Applicant Tracking Systems, or ATS, scan resumes for role fit before a human sees them. They match keywords, dates, and section headings to job descriptions. If your resume lacks key terms or uses odd formatting, ATS might drop it.

For a Health Actuary, ATS looks for technical terms, certifications, and proven tasks. Include keywords like actuarial valuations, reserving, pricing, predictive modeling, morbidity, mortality, GLM, SAS, R, SQL, IFRS 17, GAAP, ERM, medical trend, ICD-10, HIPAA, ACAS, and FSA. Use the exact words employers list when they matter.

• Use simple section titles: "Work Experience", "Education", "Skills", "Certifications".
• List dates and job titles clearly, and keep bullets short.
• Save complex charts and images for a portfolio link.

Avoid complex formatting. Don't use tables, columns, headers, footers, text boxes, images, or graphs. ATS often misreads those elements and drops content. Use a single-column layout and common fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.

Choose file types ATS reads well. Use .docx or PDF exported from Word. Avoid heavily designed PDFs from graphic tools. Keep file names simple and professional.

Common mistakes trip up Health Actuaries. Replacing keywords with creative synonyms can hide your skills from ATS. Putting important info in a header or footer hides it too. Leaving out core terms like "reserving", "GLM", or "IFRS 17" reduces your match score.

Follow these practices and you increase your chances of passing ATS filters. Keep language clear and role-focused. Tailor your resume to each job by mirroring the posting's key terms.

Pick a clean, professional template for a Health Actuary. Use a reverse-chronological layout if your actuarial work and credentials are recent. That layout highlights roles, exams, and project results in a clear order for hiring managers and ATS.

Keep length tight. One page works if you have under ten years of relevant experience. Use two pages only if you have long actuarial project lists, published studies, or leadership roles tied to health insurance, risk modeling, or underwriting.

Choose an ATS-friendly font like Calibri or Arial. Use 10-12pt for body and 14-16pt for section headers. Keep margins at least 0.5 inches and leave space between sections so the reader's eye rests.

Use standard headings: Contact, Summary, Experience, Education, Credentials, Skills, and Publications or Projects. Put professional credentials (ASA, FSA) near your name so they show up early.

Avoid heavy graphics, text boxes, or multi-column layouts. Those elements often break ATS parsing and hide key details like exam scores or employer names. Use simple bullet lists and short achievement lines that show impact with numbers.

Watch common mistakes. Don’t use odd fonts, tiny margins, or dense blocks of text. Don’t list irrelevant early jobs or personal hobbies. Don’t bury exam progress or actuarial tools like R, Python, or GGY AXIS in a long paragraph.

Writing a targeted cover letter matters for a Health Actuary role because it shows how your skills match the employer's needs. Your letter can explain complex work simply and show your interest in the company's mission.

Keep the letter short and direct. Lead with the job title and your main strength. Use clear examples that map to the job description.

Key sections

• Header: Put your name, contact, company name, and date. If you know the hiring manager, add their name and title.
• Opening paragraph: State the Health Actuary role you want. Show real enthusiasm for the company. Mention one top qualification or where you found the opening.
• Body paragraphs: Link your experience to job needs. Highlight projects, technical skills like pricing models, R, or SAS. Name soft skills such as problem solving and teamwork. Give numbers where possible, like cost savings, error rate drops, or model accuracy gains. Use keywords from the posting.
• Closing paragraph: Restate your interest in the Health Actuary job and the company. Say you can add value and request an interview or call. Thank the reader for their time.

Keep the tone professional, confident, and friendly. Write like you would speak to a colleague. Use short sentences and simple words. Tailor each letter to the employer and role. Avoid generic templates. Proofread for clarity and accuracy.

When you apply as a Health Actuary, small resume errors can cost interviews. Your role needs math, regulatory knowledge, and clear communication. Take care with wording, structure, and numbers so your skills show up for hiring managers and applicant tracking systems.

Below are common mistakes I see on Health Actuary resumes. Each item shows a faulty line and a concise fix you can apply right away.

This set of FAQs and tips helps you craft a Health Actuary resume that highlights your technical skills, healthcare knowledge, and business impact. You’ll find quick answers on format, length, certifications, and how to show modeling and portfolio work.