The Ultimate Guide to Writing an ATS-Friendly Resume

In today’s digitally driven job market, having a polished resume isn’t enough. If your resume isn’t optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), it may never even make it to a recruiter’s desk. With over 98% of Fortune 500 companies using ATS to streamline hiring, understanding how to make your resume compatible with such systems is crucial.

This guide will provide actionable tips and insights for creating an ATS-friendly resume that increases your chances of landing an interview.

What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

Before diving into the specifics of an ATS-friendly resume, let’s clarify what an Applicant Tracking System is. ATS is software used by employers to manage the hiring process. It scans resumes, filters out less relevant ones, and ranks candidates based on their alignment with the job description.

While ATS software can streamline recruitment, it often filters out resumes that are poorly formatted or lack the necessary keywords, even when the candidate is otherwise qualified. That means your application could be rejected before it’s ever reviewed by a human.

Why Does ATS Optimization Matter?

An ATS scans resumes for specific elements such as keywords, headings, and formatting. If your resume doesn’t meet ATS standards, it might never reach the hiring manager. Here’s why this matters:

• High Competition: Job postings often receive hundreds of applications.
• Time-Saving for Hiring Managers: ATS helps recruiters sift through applications quickly.
• Increased Visibility: Optimizing your resume for ATS means it’s more likely to be ranked higher in the system.

This system underscores the importance of creating a resume that balances key information and ATS-specific formatting.

Key Features of an ATS-Friendly Resume

Want to ensure your resume passes ATS screening? Pay attention to the following critical features:

1. Use Relevant Keywords

ATS software heavily relies on keywords to match resumes with job descriptions. Keywords should reflect the exact terminology used in the job posting. For instance:

• If the job posting asks for “Project Management,” don’t use “Project Coordination.”
• Use the industry jargon present in the job description.

Pro Tip: Use tools like Jobscan to identify keywords missing from your resume. This can dramatically improve your chances of passing the ATS filter.

2. Keep Formatting Simple

A resume that’s overly designed may look good to the human eye but can confuse ATS software. Here are specific formatting guidelines to follow:

• Use standard fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri.
• Save your resume as a .docx or .pdf file (only if the job description specifies).
• Use proper headings, such as “Work Experience” or “Education.”
• Avoid images, graphics, or tables as ATS may not process them correctly.

3. Stick to Chronological or Hybrid Formats

ATS systems find reverse-chronological or hybrid resume formats easier to process. Avoid functional resumes, which can obscure details and confuse parsing software.

4. Use Action Verbs

Begin bullet points with action verbs such as “led,” “managed,” “executed,” or “designed.” These verbs make your achievements stand out and align with the criteria ATS looks for.

5. Avoid Headers and Footers

Information in headers or footers such as contact details might get overlooked because many ATS don’t scan them accurately. Ensure all critical information is within the main body of your resume.

Common ATS Resume Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overloading with Graphics or Icons

While visually appealing resumes can catch a recruiter’s eye, they can wreak havoc in ATS. Avoid excessive use of graphics, icons, or fancy designs that may hinder ATS readability.

2. Ignoring the Job Description

Each job posting is unique. Failing to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for can be detrimental. ATS software looks for specific job-related keywords, so generic resumes are at a disadvantage.

3. Using Unreadable Fonts

Unusual fonts not only make it difficult for ATS to scan your resume but can also reduce readability for hiring managers. Stick to professional, clean fonts.

4. Overloading with Unnecessary Details

Avoid including unnecessary sections like hobbies unless they directly relate to the job.

Essential Sections for an ATS-Friendly Resume

Every section of your resume plays a role in telling recruiters why you’re a good fit for the job. Here are must-have sections:

1. Contact Information

• Name
• Email Address
• Phone Number
• LinkedIn Profile or Personal Website (optional but recommended)

Ensure your contact information is displayed clearly at the top of your resume.

2. Professional Summary

Use this section to introduce yourself in 2-3 sentences. Include role-specific keywords and highlight your most relevant accomplishments.

3. Work Experience

List your roles in reverse chronological order. Include:

• Job Title
• Company Name
• Dates of Employment
• Key Achievements (measurable and quantified where possible)

4. Skills

Include a mix of technical and soft skills that match the job description. For example:

• Technical Skills: Data Analysis, Java, Salesforce
• Soft Skills: Leadership, Collaboration, Time Management

5. Education

• Degree
• University Name
• Graduation Date

Include certifications if they are relevant to the position.

How to Test Your ATS Compatibility

Before submitting your resume, it’s a good idea to test it for ATS compatibility. Here are ways to do this:

• Using Online Tools: Platforms like Jobscan can analyze your resume’s ATS performance.
• Save as Plain Text: Convert your resume into plain text and review it. If it’s unreadable, ATS may also struggle to parse it.
• Seek Professional Help: Consulting a professional resume writer with ATS expertise ensures your resume meets current ATS standards.

The Bottom Line

Optimizing your resume for ATS makes the difference between being overlooked and landing an interview. By using relevant keywords, adhering to a clean format, and customizing your resume for every job application, you can improve your chances of getting noticed by recruiters — and by the ATS.

Need extra help creating an ATS-friendly resume? Contact me now to get a quote to get your paper written for you!