How to Write a Resume That Passes ATS: Unlock Your Dream Job

Writing a resume can feel like crafting a masterpiece. But, there’s a modern challenge: making sure it gets past the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

To get noticed, your resume needs to be designed to beat the ATS.

An ATS scans your resume for specific keywords and formats. This means you should use simple fonts, standard headings, and include the right words from the job description.

Matching the job description closely increases your chances of getting selected by the ATS.

It’s not just about looking good anymore; it’s about being readable by both humans and machines.

Keep your resume clear and keyword-rich to ensure it gets through the ATS and lands in front of a hiring manager’s eyes.

Understanding ATS

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) play a key role in today’s hiring process. These systems evaluate resumes and help companies find the best candidates faster.

What Is ATS?

An Applicant Tracking System, or ATS, is a type of software used by employers to manage job applications. It scans resumes to check if they match the job requirements. The system looks for specific keywords and phrases that align with the job description.

ATS filters out resumes that don’t meet the criteria. This helps employers quickly narrow down their candidate pool.

Knowing how this system works is important, so your resume gets noticed.

Why ATS Matters

Many companies use ATS to handle a large number of job applications. This means that if your resume isn’t optimized for ATS, it might be overlooked even if you are a great fit for the job.

An ATS-friendly resume uses the right keywords and is formatted correctly. It should be straightforward and clear, without too much fancy formatting that might confuse the system.

Make sure your resume is easy to read by both humans and machines.

Formatting Your Resume

Creating a resume that passes ATS means using a clean layout, consistent fonts, and the right file type. These key points will ensure your resume looks professional and can be read by any system.

Simple Layouts

Stick to straightforward layouts. Avoid fancy graphics, charts, or unusual fonts. Use headings and bullet points to organize your information. This makes it easier for both people and ATS to find key information quickly.

Use sections like:

• Contact Information
• Summary
• Work Experience
• Education
• Skills

Avoid complicated formats that might confuse the system. Stick to standard margins and simple text alignments. White space is your friend too; it helps make your resume readable.

Consistent Fonts

Using one or two fonts across your resume is essential. Stick to widely accepted fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri. These fonts are easy to read and ATS-friendly. Varying font sizes can highlight headings and subheadings.

Avoid using different fonts for each section. This can look messy and confuse the ATS. Use bold or italic styles sparingly to emphasize key points but keep it professional.

File Types Accepted by ATS

Save your resume in a file format that ATS can easily read. The best options are .doc, .docx, and .pdf. These formats are commonly accepted and ensure your resume appears correctly.

Avoid using file formats like .jpg, .png, or other image files. They may look nice but are often unreadable by ATS. Stick to text-based formats that ensure your resume gets through the system without issues.

Optimizing for Keywords

To get your resume past an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), you need to focus on keywords. These are terms and phrases that employers look for in resumes.

Identify Industry Keywords

Find the right keywords by studying job listings in your field. Look for terms that appear frequently in job descriptions. Use tools like LinkedIn or job boards to analyze multiple listings. Note down repeated skills, qualifications, and action verbs.

Make sure to include both hard skills (like “project management” or “Java programming”) and soft skills (like “teamwork” or “communication”). These keywords are often what the ATS will scan for first. By using these words, you can increase your chances of getting noticed.

Strategically Place Keywords

Place keywords naturally throughout your resume. Start by including them in your resume summary or objective. Also, weave them into your work experience and skills sections.

Instead of stuffing keywords randomly, ensure they fit contextually within your job descriptions and achievements.

Use bullet points to list achievements that align with these keywords. For example:

• Improved customer satisfaction by 20% through skilled teamwork and communication.

Ensure your job title and qualifications also reflect key terms from the job listings. This helps the ATS match your resume to the job requirements effectively.

Highlighting Relevant Experience

Focusing on your relevant experience can make your resume stand out to both ATS systems and hiring managers. Show how your past roles have prepared you for the job you’re applying for.

Tailor Your Work History

Make sure your work history fits the job you want. Use keywords from the job listing. Put the most important jobs first, especially those that match the job you want.

List job titles, company names, and dates. Keep descriptions short and focused.

Avoid extra details that do not matter for the job you want.

Use clear language. Say what you did and how it helped your past places of work.

Always think: will this help show I am right for this new job?

Emphasize Achievements Over Duties

Talk about what you have done, not just what you were supposed to do. Give numbers if you can, like:

• Increased sales by 20%
• Managed a team of 10 people
• Reduced costs by 15%

Action words like “led,” “created,” or “improved” show you got things done. This makes your work sound important and shows how you can help your next employer.

Achievements tell a better story than duties. Hiring managers want to know what value you brought to past jobs. This shows you can bring the same value to your new job.

Education and Certifications

To make your resume stand out and pass the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) filters, it’s essential to list your education and relevant certifications correctly.

Listing Education

Start with your highest degree first. Include the name of the institution, the degree you received, and your graduation date.

Example:

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
  • University of San Francisco
  • Graduated: May 2021

If your GPA is above 3.0, feel free to include it as well. You might also want to mention any honors or special distinctions. Use bullet points for clarity.

For instance:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Harvard Business School
  • Graduated: June 2023
  • GPA: 3.8
  • Graduated with Honors

Keep it neat and avoid long descriptions.

Including Relevant Certifications

List certifications that are directly related to the job you’re applying for. Start with the certification name, the issuing organization, and the date you received it.

Example:

• Certified Project Manager (CPM)
  • Project Management Institute (PMI)
  • Certified: August 2022

If you have a lot of certifications, focus on the most recent and relevant ones. Use bullet points to make it easy for the ATS to read.

You can format it like this:

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Certified: March 2023

Certifications can make a big difference, so include them wisely.

The Importance of Skills Section

Including a well-crafted skills section in your resume can make a big difference. It highlights your strengths and makes your application more attractive to employers and applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Hard Skills Vs. Soft Skills

Hard skills are specific abilities or knowledge you can measure. They include things like programming, data analysis, and foreign languages. Listing hard skills helps employers see if you fit the job requirements.

Soft skills are personal traits like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills show how you interact and work with others. A good mix of hard and soft skills can make you a strong candidate.

Make sure to include examples of both to show you’re well-rounded.

Technical Skills Proficiency

Technical skills are a type of hard skill but are more specific to certain fields. They include skills like coding, using specialized software, and understanding technical systems.

Highlighting technical skills can show your expertise in a specific area.

List your technical skills clearly. Employers and ATS look for keywords, so use the same terms you see in job descriptions.

This can help your resume get through the initial screening process and into the hands of a hiring manager.

Professional Summary and Objectives

Your professional summary and objectives are vital parts of your resume. They help grab the attention of hiring managers and show what you bring to the table.

Craft a Captivating Summary

Your professional summary is a brief snapshot of your career. It should highlight your main skills, experiences, and achievements. Aim for 3-4 sentences that showcase your strengths.

Use action verbs to make your summary stand out. Words like “led,” “developed,” and “managed” have high impact.

Focus on what makes you unique. Include numbers to give a clear picture of your success. For example, “Increased sales by 20%” is more powerful than just saying “improved sales.”

List specific skills related to the job you want.

Tailor your summary for each position you apply for to show you are the best fit.

Objectives That Add Value

Your objective statement tells the employer what you aim to achieve in the role. Keep it concise, 1-2 sentences. Focus on how you can benefit the company.

Start with a strong statement about your career goals. For example, “Seeking a marketing role to utilize my digital marketing skills.” This quickly tells employers what you want.

Align your objective with the company’s goals. Research the company and use keywords from the job description in your statement.

Use keywords related to the job to help your resume get past ATS filters.

An effective objective shows your ambitions and how you can help the company succeed. This makes you a more attractive candidate.

Using Job Descriptions to Your Advantage

To pass the ATS and stand out to hiring managers, make sure to tailor your resume to each job description. Recognize which skills and qualifications the job posting emphasizes.

Analyze the Job Posting

Start by carefully reading the job posting. Look for key skills, qualifications, and experience needed.

Notice the specific words and phrases the employer uses. Sometimes they’ll mention a skill multiple times or list it in a preferred or required section. These are important clues.

Make a list of these keywords. For example, if the job description mentions “project management” and “team leadership,” put these down. Look for both hard skills (like “JavaScript” or “data analysis”) and soft skills (like “communication” or “problem-solving”).

Match Your Resume to the Job Description

After identifying the keywords in the job posting, adjust your resume to include these exact words. This helps the ATS recognize your resume as a strong match.

Use the same terms in your skills section, work experience, and even in your summary statement.

For each job entry in your resume, highlight the responsibilities and achievements that align with the job description. If the job requires “project management,” detail a project where you led a team or managed resources effectively. This shows that you have the specific experience they are looking for.

 

Proofreading and Error Checking

Before sending your resume, it’s crucial to make sure it’s free from mistakes and formatted consistently. This ensures your resume looks professional and improves your chances of passing the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

Grammar and Spelling

Check for grammar and spelling errors meticulously. An error-free resume shows attention to detail.

• Use tools like Grammarly or Spellcheck in your word processor.
• Read your resume out loud to catch awkward sentences.
• Have a friend or family member review it.

Avoid common mistakes like misusing “their,” “there,” and “they’re.” Double-check that the formatting hasn’t caused any text to shift or create errors.

Consistency Checks

Consistency in your resume is key. It means using the same format and style throughout.

• Ensure all dates are in the same format (e.g., MM/YYYY).
• Check that font styles and sizes are uniform.
• Make sure bullet points are aligned and look the same.

Also, verify that your contact information is correct and consistent. All sections should have the same structure, so the layout looks professional. Consistency helps make your resume easier to read and pleasing to the eye.

Leveraging Professional Social Media

Professional social media can boost your job search. Optimizing your profile and being active on LinkedIn can make a big difference.

LinkedIn Profile Optimization

Make your LinkedIn profile stand out by using a professional photo and a catchy headline. Your photo should be clear and friendly. Your headline should quickly tell people what you do.

Add a summary that highlights your skills and experience. Keep it short and to the point. Use bullet points to list your achievements. This makes it easier to read.

Include keywords related to your industry in your profile. This helps recruiters find you when they search for candidates. Check job postings for commonly used terms and add those to your profile.

Connect with people in your industry. Join groups and participate in discussions. This shows you are engaged and helps you build a strong network.

Ask for recommendations from colleagues and supervisors. Positive recommendations add credibility to your profile. They make potential employers trust in your abilities.

Testing Your Resume with ATS Simulators

Testing your resume with ATS simulators is a smart way to see how well it will perform.

Steps to Test Your Resume:

1. Choose an ATS simulator. Some popular options are Jobscan and Resume Worded.
2. Upload your resume to the simulator.
3. Review the results and get feedback on areas to improve.

Benefits:

• Identify Keywords: Find out if you are using the right keywords.
• Formatting Checks: Ensure your layout is ATS-friendly.
• Get a Score: Understand how your resume scores against job descriptions.

Tips for Better Results:

• Use Standard Fonts: Stick to Arial or Times New Roman.
• Simple Layouts: Avoid tables, graphics, and complex designs.
• Complete Sections: Fill in each section fully.

Common Issues:

• Misspelled Keywords: Avoid typos to ensure keywords are picked up.
• Incorrect Formatting: Make sure headings and bullet points are formatted correctly.
• Missing Sections: Don’t leave out important sections like Education or Skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Creating a resume that passes ATS can be a game-changer in your job search. Get insights on key elements, optimization tips, formatting advice, and more.

What are the key elements to include for a resume to be ATS-friendly?

Make sure to use keywords from the job description. Use standard section headings like “Work Experience” and “Education.” List your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments clearly.

Can you suggest ways to optimize a resume for ATS without sacrificing readability for human recruiters?

Use clear and standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman. Avoid graphics and tables; stick to bullet points for easy reading. Focus on clear, concise language.

What are the top formatting tips to ensure your resume doesn’t get rejected by ATS systems?

Choose a simple layout without columns or headers. Save your file as a .docx or PDF. Avoid complex formatting like text boxes or images that ATS systems can’t read.

How can I tailor my resume to boost its scoring chances in an ATS evaluation?

Customize your resume for each job application. Incorporate keywords from the job posting. Highlight relevant experience and skills prominently.

Could you guide me through the process of choosing the right ATS-compatible resume template?

Select a template that’s simple and clean. Avoid fancy designs and graphics. Check if the template uses common section headers and allows you to list information clearly.

What action steps should I take to convert my current resume into an ATS-friendly format?

First, remove any images or complex formatting.

Use standard, easy-to-read fonts.

Update your headings to match standard resume formats.

Incorporate keywords from job ads you are targeting.

Save in a compatible format like .docx or PDF.