Applicant Tracking Systems scan resumes for keywords and structure. They match your experience to job needs and drop resumes that lack key words or use odd formats.

For a Health Specialist you must show public health skills and technical tools. Use keywords like "epidemiology", "surveillance", "program evaluation", "M&E", "community outreach", "grant writing", "infection control", "HIPAA", "STATA", "SPSS", "health promotion", and "maternal and child health".

Best practices:

• Use standard section titles like "Work Experience", "Education", and "Skills".
• Weave role-specific keywords naturally into job bullets and skills sections.
• Avoid tables, columns, headers, footers, text boxes, images, and charts.
• Use simple fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman at 10-12pt.
• Save as .docx or PDF, but prefer a simple PDF if the job post allows it.

Keep formatting plain so parsers read dates, employers, and titles. Put employer, city, dates, and title on separate lines or clear bullets.

Avoid long paragraphs. Use short bullets that start with action verbs and include outcomes and tools used.

Common mistakes to skip:

• Replacing exact keywords with creative synonyms like "data ninja" instead of "data analysis".
• Putting key info in headers or images that ATS may ignore.
• Leaving out core technical skills or certifications such as "HIPAA compliance" or "certified in CPR".

Choose a clean, professional template for a Health Specialist role. Use a reverse-chronological or hybrid layout so hiring managers see your clinical and program experience first.

Keep length to one page if you're entry-level or mid-career. If you have over 10 to 15 years of relevant public health or clinical leadership, use two pages and cut unrelated roles.

Pick ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Use 10–12pt for body text and 14–16pt for section headers to keep things scannable.

Leave ample white space and one-inch margins. Use consistent spacing between sections and bullets so readers can skim your skills and outcomes.

Avoid complex columns, graphics, or tables that confuse ATS parsers. Simple left-aligned text and standard headings work best for both humans and systems.

Use clear section headings like Summary, Experience, Education, Certifications, Skills, and Professional Training. Put clinical licenses and certifications near the top for quick visibility.

Quantify outcomes where you can. Note reductions in infection rates, patient education reach, or program enrollment numbers.

Common mistakes to avoid: odd fonts, tiny margins, long dense paragraphs, and inconsistent date formats. Don't use color-heavy designs that distract from your credentials.

Keep bullets short and outcome-focused. Start each line with a strong verb and show measurable impact from your interventions.

Writing a tailored cover letter matters when you apply for Health Specialist roles. A letter lets you show your interest and link your skills to the job. You can explain why you fit the role beyond the facts on your resume.

Key sections:

• Header: Put your contact details, the company's name, and the date.
• Opening paragraph: Name the Health Specialist role you want. Show real enthusiasm for the organization. Share one strong qualification or where you found the job.
• Body paragraphs: Match your experience to the job needs. Highlight a project, a technical skill like epidemiology or data analysis, and a soft skill such as teamwork or problem solving. Use numbers to show impact, like percent improvements or caseloads handled. Pull keywords from the job description and repeat them naturally.
• Closing paragraph: Restate your interest in this exact role and company. State confidence in the value you will bring. Ask for an interview and thank the reader.

Keep the tone professional and warm. Write like you speak to a hiring manager. Use short sentences and clear examples.

When you write each paragraph, aim to show rather than tell. Replace vague claims with specific actions and results. Tailor each letter to the employer and the ad. Avoid generic templates.

Final tips: Proofread for clarity and errors. Address the letter to a named person when possible. Save the file with your name and the job title.

When you apply for Health Specialist roles, employers look for clear impact, attention to detail, and ethically presented clinical work.

Small mistakes can sink your chances fast. Read these common pitfalls so you can tighten your document and better show your public health skills.

These FAQs and tips help you shape a Health Specialist resume that highlights clinical skills, community work, and program outcomes. You'll get clear answers on format, skills to list, and how to present certifications and gaps.