Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan resumes for keywords and standard sections. They rank or drop resumes if they can't read content or find required skills for a General Maintenance Technician role.

Keep section titles simple. Use "Work Experience", "Education", and "Skills" so the ATS maps your information correctly.

• Include role-specific keywords like HVAC, electrical troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, plumbing, welding, PLC, CMMS, OSHA 10/30, PM schedules, lockout/tagout, and blueprint reading.
• List certifications such as EPA 608, NCCER, or HVAC certification when you have them.

Avoid complex layouts. Don't use tables, multiple columns, text boxes, headers, footers, or images. Those elements often break ATS parsing and hide your keywords.

Use readable fonts like Arial or Calibri and simple bullet points. Save as .docx or a straightforward PDF. Avoid heavily designed templates that reorder text visually but confuse the ATS.

Write clear, task-focused bullets. Start bullets with strong verbs like repaired, inspected, calibrated, or installed. Show tools and systems you used, such as multimeter, VFD drives, or CMMS software.

Common mistakes include swapping exact keywords for creative synonyms, burying skills in a long paragraph, and putting important info in headers or footers. Also, leaving out certifications or tools can make you look unqualified to the ATS.

Follow these steps and you help both the ATS and a hiring manager find your fit fast.

Pick a simple, single-column layout for a General Maintenance Technician role. Use reverse-chronological order so your most recent hands-on work appears first. Recruiters and machines read top to bottom, so keep flow predictable.

Keep length to one page if you have under 10 years of relevant trade experience. Use two pages only when you list many certifications, supervisory roles, or major projects that directly match the job.

Use readable fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia. Set body text to 10–12pt and headers to 14–16pt. Keep margins wide enough for white space and use consistent spacing between sections.

Use clear section headings: Contact, Summary, Skills, Experience, Certifications, Education. Put measurable results under each job. Use short bullet points that show actions and outcomes.

Avoid fancy templates with heavy columns, images, or complex tables. Those layouts often break when parsed by applicant tracking systems. Stick to standard bullets and simple bolding for emphasis.

List key tools and systems you know, like HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or CMMS software. Put certifications and safety training near the top if they matter to the role. Tailor skills to the job posting.

Common mistakes include cramped text, too many fonts, and long paragraphs. Avoid long job descriptions that repeat duties. Use active verbs and numbers to show impact, such as "reduced downtime 20%" or "managed 15 preventive tasks weekly."

Purpose: A tailored cover letter helps you explain why you fit the General Maintenance Technician role. It complements your resume and shows real interest in the property and team.

Header: Put your contact details, the company's name, and the date at the top. Add the hiring manager's name if you know it.

Opening Paragraph: Start strong. Name the General Maintenance Technician role you want. Show genuine enthusiasm for the company. Mention one top qualification or where you found the posting.

Key Sections Breakdown:

• Header: Your contact info, company name, and date.
• Opening: State the role, show enthusiasm, and lead with your best qualification.
• Body: Connect experience to required tasks like HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and preventive maintenance.
• Closing: Reiterate interest, ask for an interview, and thank the reader.

Body Paragraphs (1-3): Tie specific work to the job listing. Name projects you completed and the tools or systems you used. Mention technical skills like HVAC repair, electrical troubleshooting, and plumbing. Show soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. Give numbers when you can, for example reduced downtime by a percent or cut costs by an amount. Use keywords from the job ad so your letter matches the role.

Closing Paragraph: Restate your interest in the General Maintenance Technician job and the company. Show confidence in your ability to help keep systems running safely. Ask to discuss your fit in an interview and thank the reader for their time.

Tone & Tailoring: Keep a professional, confident, and upbeat voice. Write like you speak to a hiring manager. Customize each letter to the company and avoid generic templates.

Write your resume so a hiring manager can see your hands-on skills fast. Small errors or vague lines can make you look unprepared. You want clear duties, safety facts, and proof you fixed real problems.

Pay attention to certifications, tools, and results. A little detail goes a long way when you repair equipment, run inspections, or handle preventive maintenance.

These FAQs and tips help you craft a clear, direct resume for a General Maintenance Technician role. You'll find what to include, how to show skills, and ways to highlight hands-on work so hiring managers see your value quickly.