ATS-Friendly Resumes for Canada’s Light-Industrial Roles
- Austyn Reid
- Sep 25
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 26
If your resume can’t get past an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), a human may never see it. Here’s how job seekers in Canada’s light-industrial sectors—and the employers who hire them—can win the scan and land the interview.
This guide focuses on roles like general labour, warehousing, distribution, sanitation, food production (GMP), and equipment operation (e.g., forklift).
What ATS actually does (in plain English)
Most employers use ATS software to parse resumes into fields (name, skills, work history) and rank them against the job posting. The system looks for exact keyword matches, clean structure, and recent, relevant experience.
Your goal: make it effortless for the ATS to read, and obvious that you match the posting.
Resume structure that parses cleanly
Use simple headings (exact wording helps parsers):
Contact Information (City, Province, phone, email; do not include SIN).
Professional Summary (2–3 lines tailored to the role).
Skills (keyword-rich bullet list).
Work Experience (reverse-chronological, with measurable bullets).
Certifications & Training (e.g., WHMIS, GMP, Forklift).
Education (school or training provider).
Formatting tips
Use .docx or PDF without graphics; avoid tables, text boxes, columns, icons, headers/footers, or images.
Fonts 10.5–12 pt (Calibri, Arial).
Dates in a consistent format: Jan 2023–Present.
File name: Firstname-Lastname-JobTitle-Resume.pdf.
Keywords that matter (pick 8–15 that match the posting)
General Labour / Warehouse
Picking & packing, RF scanner, palletizing, shrink wrap, loading/unloading, inventory, cycle count, 5S, LOTO (lockout/tagout), CSA steel-toe, heavy lifting (up to 23 kg / 50 lb), order fulfillment
Forklift / Equipment
Counterbalance, Raymond Reach, Walkie rider, Order picker, Pallet jack, Dock stocker, Narrow aisle, Forklift certification, Pre-shift inspection
Food Production / GMP
GMP, WHMIS, HACCP, sanitation, allergen control, CCPs, quality checks, line changeover, batch records
Logistics / Distribution
Shipping/receiving, BOLs, waybills, staging, dispatch, route sequencing, courier systems, on-time delivery
Safety & Compliance
WHMIS, PPE, incident reporting, JHSC/HSR, safe lifting, ergonomics, machine guarding, heat stress
Tip: Mirror the employer’s wording. If the ad says “Raymond Reach,” include that exact phrase (not just “forklift”).
Bullet points that rank (and impress humans)
Use the Result + Method + Metric formula:
“Picked 130–150 orders/shift with 99.8% accuracy using RF scanner, supporting on-time shipping for major retailers.”
“Operated Raymond Reach and Counterbalance forklifts to replenish 40–60 pallets/shift; zero safety incidents in 12 months.”
“Maintained GMP standards with hourly quality checks and allergen controls; contributed to A-rating audit.”
Aim for 3–5 bullets per job, each with a number (rate, volume, accuracy, incidents, downtime, time saved).
Certifications & training (call them out clearly)
WHMIS (year)
Forklift certification (Counterbalance, Raymond Reach, Walkie; provider & year)
GMP/HACCP (food manufacturing)
First Aid/CPR, Working at Heights (if applicable)
If you’re in progress, write: “Forklift—Counterbalance/Reach (scheduled: Oct 2025).
Disclaimer
Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, DWS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. DWS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information.
