, clear communication, and calm decision-making. Use numbers when you can, like flight hours or safety records. Mirror words from the job ad so your letter feels tailored.
• Closing Paragraph: Restate your interest in the specific Charter Pilot role and the company. Say you look forward to discussing how you can help. Thank the reader and request an interview.

Keep the tone professional, confident, and warm. Talk like you would to a hiring manager in person. Use short sentences. Avoid generic templates and reuse only points that match this role.

Before you send, proofread for clarity and remove fluff. Make sure each sentence shows a reason why the operator should interview you.

Small mistakes can cost you a Charter Pilot (Commercial) interview. Recruiters want clear evidence of safety, experience, and certifications.

Take time to sharpen your flying record, list your licenses, and use exact numbers. Clean, targeted wording makes your skills easy to verify.

This FAQ and tip set helps you craft a clear, targeted resume for a Charter Pilot (Commercial). You'll get quick answers on format, what to highlight, and how to present flight time, ratings, and certifications.