Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software tools that scan resumes for keywords and structure. They rank or filter resumes before a human reads them. That matters for Diving Judge roles because ATS may drop your file if it lacks clear keywords or uses odd formatting.

Keep section titles standard so the ATS finds your info. Use titles like Work Experience, Education, and Skills. Use a simple layout without tables, headers, or images so parsers read your text.

• Include role-specific keywords. Use terms like FINA Judge, national judging certification, degree of difficulty, dive codes (e.g., 5152B), platform, springboard, judging panel, start procedures, and safety protocol.
• List tools and systems you used, such as competition software or scoring apps.
• Put dates and locations in a clear format like MM/YYYY or YYYY.

Use readable fonts like Arial or Calibri and save as .docx or simple PDF. Avoid multi-column layouts, text boxes, and graphics. Those break ATS parsing.

Avoid creative synonyms for core terms. If a job asks for "FINA Judge" don't write "international dive official" instead. Also avoid putting key info in headers or footers. Some ATS skip those areas.

Finally, tailor your resume for each application. Pull keywords from the specific Diving Judge posting and weave them into your skills and bullets. Keep sentences short and factual so both ATS and humans can scan your file quickly.

Pick a clean, professional template that shows your judging experience first. Use a reverse-chronological layout so your most recent meet work appears at the top. That layout reads well and parses reliably in ATS systems.

Keep your resume short and focused. One page works for entry or mid-level judges. Use two pages only if you have many accredited meets, certifications, and long judging history.

Choose simple, ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia. Set body text to 10–12pt and headers to 14–16pt. Keep line spacing at 1.0–1.15 and use consistent margins for good white space.

Organize sections with clear headings: Contact, Summary, Certifications, Judging Experience, Coaching or Swim Team Roles, Education, and Skills. Use bullet lists for meet duties, rule updates you enforced, and scores you validated. That makes scanning easy for referees and event directors.

Avoid heavy graphics, columns, or embedded tables that break parsing. Keep color minimal and use bold or caps for headings only. Use plain file types like PDF or DOCX when you submit your resume.

Common mistakes include long blocks of text, vague duty descriptions, and missing certifications. Quantify when you can, like number of meets judged, levels certified, and years active. That gives hiring managers clear evidence of your work.

When you apply for a Diving Judge role, a tailored cover letter matters. It shows your interest and explains how your officiating work fits the meet and team.

Keep the structure clear. Use a header with your contact details, the date, and the company's contact if you have it.

Key sections:

• Header: Put your name, phone, email, and the date. Add the meet organizer or association contact when you can.
• Opening: Name the Diving Judge role you want, say why you care about the meet or federation, and note a top credential or how you found the job.
• Body: Show how your experience matches the job. Mention judging panels, certification levels, rules you enforce, and safety work. Use concrete examples like meet sizes, scores reviewed, or disputes resolved. Add soft skills such as clear communication, calm decision making, and teamwork. Use keywords from the job posting.
• Closing: Restate your interest in this specific role and organization, show confidence in your contribution, ask for an interview, and thank them.

Write conversationally. Talk like you would to a coach or meet director. Use short sentences and simple words. Address the reader directly as "you."

Keep the tone professional, confident, and friendly. Tailor each letter to the meet and organizer. Don’t copy the same letter for every application.

Before you send, cut extra words, check for clear examples, and confirm your certifications and availability for the meet dates.

Being a Diving Judge means your eye for detail matters. Your resume must reflect that same precision.

Small errors or vague phrasing can cost you a selection or an assignment. Below are common mistakes diving judges make on resumes and simple fixes you can apply right away.

If you judge diving competitions, your resume must show rule knowledge, judging experience, and trustworthiness. These FAQs and tips help you highlight scoring ability, certifications, and event history. Use them to make your qualifications clear to meet directors and federations.