Is this really all free?

Yes. Every tool on TopApplicant is free: the AI review, the AI rewrite, the resume builder and its PDF download, job tailoring, cover letters and the LinkedIn grader. No account, no email, no card.

What's the catch? How do you make money?

There isn't one on this site. TopApplicant is made by NovionOne, and it's how people find our paid product, CV2Folio, which turns your resume into a hosted portfolio site. Your first portfolio there is free too; we only charge if you want more.

Will my resume pass ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)?

TopApplicant scores your resume on ATS compatibility, flags formatting and keyword gaps that block parsers, and shows the exact keywords recruiters search for in your target role.

Is my resume stored or shared?

Your file is processed for the review and is not shared. We do not require an account, email, or login to use any of the tools.

How long does the AI review take?

Under 60 seconds. Most reviews finish in 20–40 seconds depending on resume length.

What file formats do you accept?

PDF uploads and plain text paste are supported. The AI editor and the builder both return a downloadable, ATS-friendly PDF.

Manufacturing & Engineering ATS keywords

Manufacturing and engineering resumes are filtered on specific certifications, CAD tools and process-improvement methodologies - ATS systems here favor precise technical terms over generalist language.

Keywords to include

Lean manufacturingA core process-improvement methodology scanned across nearly all manufacturing roles.

Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt)A named certification level is often a hard filter for process engineering roles.

CAD software (SolidWorks/AutoCAD)Specific design tools are named directly in engineering job postings.

Quality control/ISO 9001Certification-linked keyword essential for quality and compliance-focused roles.

Root cause analysisCore problem-solving methodology keyword across engineering and quality roles.

Supply chain managementRelevant for production planning and procurement-adjacent engineering roles.

Process improvementA broad but consistently scanned keyword across operations and engineering roles.

Production planningCore keyword for manufacturing operations and industrial engineering roles.

Preventive maintenanceRelevant for plant and reliability engineering roles.

GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)A precise technical keyword for mechanical design roles.

FEA/simulationAnalysis method keyword scanned for in design and structural engineering roles.

Health & safety (OSHA)Regulatory compliance keyword required across nearly all plant and manufacturing roles.

Inventory managementRelevant for operations and supply-chain adjacent engineering roles.

Kaizen/continuous improvementA named lean methodology, frequently listed explicitly in job descriptions.

PLC programmingSpecific to automation and controls engineering roles.

Project management (engineering)Scanned for in roles managing capital projects or product launches.

Root cause corrective action (RCCA/CAPA)Common in quality-focused manufacturing environments.

Vendor/supplier managementRelevant for procurement-adjacent engineering and operations roles.

Cost reductionA results-oriented keyword almost always paired with a dollar figure.

AutomationA growing keyword across manufacturing as plants modernize equipment and processes.

Tips for this industry

Name the specific CAD software and version (SolidWorks 2024) rather than 'CAD experience'
List certification levels precisely (Six Sigma Green Belt vs. Black Belt) since ATS filters can be that specific
Pair process-improvement keywords with a dollar or percentage figure (cost saved, cycle time cut)
Include safety certifications (OSHA 30) explicitly - many plants hard-filter for this
Specify production volume or plant size to anchor the scale of your experience

See how many of these manufacturing & engineering keywords your resume already has.

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