Pick a clean, professional template that highlights field experience and certifications. Use a reverse-chronological layout so employers see recent tree care roles first.
Keep your resume concise. One page works for entry-level and mid-career tree specialists. Use two pages only if you have long, directly relevant experience like municipal arborist roles or large project portfolios.
Use ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Set body text to 10–12pt and headers to 14–16pt. Keep margins and line spacing consistent so your content breathes and reads fast.
Structure your sections with standard headings. Use clear labels like Contact, Summary, Experience, Certifications, Skills, Education, and Licenses. List certifications and licenses near the top if regulations matter in your region.
Avoid complex layouts with side columns, images, or icons. Those elements break parsing and distract hiring managers. Stick to simple bullet lists for tasks and achievements, and quantify results whenever possible, like number of trees managed or percentage of successful transplantings.
Watch common mistakes. Don’t use unusual fonts or heavy color. Don’t cram text into tiny margins. Don’t list irrelevant jobs without showing skills that apply to tree care. Use consistent date formats and clear job titles like "Crew Leader, Utility Arborist, or Climber".
Prioritize readable formatting over creative flair. That helps both the applicant tracking system and the person reading your file. Make sure contact info appears at the top and your certifications show clearly.