Applicant Tracking Systems, or ATS, scan resumes for keywords and structured data. They often reject files that use odd layouts or miss key terms the hiring manager wants.

For a Title Searcher, ATS looks for job-specific words. Use terms like "title search," "chain of title," "title exam," "legal description," "recorded deeds," "lien search," "title commitment," "county records," "public records," "ALTA search," "title insurance," "escrow coordination," and "property records."

• Use standard section titles: Work Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications.
• Include exact keywords from job postings naturally in your bullets and skills list.
• Avoid tables, columns, text boxes, headers, footers, and images.
• Pick readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Save as PDF or .docx, unless the job asks for a different format.

Keep formatting simple so parsers read dates, job titles, and employer names correctly. Put dates and locations on the same line as job titles so ATS maps them to the right fields.

Common mistakes cost you interviews. Don’t swap keywords for creative synonyms like "ownership researcher" instead of "title search." Don’t hide info in headers or footers, because ATS may skip them. Don’t omit important certifications or tools related to title work, like county portal access or title plant software.

Pick a clean, professional layout for a Title Searcher. Use reverse-chronological order so your recent property and chain-of-title work appears first.

Keep length tight. One page works for entry-level and mid-career Title Searcher roles. Use two pages only if you have long, relevant case histories or many title curative projects.

Choose ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Use 10–12pt for body text and 14–16pt for headers. That keeps your document legible for both humans and systems.

Use clear headings: Contact, Summary, Experience, Title Searches, Curative Work, Education, Certifications, Technical Skills. Keep each heading exact and standard so an ATS finds them.

Give each job entry a short project-style bullet list. Lead with actions and results, such as number of files cleared or percent reduction in title exceptions.

Space matters. Use one-inch margins or slightly less if needed. Add spacing between sections and bullets so readers scan quickly. White space beats crammed text every time.

Avoid complex columns, graphics, or unusual fonts. Those often break ATS parsing and hide key dates or employers. Also avoid heavy color or long paragraphs.

Common mistakes include inconsistent date formats, vague headings, and long job descriptions. Fix those by using consistent month-year dates and 3–6 bullets per role.

Proof for neat alignment and consistent punctuation. Keep verbs in active voice and tailor keywords to the listing, like "title curative," "chain of title," and "title exam."

Writing a tailored cover letter matters for a Title Searcher role. It shows you know the job and helps your application feel personal. Your letter should explain why you fit beyond what your resume shows.

Key sections:

• Header: Include your contact info, the company's name, and the date.
• Opening paragraph: Say the exact Title Searcher role you want. Show genuine interest in the company. Mention a top qualification or where you found the listing.
• Body paragraphs (1–3): Connect your work to the job needs. Cite title searches you completed, software you use like county records portals or title plant systems, and accuracy rates or throughput numbers. Note soft skills such as solving problems, tracking details, and working with closing teams. Use keywords from the job posting. Quantify results when you can, for example how many files you cleared weekly or how you reduced exceptions.
• Closing paragraph: Reiterate your interest in the Title Searcher role and the company. State confidence in your ability to add value. Ask for an interview or a call. Thank the reader.

Keep the tone professional, confident, and friendly. Write like you would speak to a hiring manager. Use short sentences. Cut filler words. Customize each letter to the employer.

Do not copy a generic template. Tailor one or two achievements to the company's needs. Avoid long jargon. Speak clearly about your experience with title reports, liens, and public records research.

If you're applying for a Title Searcher role, small mistakes can cost interviews. Recruiters expect detail, accuracy, and clear proof of your chain of title work.

Paying attention to wording, tools, and outcomes helps you pass applicant screening and show you can handle legal property records. Below are common pitfalls and simple fixes you can use right away.

These FAQs and tips focus on creating a resume for a Title Searcher. You'll find quick answers on format, key skills, and how to show your title work. Use the tips to make your experience clear and easy to verify.