Pick a clean, professional template that highlights hands-on work and assembly experience. Use a reverse-chronological layout so your latest assembly roles appear first. This layout reads well and parses easily for applicant tracking systems.
Limit length to one page if you have under 10 years of assembly experience. Use two pages only if you have long, directly relevant work history and certifications.
Choose ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Use 10-12pt for body text and 14-16pt for section headers. Keep consistent margins and line spacing so readers can scan quickly.
Structure sections clearly: Contact, Summary, Skills, Experience, Education, Certifications, and Safety Training. Use bullet lists for duties and achievements. Start bullets with action verbs and add numbers like units assembled per shift.
Avoid heavy graphics, multiple columns, or unusual fonts. Those elements often break ATS parsing and distract hiring managers. Keep color minimal and use bold or caps only for headings.
Watch common mistakes: cramming too much text on one page, mixing fonts, or using vague section labels. Also avoid long paragraphs about duties without results or metrics. Use short bullets that show impact, like reduced defects by percent or improved cycle time.