Pick a template that shows contact info, skills, work history, and education clearly. For a Debt Collector you want a reverse-chronological layout so employers see recent collection results first.
Keep it short. If you have less than ten years' related experience keep one page. If you led collections teams or handled major portfolios you can use two pages.
Use simple, ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia. Set body text to 10–12pt and headings to 14–16pt.
Give each section clear headings such as Contact, Summary, Experience, Skills, Certifications, and Education. Use bullet lists for achievements and metrics, like dollars recovered or delinquency reduction percentages.
Use white space and consistent spacing between sections. Leave margins of at least 0.5 inches and avoid cramming text so readers can scan quickly.
Avoid graphics, side columns, or unusual fonts. Those elements can confuse ATS and slow a hiring manager.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Using columns that split your work history. ATS often misreads columns.
- Listing duties instead of measurable outcomes. Show dollars recovered, accounts closed, or recovery rates.
- Overusing color or icons. Keep color to a single subtle accent if needed.
- Missing section headings or inconsistent date formats. Keep dates like "Mar 2020 – Jun 2023" throughout.
Structure your bullets with action, task, and result. For example: "Negotiated settlements, recovered $250K, improved recovery rate by 18%." That shows impact fast.