Pick a clean, professional template with a simple single-column layout. Use reverse-chronological order so your most recent mechanic work appears first. That layout reads well and parses reliably for applicant tracking systems.
Keep length tight. One page works for early and mid-career mechanics. You can use two pages only if you have long service records on heavy equipment, certifications, and major projects.
Use an ATS-friendly font like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia. Set body text to 10–12pt and headers to 14–16pt. Keep one-inch margins or slightly smaller if you need space.
Leave plenty of white space between sections and bullet lists. Use 1.0–1.15 line spacing for body text and a bit more before headings. Simple spacing helps a hiring manager scan duties like diagnostics, repairs, and preventive maintenance.
Label sections with standard headings: Contact, Summary, Skills, Experience, Certifications, Education, and Licenses. Use clear job titles and dates on the left or right so a reader finds timelines fast.
Avoid fancy columns, embedded images, and heavy color. Those elements confuse ATS and distract the reader. Stick to plain bold and caps for headings and small visual cues like lines or spacing.
Watch common mistakes. Don’t use nonstandard fonts or tiny type. Don’t cram text into narrow columns. Don’t list irrelevant work without showing measurable results like reduced downtime or repair turnaround time.