Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) help employers sort resumes by scanning for keywords and structure. They look for exact terms, dates, and standard sections, then rank matches.
For a Monument Mason, ATS matters because employers search for skills like stone carving, granite installation, monument restoration, lettering, sandblasting, blueprint reading, and heavy equipment operation. Missing those words can cause rejection even if you have the skills.
Best practices:
- Use standard section titles like "Work Experience", "Education", and "Skills".
- List job titles and employers plainly, for example: Monument Mason, Schinner Group.
- Include exact keywords found in job posts, like "granite setting" or "headstone lettering".
Avoid complex formatting. Don’t use tables, columns, text boxes, headers, footers, images, or decorative fonts. ATS often skips those areas.
Use readable fonts like Arial or Calibri and simple bullet points. Save as .docx or clean PDF. Avoid heavily designed templates that break parsing.
Include certifications and tools. Put certifications like OSHA 10, masonry apprenticeship, or NCCER and tools like forklifts, sandblasters, and grinders in the Skills or Certifications section.
Common mistakes include swapping keywords for creative synonyms, hiding work history in headers, and omitting key terms like "stone masonry" or "memorial restoration." Employers often filter resumes by exact phrases, so use the same words they use.
Keep content clear and factual. Use short lines, active verbs, and specific dates. That helps both ATS and hiring managers read your resume fast.