General Service Technician Resume Guide

Introduction

A well-structured resume for a general service technician is essential for passing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) in 2025. These systems scan resumes for specific keywords and clear formatting to identify qualified candidates. Crafting an ATS-friendly resume ensures your skills and experience are recognized quickly by recruiters, increasing your chances of landing an interview.

Who Is This For?

This guide is designed for entry-level to mid-career general service technicians in regions like the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia. Whether you’re a recent graduate, switching careers into technical services, or returning after a break, this advice helps you create a clear, keyword-rich resume that appeals to both ATS and human reviewers. It’s especially useful if you’re applying for roles in facilities management, maintenance, or technical support across commercial, industrial, or residential sectors.

Resume Format for General Service Technician (2025)

Use a clean, straightforward layout with clearly labeled sections: Summary, Skills, Experience, Projects (if applicable), Education, and Certifications. Prioritize a chronological format that highlights your most recent experience first. A one-page resume is usually sufficient for those with less than 10 years of experience; a two-page format can be used if you have extensive experience or specialized certifications. Always include a portfolio or links to work samples if relevant, especially for specialized technical skills.

Role-Specific Skills & Keywords

• Preventive maintenance procedures
• HVAC, plumbing, electrical troubleshooting
• Equipment repair & diagnostics
• Safety protocols and compliance (OSHA, ISO standards)
• Use of diagnostic tools and software
• Customer service and communication skills
• Reading technical manuals and schematics
• Forklift, crane, or heavy machinery operation
• Inventory management and parts ordering
• Emergency response and problem-solving
• Documentation and reporting
• Team collaboration and communication
• Time management and multitasking

Incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your resume, particularly in the Skills section, experience descriptions, and certifications.

Experience Bullets That Stand Out

• Conducted preventive maintenance on HVAC and electrical systems, reducing system failures by ~15% annually.
• Diagnosed and repaired complex plumbing issues, restoring function within 24 hours and minimizing downtime.
• Managed inventory for parts and tools, ensuring critical supplies were available for immediate use, reducing delays.
• Adhered to safety standards and protocols, achieving zero safety violations over 12 months.
• Collaborated with clients and team members to resolve service issues efficiently, boosting customer satisfaction scores by ~10%.
• Trained new technicians on troubleshooting techniques and safety procedures, improving team productivity.
• Documented all service activities accurately using digital systems, ensuring compliance and easy reporting.

Related Resume Guides

• Field Service Technician Resume Guide
• Hvac Service Technician Resume Guide
• Service Technician Resume Guide
• General Maintenance Technician Resume Guide
• Line Service Technician Resume Guide

Common Mistakes (and Fixes)

• Vague summaries: Instead of “Performed maintenance,” specify what maintenance and results. For example, “Performed HVAC system repairs, improving efficiency and reducing energy costs.”
• Overly dense paragraphs: Break content into bullet points for easier ATS parsing and readability.
• Generic skills: Avoid listing skills like “hard worker” — focus on technical skills and certifications.
• Fancy formatting: Steer clear of tables, text boxes, or graphics that can confuse ATS parsers.
• Lack of quantification: Use metrics or percentages to demonstrate impact whenever possible.

ATS Tips You Shouldn't Skip

• Save your resume as a Word (.docx) or PDF file with a clear filename, such as “John_Doe_General_Service_Technician_2025.”
• Use consistent section labels like “Skills,” “Experience,” and “Certifications.”
• Incorporate synonyms and related keywords (e.g., “maintenance,” “repair,” “troubleshooting”) to match ATS variations.
• Keep formatting simple: avoid nested tables, headers, or footnotes.
• Use active tense and present tense for current roles, past tense for previous jobs.
• Ensure sufficient spacing between sections to improve readability.
• Tailor your resume for each application by aligning keywords with the specific job description.

Following this guide will help you craft a clear, keyword-rich, ATS-optimized resume that showcases your skills as a general service technician and increases your chances of passing automated screenings in 2025.