Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) sort and filter resumes before people ever see them. They scan for keywords, dates, job titles, and contact details. If your resume lacks key terms or uses odd formatting, the ATS may reject it automatically.
For a Facilities Director, ATS optimization matters because hiring teams look for specific skills. These include HVAC maintenance, MEP coordination, preventive maintenance, CMMS, vendor management, budget planning, OSHA compliance, building codes, capital planning, and LEED or sustainability experience. Use those exact terms when they match your background.
- Use standard section headings like "Work Experience", "Education", and "Skills".
- List certifications like "OSHA 30" or "LEED AP" exactly.
- Put software names such as "Maximo", "Archibus", or "eMaint" in Skills.
Avoid complex layouts. Don't use tables, text boxes, headers, footers, or images. ATS often misread those elements and drop content. Stick to single-column layouts and plain bullets.
Choose readable fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman. Save your file as .docx or PDF unless the job asks for another format. Keep dates simple, like "Jan 2018 - Dec 2022".
Common mistakes include swapping exact keywords for creative synonyms. For example, don't use "plant upkeep" instead of "preventive maintenance" if the job asks for the latter. Another mistake is putting vital info in headers or footers. ATS may ignore those areas. Finally, leaving out tools and certifications hurts you. If a listing asks for CMMS, name the system you used.