How to Create an ATS-Friendly Resume That Gets Noticed

Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is an advanced tool that simplifies employers' hiring process. This software scans, analyzes, and ranks resumes based on criteria set by the hiring team, acting as a digital gatekeeper to handle the large volume of applications received for each role.

The ATS evaluates resumes by extracting key details, such as keywords, skills, and qualifications, and matching them with the job’s requirements. It then organizes this data into a standardized format, making it easier for recruiters to search, filter, and compare applicants. However, if you don’t optimize your resume for ATS, it could be filtered out before it ever reaches a recruiter’s desk.

The numbers don't lie: more than 98% of Fortune 500 companies and around 75% of mid-to-large organizations rely on ATS to streamline their hiring processes. With the increasing prevalence of remote work and digital recruitment, these systems are becoming even more widespread. However, research indicates that up to 75% of qualified candidates are rejected by ATS due to formatting issues or missing critical keywords.

For example, consider a skilled software developer with a decade of experience who repeatedly faced rejection for roles for which they were highly qualified. Upon review, it turned out their resume, full of elaborate designs and unconventional fonts, was unreadable by ATS software. Once they optimized their resume for ATS compatibility, their interview rate skyrocketed by 300%. This highlights the importance of creating an ATS-friendly resume to ensure your skills and qualifications don't go unnoticed.

The key to making your resume ATS-friendly is using simple formatting that ensures readability by the software. Avoid overly designed templates that might cause errors in ATS parsing. Follow these tips:

• Choose standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (10-12 point size).
• Use consistent alignment and spacing throughout.
• Avoid including text boxes, tables, columns, headers, footers, or images.
• Stick to conventional resume formats, such as reverse chronological order.

Incorporating the right keywords is crucial for passing ATS filters. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Analyze the job description and note critical terms and phrases.
• Include both full terms and acronyms (e.g., "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)").
• Place keywords naturally in your experience, skills, and achievements.
• Use industry-standard language, avoiding company-specific jargon.

File format plays a significant role in ensuring ATS compatibility:

• Save your resume in .docx format (Microsoft Word) for best results.
• Use text-based PDFs only if specified, avoiding scanned image PDFs.
• Avoid formats like Apple Pages or Google Docs unless requested.
• Test the file by copying and pasting its text into a plain text editor; if the structure remains intact, it’s ATS-friendly.

Organizing your resume logically and clearly improves its ATS readability:

• Use standard section headers such as "Work Experience," "Education," "Skills," and "Certifications."
• Avoid creative or non-standard section titles like "My Career Path."
• Keep the flow logical and consistent.
• Format dates consistently (e.g., MM/YYYY or Month YYYY).

Your skills section should be tailored to the role you’re applying for while maintaining relevance:

• Include a mix of hard (technical) and soft (interpersonal) skills.
• Group similar skills together for easy scanning.
• Reflect on the exact phrasing of skills listed in the job description.
• Add proficiency levels where applicable.
• Remove outdated or unrelated skills.

Strike the right balance between technical terms and plain language:

• Write out full terms followed by their acronyms in parentheses (e.g., "Customer Relationship Management (CRM)").
• Use widely recognized industry terms instead of niche jargon.
• Include both full terms and acronyms if both are commonly used in job descriptions.
• Avoid excessive use of obscure abbreviations.

Personalization is critical to maximizing your chances of success:

• Start with a master resume that includes all your experience and skills.
• Modify each version of your resume to align with the specific job description.
• Update keywords and highlight relevant achievements for each role.
• Arrange sections to emphasize the most pertinent information for the role.

Before submitting, ensure your resume meets ATS standards:

• Use online ATS testing tools to identify potential issues.
• Seek advice or feedback from professionals in your industry.
• Compare your resume with samples of ATS-optimized resumes in your field.
• Regularly update your resume to reflect new skills, roles, or achievements.

Steer clear of these 4 pitfalls to ensure your resume passes the ATS screening:

1. Excessive Keyword Use: Overloading your resume with keywords in an unnatural way can make it difficult for recruiters to read.
2. Overly Complex Design: ATS systems struggle with resumes with elaborate layouts, graphics, or charts.
3. Formatting Issues: Using inconsistent fonts, formats, or date styles can lead to errors when ATS parses your information.
4. Hidden Keywords: Embedding invisible text with extra keywords is a common trick that ATS systems can detect and may result in disqualification.

Enhancing your job application goes beyond crafting an ATS-friendly resume. Consider these additional steps:

• Keep your LinkedIn profile updated to reflect the details in your resume.
• Write a tailored cover letter that complements your resume and reinforces key terms.
• Expand your professional network to increase the likelihood of securing referrals and bypassing ATS filters.
• Track your successful applications and refine your strategy based on what works.

Optimizing your resume for ATS is crucial to thrive in today's job market. Doing so dramatically improves your chances of passing the initial screening process and having your application reviewed by recruiters. Keeping your resume updated is vital as job requirements and ATS technology continue to evolve.

Begin by evaluating your current resume and aligning it with proven ATS-friendly strategies. Leverage professionally designed, ATS-compliant templates from trusted career resources, and don’t forget to test your resume for compatibility before submitting it to employers.