ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System. It's software that decides if your window washing resume ever reaches a human. It hunts for words like “rope access,” “squeegee,” and “OSHA 10.”

If those words are missing, the system silently bins you. No “thanks for applying,” no second look. That’s why you need to speak the robot’s language before you wow the building manager.

Quick checklist:

• Use plain section titles: “Experience,” “Skills,” “Certifications.”
• Match the ad word-for-word: “boom-lift,” “water-fed pole,” “IWCA” all go in naturally.
• Skip tables, columns, headers, footers, or pictures of shiny glass towers.
• Save as a simple .docx or PDF without password protection.
• Stick to fonts like Arial or Calibri, 10–12 pt, black text on white.

Common goofs? Writing “window cleaner” when the ad says “facade technician.” Or hiding your license in a footer that gets cut off. Keep every credential in the main body, one per line, so the bot can’t miss it.

Think of the ATS as the world’s pickiest building super. Hand it exactly what it asks for, and you’ll ride the lift straight to the interview.

Keep it simple: one column, black ink, plenty of white space. Recruiters scan in seconds, and ATS tools hate fancy boxes.

Stick to one page unless you've cleaned glass on skyscrapers for ten-plus years. Even then, trim early side gigs that don’t involve squeegees.

Pick Calibri or Arial, 11 pt body, 14 pt headers. Add 0.5-inch margins so your arms don’t look as cramped as they feel on a 30-story ledge.

Ditch photos, logos, and neon color strips. They clog the system and scream “rookie.” Use bold for section titles, not for every bulleted line.

List jobs newest first. Start each bullet with an action verb: “Washed,” “Inspected,” “Lifted.” Numbers pop—square footage, floors, streak-free score.

Save as PDF only if the posting allows; Word keeps formatting safe. Label the file “Lastname-WindowWasher.pdf” so the hiring manager finds you fast.

Think your squeegee speaks for itself? A short, punchy cover letter shows building managers you’re serious about keeping their glass spotless and their tenants happy.

Header: List your phone, email, city, and the date. Add the property manager’s name if you know it.

Opening: State the exact job, say where you saw it, and drop one quick win—like “I safely cleaned 400-plus windows on a 12-story high-rise last month.”

Body: Pick two or three skills the ad asks for and prove you have them. Use numbers.

• Height certification or rope-access hours
• Speed without streaks—e.g., “I finish 30% faster than crew average”
• Customer smiles—add a quote if you’ve got one

Mention your gear, safety record, and flexibility with early starts or weekends.

Closing: Restate excitement, ask for a quick meeting, and thank them. Keep it to four short paragraphs total.

Write like you talk on the lift—clear, upbeat, no fancy words. Swap a few details for every new address so they know you read the specs.

Washing windows looks simple, but your resume still needs to show you're safe, reliable, and fast. One sloppy line can convince a building manager you're more likely to drip water on a tenant's laptop than finish the job on time.

Need a resume that shows off your squeegee skills and safety record? These FAQs and tips will help you polish your Window Washer resume until it sparkles.