Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software tools recruiters use to sort and filter job applications. They scan resumes for exact keywords, dates, job titles, and simple section headers. If your Foundry Molder resume lacks key words or uses odd formatting, ATS can skip it before anyone reads it.

Keep your resume simple so the ATS can parse it. Use standard section titles like "Work Experience", "Education", and "Skills". Use readable fonts like Arial or Calibri and save as .docx or a simple PDF. Avoid headers, footers, images, text boxes, columns, and tables.

• Use keywords from Foundry Molder postings, like "sand casting", "core making", "pattern making", "pouring", "melting furnace", "refractory repair", "mold setup", "bench work", "blueprint reading", and "OSHA safety".
• Include certifications such as "OSHA 10", "NDT" or heat processing certificates if you have them.
• List tools and machines: "shakeout", "shot blasting", "pouring ladle", "electric induction furnace".

Avoid fancy synonyms when the job ad uses specific terms. For example, don’t replace "sand casting" with "sand forming" alone. Don’t rely on visual layout to show dates or titles. Put job titles, companies, and dates on separate lines so ATS reads them clearly.

Common mistakes will cost you interviews. People hide important info in headers or images. They use unusual section names like "What I Do" instead of "Work Experience." They skip critical keywords for Foundry Molder tasks and tools. Fix these issues and your resume will reach hiring managers.

Pick a clean, single-column template that shows your shop experience first. Use reverse-chronological order so your most recent foundry roles appear at the top. That layout reads fast and parses well for applicant tracking systems.

Keep length to one page if you have under 10 years in foundry work. Go to two pages only if you have long, relevant trade history, certifications, and supervisory roles to show.

Use simple, ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia. Set body text to 10–12pt and headers to 14–16pt. Leave roomy margins and consistent line spacing so the page breathes.

Label sections with standard headings like Contact, Summary, Skills, Experience, Certifications, and Education. Use short bullet lists for tasks and clear dates for each job.

Avoid heavy graphics, multi-column layouts, and nonstandard fonts. Those elements often break parsing and hide key info. Use bold and bullets to draw attention instead of color blocks.

Watch these common mistakes: crowded text with tiny margins, long paragraphs instead of bullets, and unclear job titles. Also skip vague claims without numbers. Quantify downtime saved, defects reduced, or crew size supervised when you can.

Order details by relevance. Put foundry-specific skills like mold making, pattern reading, core assembly, and furnace familiarity near the top. Keep each bullet focused, active, and short.

Writing a tailored cover letter matters for a Foundry Molder role. It shows you know the job and you care about this company.

Start with a clear header that lists your contact details, the company's name, and the date. Keep that info easy to find.

Opening paragraph: State the exact job title you want. Show real interest in the company. Name one strong qualification that matches the job.

Body paragraphs: Link your experience to the role. Use short examples of your work. Mention hands-on skills like pattern making, core setting, mold assembly, pouring support, and finishing. Include safety practices and quality checks. Add numbers when you can, like defect rates you cut or molds you made per week.

• Mention technical skills: sand control, venting, mold compaction, and pattern repair.
• Call out soft skills: teamwork on shift, clear communication, and steady problem solving.
• Use keywords from the job ad so your letter matches what they seek.

Closing paragraph: Reiterate your interest in the Foundry Molder role and the company. Say you can contribute immediately. Ask politely for an interview or a call. Thank the reader for their time.

Keep your tone professional, confident, and friendly. Write like you are talking to one person. Use short sentences. Tailor each letter for the company. Avoid generic text and copy-paste lines.

Before you send, proofread for clear verbs and concrete details. Tailor one or two sentences to the company to show you did your homework. That small effort helps you get noticed.

Working as a Foundry Molder means employers want clear proof you can make castings safely, on time, and to spec. Small errors on your resume can hide your real value or make you look careless.

Below are common resume mistakes found on foundry molder resumes, with quick examples and fixes you can use right away.

These FAQs and tips help you shape a Foundry Molder resume that highlights hands-on skills, safety habits, and production results. Use them to make your work and metalcasting achievements clear and easy to scan for hiring managers.