ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System. These systems scan resumes for keywords and structured data. They can filter out resumes that lack the right terms or use odd formatting.

For a CRT role, ATS looks for clinical skills and credentials. Include terms like CRT, mechanical ventilation, arterial blood gas, ventilator settings, oxygen therapy, airway management, aerosol therapy, PFT, ACLS, BLS, EMR (Epic), and infection control. Mention certifications and licensure, like CRT credential number and state license.

Follow these best practices:

• Use standard section titles: "Work Experience", "Education", "Certifications", "Skills".
• Mirror keywords from the job ad naturally in your bullets and skills list.
• Avoid tables, columns, text boxes, headers, footers, and images.
• Use plain fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman at 10–12 points.
• Save as a clean .docx or simple PDF unless the job asks for another format.

Don’t make common mistakes. Don’t swap exact keywords for creative synonyms like "breath support" instead of "mechanical ventilation." Don’t hide dates or job titles in headers or graphics. Don’t skip tools and procedures that CRT roles expect, like ABG analysis, ventilator weaning, or EMR charting.

Keep sections short and clear. Use action verbs and quantifiable outcomes when you can. That helps both the ATS and the hiring clinician read your fit quickly.

Pick a simple template that showcases clinical skills and patient care. For CRT roles, a reverse-chronological layout usually works best because hiring managers want your recent clinical duties up front.

Keep length tight. One page fits entry and mid-career CRTs. Use two pages only if you have many years of direct respiratory care experience and relevant certifications.

Use ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Set body text to 10–12pt and headers to 14–16pt so sections stand out. Leave enough white space so each section feels separate.

Structure your file with clear headings such as Contact, Summary, Licenses/Certs, Clinical Experience, Education, Skills, and Continuing Education. Use bullet lists under each job to list measurable results and patient care tasks.

Avoid heavy graphics, complex columns, and embedded tables. Those elements can confuse ATS and hiring staff. Favor plain text, consistent bullets, and standard section titles.

Watch common mistakes. Don’t use nonstandard fonts or tiny text to squeeze more content. Don’t overload the page with dense paragraphs. Don’t list unrelated jobs without tying transferable skills to CRT work.

Use consistent spacing and margins. Keep dates aligned to the right and job titles bolded to guide the eye. Convert to PDF for submission unless the employer asks for a DOCX file.

Writing a tailored cover letter matters for a CRT role because it shows you match the hands-on skills employers need. A good letter complements your resume and shows real interest in the facility and patients.

Key sections

Header: Put your contact details, the date, and the employer's contact if you know it. Keep it simple and accurate.

Opening paragraph: Say the exact role you want and why you care about that employer. Mention a top qualification or where you found the posting. Start with energy so the reader keeps going.

Body paragraphs:

• Connect your work to what the job asks for.
• Mention specific skills like ventilator management, arterial blood gas analysis, airway management, or pulmonary rehab.
• Share one or two achievements with numbers, like reduced ICU ventilator days or patient satisfaction scores.
• Show teamwork, problem solving, and clear communication.

Closing paragraph: Restate your strong interest in the CRT role and the organization. Say you can contribute from day one. Ask for an interview or a call and thank the reader.

Tone matters. Write like you're talking to a friendly hiring manager. Keep it professional, confident, and warm. Tailor each letter; pull keywords from the job ad. Don't reuse the same bland template for every application.

Keep each sentence short. Use active verbs. Edit until every word earns its place. That will help your letter land an interview.

If you're applying for CRT roles, your resume needs sharp focus and clear evidence of clinical skill. Recruiters scan fast, so small errors can cost you interviews.

I'll point out common CRT resume mistakes and show quick fixes. Fixes include clearer wording, measurable results, and correct credential display.

This set of FAQs and tips helps you craft a clear resume for a CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist).

It focuses on what to show, how to format, and how to explain gaps and certifications.