How to Write a Resume That Gets Past ATS Systems

• Use relevant keywords: Match the exact terms from job descriptions, like "SQL" instead of "database management."
• Stick to simple formatting: Avoid graphics, tables, columns, or fancy designs. Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri) and a clean, single-column layout.
• Choose the right file format: Save as .docx for maximum compatibility.
• Tailor for each job: Customize your resume to align with specific job descriptions and required skills.
• Organize clearly: Use standard section titles like "Work Experience" and "Education" to help ATS systems process your resume correctly.

Quick Formatting Tips:

• Avoid headers, footers, or text boxes.
• Use consistent date formats (e.g., "January 2025").
• Highlight skills in a "Core Competencies" section.

Tools to Optimize:

• Jobscan: Analyze your resume for ATS compatibility.
• Resume Worded: Get real-time feedback on improvements.

By following these steps, you'll increase your chances of passing ATS filters and landing that interview.

Optimizing Resume Content for ATS

Smart Use of Keywords

Use tools designed for keyword research to find common terms across job descriptions for your target role. Add a "Core Competencies" section near the top of your resume to showcase your most relevant skills for ATS (Applicant Tracking System) scanning. When listing skills, include both the full term and its abbreviation. For example, write "customer relationship management (CRM)" to improve recognition by ATS software.

Tailoring Your Resume to Job Descriptions

Every job application requires a personalized touch. Pay close attention to the specific language in job postings, as companies often use different terms for similar roles:

For instance, if a job mentions "SQL" as a required skill, use "SQL" instead of a broader term like "database management." This exact wording improves your chances of passing the ATS screening.

Avoiding Keyword Overload

Using too many keywords can make your resume sound awkward and could even trigger ATS red flags. Instead, weave keywords into detailed descriptions of your achievements. For example:

"Applicant tracking systems can more easily parse your information when it's in chronological order" [3].

Aim to include keywords naturally 2-3 times throughout your resume, focusing on the most relevant skills and experiences. This keeps your resume ATS-friendly while still engaging for hiring managers who review it after the initial screening.

Once you've optimized your content, the next step is ensuring your resume's format works seamlessly with ATS systems.

How To Write An Impressive ATS-Friendly Resume in 2025

Formatting Your Resume for ATS Compatibility

Making your resume work with applicant tracking systems (ATS) is crucial. These systems scan and interpret your resume, so proper formatting ensures your information is read accurately. Here's how to get it right.

Choosing the Right File Format

The file format you pick can make or break ATS scanning. Most modern systems handle both .docx and PDF files, but .docx is often the safest bet. Studies show around 20% of older ATS platforms might struggle with PDFs [5].

Structuring Standard Sections

Use clear and predictable section headers that ATS systems can easily recognize:

• Professional Experience or Work History
• Education
• Skills
• Certifications

For dates, stick to a consistent format like "Month Year" (e.g., January 2025) or MM/YYYY (e.g., 01/2025) to ensure the system tracks your timeline correctly.

Simplifying Your Formatting

Complex designs may look good, but they can confuse ATS software. Stick to these guidelines:

• Use standard fonts like Arial or Calibri in sizes 10–12 for text and 14–16 for headings, with one-inch margins.
• Avoid elements like headers, footers, text boxes, columns, tables, and graphics - they often disrupt ATS scanning.
• Stick to black text on a white background for clarity.
• Use simple emphasis like bold or italic sparingly and avoid fancy styling.
• Stick to basic bullet points (•) for lists.

Once your resume is formatted, consider using tools to check its ATS compatibility and fine-tune your application further.

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Tools and Resources for ATS Resume Optimization

Career-Ready Resources

Career-Ready Resources provides tools like AI-driven resume optimization, cover letter generators, and professional training programs. They offer both free and paid plans to suit different needs.

ATS Resume Scanners

ATS scanners check how well your resume aligns with the software used by hiring managers. Here's a quick comparison of some top tools:

After scanning and formatting your resume, the next step is to refine your keyword strategy to improve its compatibility.

Keyword Research Tools for Job Applications

Finding the right keywords is key to getting through ATS filters. Here's how to use popular platforms effectively:

LinkedIn Tips:

• Look at job descriptions and profiles of professionals in your target roles to spot commonly mentioned skills and terms.
• Check company pages for industry-specific language.

Using Google Keyword Planner: This tool helps you discover trending skills, certifications, and industry-relevant terms.

Common ATS Resume Mistakes to Avoid

Making the right choices in your resume format can greatly increase your chances of passing ATS (Applicant Tracking System) screening, even if your skills and experience align perfectly with the job.

Skip Graphics, Tables, and Columns

ATS software often struggles with visual elements, which can lead to parsing errors. To ensure your resume is read correctly, stick to a simple, clean layout. Use standard bullet points and clear section breaks to make your resume easy to navigate.

What to leave out:

• Images or logos
• Multi-column layouts
• Text boxes and sidebars
• Infographics or charts
• Headers and footers
• Borders or shading

Stick to Standard Section Titles

Using familiar section titles like "Work Experience" and "Education" helps ATS software correctly categorize your information. Creative alternatives - like "Career Journey" or "Expertise" - might seem appealing but can confuse the system and hurt your chances.

Recommended section titles:

• Work Experience
• Education
• Skills
• Contact Information
• Certifications

Place Contact Information Correctly

Your contact details should always appear at the top of your resume. Include the essentials:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Professional email address
• City and state
• LinkedIn URL (if relevant)

A clean, straightforward approach ensures ATS systems can process your resume without errors, giving you a better shot at landing that interview.

Conclusion: Key Points for an ATS-Friendly Resume

Crafting a resume that works well with ATS software requires a thoughtful approach that combines technical precision with readability for human recruiters. Success hinges on three main areas: formatting, keywords, and structure.

Start with the right format. The chronological format is still the most commonly accepted by ATS systems [2][3].

Incorporating keywords into your achievements makes your resume more ATS-compatible while also engaging recruiters. This method ensures your resume appeals to both systems and people [1][3].

Here’s a simple guide to include essential ATS-friendly elements:

Structure and Format

• Stick to a clean, single-column layout.
• Use consistent date formats and basic fonts like Arial or Calibri.

Content Organization

• Place your contact details clearly at the top.
• Include both full terms and acronyms for technical skills.
• Add a "Core Competencies" section under your professional summary.
• Naturally weave keywords from the job description into your experience sections.

Avoid common formatting mistakes and prioritize clarity to meet ATS standards while maintaining a professional look. The goal isn’t to trick the system but to present your qualifications in a way that both ATS software and recruiters can easily understand.

Focus on creating clear, results-oriented content that aligns with ATS requirements and grabs the attention of hiring managers. Regularly update your resume with relevant achievements and keywords to improve your chances of passing the initial screening and securing an interview.

FAQs

What is the best resume format for ATS?

Go with a reverse chronological format featuring clean and simple design. Save your resume as a .docx file unless the job posting specifies otherwise. This format highlights your career growth while ensuring it works well with ATS systems [2][3].

What are ATS friendly keywords?

Use the exact terms from job descriptions, including both full phrases and their acronyms (like "Customer Relationship Management (CRM)"). Tools such as Jobscan or LinkedIn can help you pinpoint relevant keywords for your industry [1][2].

How do you list skills on a resume for ATS?

Add a "Core Competencies" or "Areas of Expertise" section right below your professional summary. Include technical and soft skills that match the job description, using the exact wording for better ATS recognition. Group skills into categories to make them easier to read for both systems and recruiters [3].

How to check if a resume is ATS friendly?

Use tools like Jobscan or Resume Worded to check your resume's compatibility. These tools compare your resume to job descriptions, flagging missing keywords and formatting issues. For keyword alignment, Online-Utility.org's Text Analyzer can help match your content to job requirements [1][3][4].

What are common ATS formatting mistakes to avoid?

Here are some common mistakes that can cause issues with ATS systems:

• Avoid using graphics, tables, or overly complex layouts
• Stick to standard section headers
• Use a single-column format
• Skip headers and footers
• Opt for simple bullet points
• Place your contact information in a standard, easy-to-read location [3][4]