Pick a clean, professional template for a Resource Forester. Use a reverse-chronological layout so employers see your recent field and project work first.
Keep your resume to one page if you have under 10 years experience. Go to two pages only when you have many relevant project records, certifications, or management roles.
Use ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Set body text to 10–12pt and section headers to 14–16pt for clear hierarchy.
Give each section room to breathe. Use consistent margins, 1.0–1.15 line spacing, and short bullet lists for each job.
Label sections with standard headings such as Contact, Summary, Experience, Projects, Certifications, and Skills. That helps both hiring managers and parsing software.
Avoid heavy graphics, multiple columns, and unusual fonts. These elements often break ATS parsing and distract readers.
List fieldwork and outcomes with short bullets and numbers. For example, note hectares surveyed, budgets managed, or restoration success rates.
Include relevant certifications like Registered Professional Forester or chainsaw safety. Put dates and issuing bodies next to each credential.
Common mistakes include dense paragraphs, inconsistent spacing, and overuse of color. Also avoid embedded tables and headers with images.
Proof your file by saving a plain PDF and a text-only version. Scan both to ensure ATS reads your headings and contact info correctly.