Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) parse resumes for keywords and structure. They match those keywords to job requirements for a Labor Relations Manager role.
If your resume lacks key terms like collective bargaining, grievance handling, contract negotiation, arbitration, NLRA, union relations, labor law compliance, or employee relations, an ATS might not flag you as a fit. ATS can also drop content it cannot read, so formatting matters.
- Use standard headings: Work Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications.
- Use plain bullet points and simple dates like "Jun 2019 – Present".
- File types: submit .docx or readable PDF unless the listing says otherwise.
Write short, keyword-rich bullets that describe actions and outcomes. Mention tools or systems you used, like HRIS, case management, or labor analytics, when relevant.
Avoid complex formatting. Don't use tables, columns, text boxes, headers, footers, images, or charts. Fancy fonts can break parsing. Stick to Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 10–12 pt.
Focus on exact keywords from job descriptions. Use the job's phrasing for certifications and methods. For example, list "collective bargaining" rather than a synonym like "contract talks."
Common mistakes include creative section titles, hiding info in headers or footers, and using images to show skills. These choices often remove content the ATS needs. Also, do not omit major keywords like "grievance arbitration" or "union negotiations."