How to Create an ATS Friendly Resume

Tired of applying to numerous jobs and still not hearing back? 

This is because you’re simply applying with a well-written resume, which isn't enough. Your resume isn’t formatted the correct way or doesn’t include the right ATS keywords. It is being rejected before it even reaches the hiring desk.

That’s where an ATS friendly resume comes into sight.

An Applicant Tracking System is software that is used by employers to scan, filter, and rank resumes based on specific criteria selected by the company. This helps human recruiters identify the best candidates from a large pool of applicants. Your resume should be friendly for the Applicant Tracking System, so that it is seen by the hiring managers. 

So, how do you ensure that your resume is the ATS- friendly one? Let’s break it down.


1. Use a Simple and Clean Resume Format

Fancy designs, colorful templates, and graphics may look great, but, in most cases, they often confuse ATS software. Stick to a simple and traditional layout. Make use of clear headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills”, instead of unnecessary keywords.

Avoid:

  • Tables or text boxes

  • Headers and footers with important information

  • Graphics, images, or charts

Use:

  • Standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman

  • Black text on a white background

  • Clear section headings


2. Include the Right Keywords

The ATS friendly resume mostly relies on specific keywords such as specific skills, qualifications, and job titles listed in the job description.

If a job posting asks for “project management,” or “data analysis,” and you have those skills, make sure they appear in your resume exactly as written in the job description. 

Including the right keywords is essential for creating an applicant tracking system resume. Use tools that compare your resume with the job description to highlight which terms to add or remove. This alignment boosts your chances of passing the initial ATS screening.


3. Label Sections Clearly

ATS systems read resumes top to bottom. Clearly label sections using standard titles so the system can categorize your information correctly.

Stick to common terms like:

  • Professional Summary

  • Work Experience

  • Education

  • Skills

  • Certifications

Avoid using creative section names like “Where I’ve Worked” or “My Career Journey”, they might be confusing for the system.


4. Optimize Your Resume File Type

Most applicant tracking systems accept .docx or .pdf files, but not all of them are ATS-friendly. If you’re unsure, submit your resume as a .docx (Word) file, which is generally the safest option for the ATS resume checkers.

Also, always name your file clearly: Example: Name_Role_Resume.pdf


5. Use Standard Job Titles

If your past job title was unique or creative, translate it to a standard one that ATS software can recognize.

For example:

  • Instead of “People Wizard,” use “Human Resources Manager”

  • Instead of “Customer Happiness Agent,” use “Customer Service Representative”

You can still show your personality in your cover letter or during the interview!


6. Highlight Hard Skills and Tools

Most ATS softwares are programmed to search for hard skills and tools, such as:

  • Excel

  • Python

  • Google Analytics

  • QuickBooks

  • Adobe Creative Suite

Be sure to include them, especially if they’re mentioned in the job description.


7. Avoid Spelling and Grammar Mistakes

Spelling mistakes can confuse cv score checkers, especially if they affect key terms like job titles or tools. Run a spelling and grammar check before you submit your resume.


8. Check Your Resume’s ATS Score

Before sending your resume, it’s smart to run an applicant tracking system resume and CV score check. Several free tools online will analyze your resume and show how it performs against a specific job description.

Popular tools include:

These tools help you understand:

  • How well your resume matches the job listing

  • What keywords you’re missing

  • Where formatting could be improved

Running a CV score check gives you the chance to improve your resume before hitting “submit”, also making the cv as an ATS friendly resume.


9. Add a Professional Summary

Your professional summary is the first thing the ATS reads. Use it to highlight your top skills and experience using keywords from the job description.

Example:
Professional Summary:
Experienced digital marketing manager with 5+ years in SEO, content strategy, and Google Ads. Proven track record in increasing organic traffic and improving conversion rates.


10. Don’t Try to Trick the System

Some people try to game the ATS by stuffing their resume with hidden keywords, for example, white text on a white background. Don’t do this. Nowadays, recruiters can detect these through  advanced ATS systems, and it may lower your chances of getting hired. 


Conclusion 

An ATS friendly resume doesn’t just help you pass the software, it gets your application seen by real people. By using the right format, relevant keywords, tools like an applicant tracking system resume scanner and CV score checker, you significantly improve your chances of landing an interview and getting that dream job.

The key for this is to keep it simple, relevant, and tailored to each job. It may take a bit more time, but it will be worth every effort made.

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