Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) read resumes for keywords and structure. They pick resumes that match role needs and can reject ones they can't parse.
For a Construction Millwright, ATS looks for technical terms like equipment installation, rigging, shaft alignment, laser alignment, hydraulic systems, bearings, conveyors, welding, flange restoration, preventive maintenance, CNC setup, and safety certifications like OSHA or NCCER.
- Use clear section titles like "Work Experience", "Education", "Certifications", and "Skills".
- List tools and methods: "laser alignment", "bearing replacement", "hoist and crane rigging".
- Prefer .docx or PDF with simple layout.
Keep formatting basic. Avoid tables, columns, text boxes, headers, or footers. ATS can skip text inside those elements.
Use common fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman at readable sizes. Put dates and job titles on the same line as company names. That helps parsing.
Work keywords into real bullets. For example, write "Performed shaft alignment using laser tools" rather than stuffing a keyword list. Match words from the job posting naturally.
Common mistakes include swapping keywords for creative synonyms. ATS expects exact phrases like "rigging" or "shaft alignment", not loose swaps. People also hide dates or certifications in images or headers where ATS won't find them.
Never omit critical skills like OSHA 10, NCCER, or crane signals if the job asks for them. Missing those keywords can drop you out of consideration even if you have the skill.