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In today’s world, technology is changing everything. This includes how people get jobs. Before your resume reaches a person, it has to pass a test by a computer program. This program is called an ATS, or Applicant Tracking System.
Let’s learn how to write an ATS friendly resume that passes this test and helps you get interviews.
An ATS-friendly resume is a resume that a computer system can read easily. Many companies now use these systems to check resumes before a human even sees them.
If your resume doesn’t have the right format or keywords, the ATS might reject it—even if you’re the best person for the job.
Big companies get hundreds of resumes every day. They don’t have time to read all of them. So, they use an ATS to help.
Here’s what the ATS does:
It reads your resume like a robot.
It looks for important words related to the job.
If your resume has the right words, it passes the test!
That’s why knowing how to write an ATS friendly resume is very important.
Let’s say you apply for a job online. When you send your resume:
The ATS scans it.
It looks for keywords, like “teamwork,” “coding,” or “communication.”
It also checks your resume layout.
If it likes your resume, it sends it to a hiring manager.
If not, your resume might not get seen at all!
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:
Start your resume with the job title you are applying for. For example:
“Junior Graphic Designer | Skilled in Canva & Photoshop”
“Web Developer Intern | Beginner in HTML & CSS”
This helps the ATS know what role you want.
Read the job description carefully. Look for important words the company uses. Add those words to your resume.
For example, if the job needs someone who knows “social media,” make sure you write:
“Managed social media pages.”
“Created content for Instagram.”
Pro tip: Don’t just copy. Use the words naturally!
Avoid using fancy fonts or designs. The ATS can’t read tables, images, or symbols.
Stick to this format:
| Section | What to Include |
| Contact Info | Name, Email, Phone, City |
| Summary | 2-3 lines about you and your goals |
| Skills | List of key skills like writing, coding |
| Education | Your school name and grade |
| Experience | Volunteer work, school projects |
Also, save your resume as a .docx or PDF file.
Use clear fonts like:
Arial
Calibri
Times New Roman
Use font size 11 or 12. Keep 1-inch margins on each side. Use bullet points like this:
Helped organize school event
Wrote articles for the school blog
Avoid using emojis, arrows, or colors.
Don’t just say, “I helped with a project.” Add results, like:
“Helped increase school newsletter readers by 30%”
“Raised ?5,000 in school charity event”
This shows the ATS and the hiring team that you get results!
Before hitting “submit,” run your resume through an ATS resume builder or scanner like Jobscruze. These tools check:
If your resume has the right keywords
If your format is ATS-friendly
If your file type is correct
This helps you make changes before you send it.
Here are some things that can confuse the ATS:
Using tables or columns
Adding photos or icons
Making your resume too long
Not using the right keywords
Using a fancy format
Instead, focus on learning how to write ATS friendly resumes in the right way. Keep it simple and clear.
In 2025, more companies will use ATS to hire people. In fact, over 98% of top companies already use it.
Even if you have amazing skills, your resume might get ignored if it’s not ATS-friendly. That’s why knowing how to write an ATS friendly resume is the first step to success.
Here are 3 simple templates for different types of jobs.
[Your Name]
[Your Email] | [Your Phone] | [City, State]
Summary:
Hardworking student with strong communication and writing skills. Looking for a part-time job in content creation.<
Skills:
- Teamwork
- Writing
- Time Management
Education:
Class 10, ABC High School – 2025
Experience:
Wrote weekly articles for the school blog. Helped plan a cultural day event.
[Your Name]
[Your Email] | [Your Phone] | GitHub: [Link]
Summary:
Tech-savvy student interested in web development. Knows HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Skills:
- HTML, CSS
- Python
- Problem Solving
Education:
Class 11, XYZ Tech School – 2025
Projects:
Built a basic website using HTML and CSS for school projects.
[Your Name]
[Your Email] | [Your Phone] | Portfolio: [Link]
Summary:
Creative student with a passion for marketing and design. Skilled in social media and poster making.
Skills:
- Canva
- Instagram Marketing
- Creative Writing
Education:
Class 9, Sunshine School – 2025
Experience:
Ran school Instagram page, created weekly posts and grew followers by 20%.
You don’t have to do everything on your own! Use online tools that help you build and test resumes. Some good options include:
JobsCruze ATS Resume Builder
Zety Resume Scanner
Resumeworded
Jobscan
These tools help you learn how to write an ATS friendly resume that passes every test.
Knowing how to write an ATS friendly resume is a superpower in 2025. It helps your resume reach real people and gives you a better chance of getting a job or internship.
Use simple formats
Add keywords from the job
Avoid graphics and images
Use bullet points
Test your resume before sending
If you follow these tips, your resume won’t just pass the robot test—it will impress the human recruiter too!
Ready to create your own ATS-friendly resume? Start now with a resume builder and make your future bright!
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