Pick a clean, professional template for a Toolmaker. Use a reverse-chronological layout so your recent shop experience shows first. This layout reads well and parses easily for applicant tracking systems.
Keep length tight. One page works for early and mid-career toolmakers. Use two pages only if you have long, directly relevant experience or certifications.
Choose an ATS-friendly font like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia. Use 10–12pt for body text and 14–16pt for section headers. Keep margins around 0.5–0.75 inches to give the content breathing room.
Use clear headings: Contact, Summary, Skills, Experience, Education, Certifications, Tools/Software. Use consistent bullet styles and dates. That helps a hiring manager scan your work history fast.
Avoid fancy columns, heavy graphics, and strange fonts. Those elements often break ATS parsing and distract human readers. Simple formatting wins for workshop roles where skills and safety records matter.
Show quantifiable achievements. Note cycle time improvements, jig reductions, tolerance achievements, and safety records. Use short bullets that start with strong verbs like "machined," "improved," or "reworked."
Watch common mistakes. Don't cram too much text into small font. Don't use long paragraphs. Avoid inconsistent date formats and mixed bullet styles. Keep language direct and specific to toolmaking tasks.
Use whitespace and line spacing to separate sections. Make your key tools and machines easy to find. That helps both humans and ATS find your CNC, press, and EDM skills quickly.