Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software tools employers use to sort resumes. They scan resumes for keywords and reject files they cannot parse. For an Electrical Inspector, optimizing for ATS boosts your chance to reach a hiring manager.

ATS look for job-specific keywords like "NEC","NFPA 70","electrical inspection","grounding","wiring","circuit breakers","transformer","infrared thermography","plan review","permit processing","OSHA","Certified Electrical Inspector","ICC","Journeyman Electrician" and testing types. Include the certifications and tools you use so the ATS flags you for matches.

Best practices:

• Use clear section titles: "Work Experience", "Education", "Skills", "Certifications".
• Write plain bullet points with verbs first and measurable results.
• Include exact phrases from job postings, like "NFPA 70 inspection" or "electrical plan review".
• Avoid tables, columns, headers, footers, images, and text boxes.
• Use standard fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Save as .docx or simple PDF and avoid heavy design files.

Common mistakes I see: using creative headings like "What I Do" instead of "Work Experience," stuffing keywords unnaturally, relying on a PDF image of a resume, and putting key info in headers or footers. Those choices stop ATS from reading your skills and certifications. Keep your format simple and your language precise.

Focus on match, not flair. Mirror the job description language. Then a human reviewer can quickly see your fit for the Electrical Inspector role.

Pick a simple, professional template that highlights inspection experience, certifications, and safety records. Use a reverse-chronological layout so your recent inspection roles and licenses appear first.

Keep length tight. One page fits entry and mid-career electrical inspectors. Use two pages only if you have long inspection logs, multiple certifications, or relevant project lists.

Choose ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Use 10–12pt for body and 14–16pt for section headers. Use bold and small caps for headings, not images.

Give breathing room with clear margins and 1.0–1.15 line spacing. Use consistent spacing between sections so a hiring manager scans quickly. White space helps technical details stand out.

Avoid heavy graphics, multiple columns, and unusual fonts. Those elements often break ATS parsing and frustrate hiring managers. Stick to standard bullets, dates on the right, and clear job titles.

Use standard headings like Contact, Summary, Certifications, Experience, Education, and Skills. List certifications with issuing body and expiry date. For experience, show inspection scope, equipment types, and measurable outcomes.

Common mistakes to avoid include long paragraphs, unclear dates, and buried certifications. Don’t use embedded tables or text boxes for vital data. Don’t overuse color or tiny font sizes that force squinting.

Proofread for consistent date formats and verb tense. Use active verbs like inspected, verified, and reduced. Tailor each version to the job by highlighting relevant codes, standards, and tools.

Tailoring a cover letter for an Electrical Inspector helps you show fit beyond your resume. You prove you read the job, understand risks, and care about safety and quality.

Keep the letter short and direct. Use clear examples of inspections, code knowledge, and safety outcomes. Show where you found the opening or who referred you.

Key sections to include:

• Header: Your contact, company contact if known, and the date.
• Opening: Say the exact job you want, show genuine interest in the company, and name your top qualification.
• Body: Link your inspection experience to the job needs. Mention tools and standards you use, like circuit testing, NFPA 70, or local code checks. Share measurable results, such as reduced rework or audit pass rates. Show teamwork and problem solving.
• Closing: Reiterate interest, state how you will add value, request an interview, and thank them.

Write in a friendly, professional tone. Use active sentences and simple words. Tailor each letter to the job and company. Pull keywords from the job description and match them to your experience.

Avoid long sentences and jargon. Keep paragraphs short. Read the letter aloud to check flow and clarity.

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