Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) act like gatekeepers. They scan resumes for keywords, dates, and section headers. They can discard resumes that use odd formatting or miss key terms for Title Officer roles.

For a Title Officer, ATS looks for terms like "title search", "chain of title", "title commitment", "title insurance", "escrow", "closing", "recording", "curative", "ALTA", "SoftPro", "RamQuest", "lien search", and relevant certifications.

Best practices:

• Use standard section titles: "Work Experience", "Education", "Skills".
• Include role-specific keywords naturally, such as "title exam", "title curative", "endorsements", and "county recorder".
• Avoid complex formatting like tables, columns, images, headers, or footers.
• Use readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Save as .docx or plain PDF. Skip heavily designed files.

Avoid creative synonyms for core terms. ATS may not match "property paperwork" to "title commitment".

Don’t rely on headers or footers for key data like contact details. Some systems ignore them.

Also, don’t omit critical tools or laws from your resume. Leave out software like SoftPro or procedures like recording, and you may miss automated filters.

Pick a simple, professional template that highlights checks, closings, and title searches. Use a reverse-chronological layout when you list jobs, because hiring managers like to see recent closing experience first.

Limit your resume to one page if you have under 10 years of title work. If you have lengthy, directly relevant leadership or underwriting history, extend to two pages only.

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

Give each section clear headings like Contact, Summary, Experience, Certifications, Skills, and Education. Keep headings consistent so software and readers find key facts fast.

Keep plenty of white space. Use 0.5–0.75 inch margins and single-spaced lines with a blank line between sections. Short bullet points work better than long paragraphs for tasks like title exam, lien clearing, and closing coordination.

Avoid complex columns, embedded images, and graphics that confuse ATS. Skip nonstandard fonts and heavy color palettes that distract from your content.

Common mistakes include vague job bullets, missing dates, and inconsistent formatting. Number your achievements when possible, for example, "Closed 120 transactions annually".

List certifications like Title Insurance Producer or Escrow Officer early. Put software skills, such as property record systems and eRecording platforms, in a dedicated skills section.

Tailoring a cover letter matters for a Title Officer role. It helps you explain title work that your resume can only list. You show interest in the company and the property closing process.

Header: Include your contact details and the employer's contact if you have it. Put the date and a clear subject line with the job title.

Opening Paragraph: State the Title Officer role you want and why you care about the employer. Mention a top qualification, like title search experience or escrow coordination, and where you saw the posting.

Body Paragraphs:

• Show how your experience ties to the job duties. Cite title examinations, lien clearing, policy preparation, or escrow work.
• Mention technical skills like title software, closing platforms, or document management systems.
• List soft skills such as attention to detail, clear communication, and teamwork with agents and lenders.
• Give numbers when you can, like files closed per month or reduction in title defects.

Closing Paragraph: Reaffirm your interest in the Title Officer role and the company. Say you can add value to closings and compliance. Ask for an interview or a call and thank the reader for their time.

Tone & Tailoring: Stay professional, confident, and friendly. Use a conversational voice and avoid a generic letter. Mirror keywords from the job description. Keep every sentence short and clear. Use active verbs and speak directly to the hiring person.

Quick tips: Proofread for names and dates. Replace vague claims with specific tasks. Keep the letter to one page and match the tone of the employer.

Working as a Title Officer means you handle legal documents, property histories, and closing details. Small errors on your resume can make hiring managers doubt your attention to detail.

This list highlights common resume mistakes for Title Officers. Use these tips so your resume shows accuracy, legal knowledge, and clear accomplishments.

These FAQs and tips help you craft a Title Officer resume that highlights title work, closings, and risk control. They focus on practical steps you can take to show competency in title searches, insurance, and escrow coordination.