Applicant Tracking Systems, or ATS, scan resumes for keywords and structured data. They parse text fields and rank applicants, so you must optimize for those scans.
For an Escrow Assistant, ATS looks for terms like "escrow", "closing", "title insurance", "ALTA", "HUD-1", "wire transfer", "notary", "RESPA", "escrow disbursement", "transaction coordinator", and "client reconciliation".
Follow these best practices:
- Use standard section titles like "Work Experience", "Education", and "Skills".
- List tools and certifications clearly, for example "Notary Public" or "ALTA Best Practices".
- Include measurable tasks, like "processed 50 closings monthly".
Avoid complex formatting. Don’t use tables, columns, text boxes, headers, footers, images, or charts. Many ATS skip content inside those elements.
Use readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Save as .docx or simple PDF. Don’t upload heavily designed templates.
Put keywords naturally in context. Mirror the wording from the job description when it fits your experience. For example, use "wire transfer reconciliation" if the job asks for it.
Common mistakes include swapping exact keywords for creative synonyms. "Managed client closings" reads differently than "coordinated escrow closings" to an ATS. Also avoid putting key info in headers or footers. ATS may ignore those areas.
Finally, don't forget contact and license info on the top of your resume. Include city, phone, email, and notary or state license if you have one.