How to Write an ATS-Friendly Resume

Creating a resume that is friendly to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) is crucial in today’s job market. ATS software is used by many employers to filter and rank resumes before they reach human eyes. Here’s a detailed guide on how to write an ATS-friendly resume.

Technology is changing how we do everything, including job applications. To stay ahead in today’s job market, you need a resume that's ATS-friendly.

ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System. It’s a type of software used by employers to make hiring easier and more efficient. The ATS helps manage, review, and sort job applications automatically. When you submit your resume, it usually goes into an ATS database. Most people don’t realize this, but understanding how to make your resume ATS-friendly can help it get noticed.

Check your resume’s score instantly with our jobscruze free AI resume checker. Our tool reviews your resume based on important factors that recruiters and hiring managers seek. Find out how to enhance your resume with practical advice. Using our AI resume checker  can help you strengthen your resume and boost your chances of getting more interviews!

What is an ATS (Applicant Tracking System)?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that big companies use to handle job applications and make hiring easier.

Here’s what an ATS does

Manage Job Postings

It helps companies create and manage job ads. It collects and sorts all the job applications in one place. It sends messages to job candidates about their application status.

Generate Reports

It creates reports to help employers understand the hiring process better. Overall, an ATS helps companies handle many applications efficiently and make better hiring decisions. It’s used for everything from posting jobs to finalizing hires.

What is an ATS-Friendly Resume?

An ATS-friendly resume is designed so that Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can easily read and understand it.

1. Tailor Your Resume

Every job is unique, and employers look for specific skills and experiences that match their needs. Tailoring your resume shows that you have taken the time to understand the role and how you fit into it.

Highlight keywords and phrases that stand out. These often include required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities. Adjust your resume to reflect the language used in the job description. If the job requires "project management experience," make sure to include that exact phrase if it applies to you. If you have skills that are particularly relevant to the job, make sure they are prominently featured in your resume.

2. Use a Simple Format

ATS software can struggle to read complex formats, which may lead to your resume being misinterpreted or discarded. Use easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Please maintain a font size of 10 to 12 points, columns, or graphics. Instead, use bullet points and clear headings to organize information. Use plenty of white space to make your resume easy to skim. This helps both the ATS and human reviewers quickly find important information.

3. Include Relevant Keywords

Keywords are the terms that ATS software scans for to determine if your resume matches the job description. Including the right keywords increases your chances of passing the initial screening. Look for specific skills, qualifications, and job titles in the job listing. Pay attention to both hard skills (like “data analysis”) and soft skills (like “team leadership”).

Include both the full name and abbreviations of relevant terms. For example, if the job requires knowledge of “Search Engine Optimization,” use both “SEO” and “Search Engine Optimization” in your resume. Make sure to incorporate these keywords naturally into your work experience, skills, and summary sections. Avoid keyword stuffing, which can make your resume sound awkward.

4. Organize with Clear Sections

The information is categorized by ATS software by searching for specified headings. Using standard section titles helps the software understand your resume structure. Label your sections with clear titles such as “Work Experience,” “Education,” “Skills,” and “Certifications.” Avoid creative headings that could confuse the ATS. List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. This makes it easier for both ATS and hiring managers to see your career progression. List your achievements and responsibilities for each position using bullet sections. This format makes it easier for the ATS to parse your information.

5. Save as a PDF or .docx

The format in which you save your resume can affect whether it gets read correctly by the ATS. Some formats are more compatible than others. Save your resume as a PDF or a Microsoft Word (.docx) file. These formats are widely accepted and typically work well with ATS. Always read the job application instructions carefully. If the employer specifies a preferred format, make sure to follow their guidelines. Steer clear of formats like .jpg, .png, or .txt, as these may not be processed correctly by ATS software.

Conclusion

By following these detailed steps, you can create an ATS-friendly resume that increases your chances of getting noticed by employers. Tailoring your resume, using a simple format, including relevant keywords, organizing it with clear sections, and saving it in the right file type will help ensure your application makes it through the initial screening.