Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan resumes for role fit. They match keywords, job titles, skills, and dates. ATS can drop your resume if it finds odd formatting or missing info.
For a Header Setup Operator, ATS looks for skills like header press setup, die alignment, changeover, torque specs, mechanical troubleshooting, PLC basics, hydraulics, pneumatics, lockout/tagout, preventive maintenance, blueprint reading, quality inspection, ISO 9001, and OSHA 10. Use those exact terms when they appear in job ads.
- Use clear section titles: Work Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications.
- List job title, employer, city, dates, and 2–5 bullet points per job.
- Include exact tools and procedures, like "header press", "die setup", and "changeover".
Avoid fancy layouts. Don’t use tables, columns, text boxes, headers, footers, images, or embedded charts. Those items often break ATS parsing. Use a simple, single-column layout with plain bullets.
Pick standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Save as a .docx or a simple PDF. Avoid heavy design templates from resume builders.
Common mistakes include using creative synonyms instead of exact keywords. Don’t replace "changeover" with only "machine switch". Another mistake is hiding dates or employer names in headers or footers. ATS may skip them. Also avoid leaving out critical certifications or machine names. If the job ad asks for "header press" and "die setup," include both.
Follow these steps and you’ll help your resume reach a human reviewer. Keep verbs active and quantify results where you can.