Given that 3 in 4 recruiters now use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to review applicants, if you don’t know how to make an ATS-friendly resume, you’re at a huge disadvantage.
In this article, we’ll share the practical tips and tools for writing an ATS-friendly resume, along with templates you can use to make your application resonate with both the ATS software and the human recruiters behind it.
What is an ATS-Friendly Resume?
An ATS-friendly resume is tailored to be easily readable and interpretable by an ATS or Resume parsing software. Composing a resume that a candidate tracking system can understand is essential to ensure your application doesn't get overlooked.
How an ATS Reads Your Resume
An ATS scans for specific keywords, formatting, and structures that match the job description they have on hand. Unlike a human recruiter, it doesn't have the capacity to infer or assume anything from your text.
The applicant tracking tool identifies section headings and other types of “expected” information to parse your career details through algorithms, filtering resumes that don't meet the specific guidelines set by the hiring company.
Algorithms, as smart as they are, are not written to appreciate uniqueness. An ATS can, for example, understand a section of a resume called “Skills” and look for relevant skills beneath it. It cannot apply the same logic (yet) to a section called “My Toolbox” or “Reasons I’m Rad”.
Let’s take a look at the mechanics behind these systems to see further how these tools read an application.
ATS Likes Relevant Keywords
When an ATS scans your resume, it’s looking for specific keywords that match the job description. These keywords represent the skills, qualifications, and experience required for the position.
It’s not just about listing hard skills but also showcasing relevant soft skills.
ATS-friendly resume hack: Let the job posting guide you. Pay attention to the terms and phrases used repeatedly. Incorporate these exact words into your resume, as these are what the ATS is programmed to look for.
While resume keywords are essential, an ATS also considers other factors like your experience, education, and file format.
ATS Favors Certain Resume Format
While it might be tempting to create a visually striking resume with tables, headers, footers, and graphics, these elements can actually hinder an ATS from reading your resume correctly. Many ATS systems struggle to interpret information contained within tables or under unusual headings.
Best resumes for the ATS often use chronological resume style and fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri, bullet points, and file types like .docx or PDF file. Importantly, they don’t contain images or graphics.
Resumes are Scanned via the ATS’ Resume Parsing Tool
A resume scanner, or parsing software, is the part of an ATS that automatically “reads” your information. It breaks down the information into categories like education, work experience, years of experience, skills, and more so that it can neatly compare candidates and convey a top-tier to the recruiting team.
If your resume does not match what the software is looking for, important details may be missed or misunderstood.
8 Tips to Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly
With so many companies relying on automated systems to screen applications, it's essential to understand how to tailor a professional resume to meet both human and machine expectations.
Here's a guide to help you write a resume that will not only pass through ATS but also impress recruiters and hiring managers:
1. Customize Your Resume for Each Job Application
One size doesn't fit all when it comes to resumes. If you want to stand out, you'll need to customize your resume for each job application. In this customization, your experience section must reflect the specific needs of each role.
Start by analyzing the job description to identify the specific keywords and skills required. Tools like Resumeworded can assist you in finding the necessary keywords within the job description, allowing you to make your resume more relevant to the role.
2. Use Standard Formatting
Keep your resume formatting clean and straightforward. Use simple fonts, and standard headings, Microsoft Word document or Google Docs file, and avoid functional resume format, graphics, or fancy design elements that could confuse the ATS. Bullet points are your friend, and they allow for a clear presentation of your qualifications and achievements.
3. Optimize for Keywords but Avoid Keyword Stuffing
While it's crucial to include relevant keywords, don't overdo it. An ATS can detect keyword stuffing, and it may lead to your resume being flagged. Sprinkle the right keywords naturally within your experience, education, and skills sections, reflecting your true qualifications.
4. Include Relevant Resume Sections
Make sure your CV includes standard resume sections like Summary, Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications. These help the ATS categorize your information accurately and ensure that nothing important gets overlooked.
5. Use a Professional Filename
Naming your resume file professionally (e.g., "AlinaNeverovaResume.doc") helps ensure that it's easily identifiable by both the ATS and human recruiters.
6. Use an ATS-friendly Resume Template
Many online platforms offer templates specifically designed to be ATS-friendly. These can be a great starting point, especially if you're unsure about the formatting guidelines.
7. Proofread and Test Your Resume
Carefully proofread your resume to eliminate any errors. Some platforms also allow you to test how ATS-friendly your resume is, giving you an opportunity to make necessary adjustments.
8. Prepare for the Next Step
Passing the ATS is just the beginning. You'll also want to be ready for the next stages of the hiring process. Utilize career advice, resume writing techniques, and insights from professionals to prepare for interviews and more. For more insights, check out these valuable interview tips for job seekers to help you shine in person.
Remember, the goal of tailoring your resume for ATS is not to trick the system but to present your qualifications in a way that aligns with what companies are looking for. They want to find the best candidate for the job, and by taking these steps, you'll be helping them see that you are that candidate.
ATS-Compliant Resumes: Do’s and Don’t
Before we discuss ATS-friendly resume examples, it’s important to understand what makes a resume friendly (or aloof) toward the applicant tracking tool.
- Do focus on readability: Is your resume easy to read, both for the recruitment software and human eyes? If not, try to rewrite it with clean lines, simple fonts, and a layout that flows logically.
- Do verify contact information: Your contact information must be up to date and formatted consistently. Any discrepancy might create confusion for the ATS as well as the recruiter.
- Do optimize your LinkedIn profile: Your online presence can also be essential in the recruitment process as the company may use an AI recruiting or AI candidate screening tool to verify your career info. So make sure your LinkedIn profile is optimized to mirror the professional portrayal in your application.
- Do use action verbs: Incorporate action verbs to describe your experiences. These convey a sense of purpose and align with the language that recruiters often look for. Good examples of action verbs are acted, adapted, composed, conceptualized, created, customized, designed, and developed.
- Don't rely solely on spell check: While spellcheck tools catch many errors, they might overlook abbreviations or context-specific mistakes. Have someone review your resume or read it aloud to catch any unnoticed errors.
- Don't use headers or footers: An ATS may have difficulty reading information placed in headers or footers. Keep all crucial information within the main body of the document.
- Don't include personal or sensitive information: Your Social Security number or personal identification should never be part of your resume. Keep the information professional and relevant to the job application.
- Don't use acronyms without explanation: If using industry-specific acronyms, make sure to spell them out at least once to ensure that both ATS and recruiters understand them.
ATS-Friendly Resume Templates
Optimizing your resume for applicant tracking software while ensuring it remains attractive to recruiters is a tricky balance. This ATS-friendly resume template can help.
Contact Information
- Your full name
- Phone number
- Professional email address
- LinkedIn profile URL
Objective or Summary
A brief statement highlighting your career goals and what you aim to achieve in your next job.
For example: “Seasoned project manager with 7+ years of experience in the Recruitment and PeopleOps industry. Proven track record of decreasing time and cost to hire while increasing the quality of hires. Seeking to leverage skills and experience to contribute to XYZ Corp's growth and success.”
Work Experience
List your work experience in reverse chronological order using this format:
- Job Title: Senior Project Manager
- Company Name: ABC Tech
- Employment Dates: January 2016 - Present
- Job Description:
- Managed a diverse team of 15, delivering multiple concurrent projects with budgets of up to $1M.
- Increased project completion rate by 20%, while reducing budget overruns by 30%.
- Implemented new project management software, leading to a 15% increase in team productivity.
Education
List your degrees, institutions, graduation dates, and relevant coursework or honors.
Skills
A list of relevant skills, focusing on those mentioned in the job description.
For example:
- Proficient in MS Office Suite, with an emphasis on Excel
- Strong communication and team leadership skills
- Expert in project management software: Trello, Asana, JIRA
- Excellent time management and organizational skills
Certifications and Awards
Any additional certifications, licenses, or awards that support your qualifications.
Professional Memberships
Memberships in professional organizations related to your field.
How to Check If Your Resume Is ATS-Friendly
It’s wise to always review your resume carefully before submitting it. Below is a list of sources you can utilize to make sure your CV is friendly to most ATS systems.
Review the Job Description Carefully
Identify the key skills, qualifications, and attributes they are seeking. These should be mirrored in your resume to ensure alignment with the role.
Use ATS Resume Checkers
There are several ATS resume builders that can help you gauge how well your resume matches a specific job description, and many are free to use. For example, Skillsyncer and JobScan offer resume feedback based on the position you're applying for. These platforms compare your resume against the job description to see how well they match and provide suggestions on keywords, skills, and other elements that they think the ATS may look for.
Ask A Professional
If you're unsure about your resume's ATS compatibility, consider seeking professional help. Many resume writers and career coaches specialize in creating ATS-friendly resumes. They understand how these systems work and what recruiters are looking for.
Conduct a Peer Review
Sometimes, a fresh set of eyes can catch mistakes you might have missed. Ask a friend or colleague who understands your industry to review your resume. Their insights might uncover valuable improvements.
Test with Actual Applications
While this might sound unconventional, applying to jobs and monitoring your response rate can give you real-world feedback on your resume's effectiveness. If you notice a pattern of non-responses, it might be time to revisit your resume.
Conclusion
As you've seen, Fortune 500 companies and startups rely on applicant tracking systems to sift through the multitude of applications they receive. Crafting an ATS-compliant resume can significantly impact your job search success.
The tips, templates, and tools discussed in this article offer a pathway to a resume that appeals to both machine and human recruiters.
Last but not least, if you plan on cutting the cover letter from your application, you shouldn’t. Many companies still value a well-crafted cover letter as part of the application process, and the ATS doesn’t overlook but scans for relevant work history and experience in it just like it does with your resume.
