Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan resumes for keywords and structured data. They rank and filter candidates before a person reviews your resume. For an Electrical Drafter, ATS look for tools, standards, and job-specific phrases.
Use standard section titles like "Work Experience", "Education", and "Skills". Keep each section simple and labeled clearly. ATS map these titles to fields they search.
- Include keywords from job postings. Use terms like "AutoCAD", "Revit", "electrical schematics", "panel layout", "wiring diagrams", "conduit", "NEC", "BIM", "PLC", "as-built drawings", and "RFI".
- List certifications such as "Certified CAD Drafter" or "OSHA" if relevant.
- Mention measurement units and standards like "AWG", "V", and "NFPA" when they apply.
Avoid complex formatting. Don’t use tables, columns, text boxes, headers, footers, images, or embedded charts. ATS often misread those elements and drop content.
Pick readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Use .docx or PDF unless the posting asks otherwise. Save the file with a clear name and your name.
Don’t swap exact keywords for creative synonyms. Say "AutoCAD" not "CAD tool" when the job lists AutoCAD. Don’t hide dates or employer names in headers or graphics. ATS may ignore them.
Keep all important info in plain text lines. Put skills in a bulleted skills list. Add short, keyword-rich bullets under each job entry that describe what you did and which tools you used.
Common mistakes include omitting key tools, using odd fonts, and relying on fancy layouts. Those errors lower your match score. Fix them and you raise your chances to reach a human reviewer.