Pick a clean, professional template that highlights field work and technical skills. Use a reverse-chronological layout so recent geology projects and discoveries appear first. That layout reads well and parses reliably in applicant tracking systems.
Keep length tight. One page usually fits early-career exploration geologists. Move to two pages only if you have many core exploration projects, publications, or management roles to show.
Choose ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Use 10–12pt for body text and 14–16pt for section headers. Keep line spacing at 1.0–1.15 and use consistent margins to give the content room to breathe.
Structure content with clear headings: Contact, Summary, Experience, Field Projects, Technical Skills, Education, Certifications. Use short bullet lists under each job. Start bullets with strong action verbs and add numbers when you can, like metres drilled or budget sizes.
Avoid complex columns, heavy graphics, or embedded tables. Those elements often confuse ATS and recruiters. Limit color to one accent and avoid non-standard fonts to prevent parsing errors.
Common mistakes I see include dense text blocks with no white space, inconsistent date formats, and long paragraphs about duties instead of outcomes. Don't list irrelevant early jobs unless they show transferable skills like leadership or safety management.
Finally, keep file type simple. Send a PDF when the employer allows it. Use a .docx only if the job posting asks for editable files.