ATS scanners have become a common hurdle in the modern job application process. If you’re looking to improve your chances of getting past these digital gatekeepers, you’ve come to the right place.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 12 effective techniques to ensure your resume successfully navigates through applicant tracking systems. These straightforward strategies will help you optimize your resume, increasing its visibility to potential employers.
What does ATS stand for?
ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System. It’s the digital gatekeeper that many companies use to manage job applications. These systems help recruiters and hiring managers sort through large volumes of resumes quickly and efficiently.
While ATS might sound like a scary robot overlord, it’s really just a tool to help companies find the best candidates for their open positions.
How does ATS software work?
ATS software works by scanning resumes for specific keywords, skills, and qualifications that match the job description. It ranks resumes based on how well they align with these criteria. The system then presents the top-ranking resumes to recruiters for further review.
Some ATS software can also parse resume information into a standardized format, making it easier for recruiters to compare candidates.
It’s like a helpful assistant for HR teams, but one that needs you to speak its language to get noticed.
Why should you optimize your resume for ATS?
You should optimize your resume for ATS to increase your chances of getting your application in front of human eyes. By tailoring your resume to ATS requirements, you’re essentially giving yourself a ticket to the next round of the hiring process.
Without optimization, even if you’re the perfect candidate, your resume might get lost in the digital shuffle.
Related article: How Long Should a Resume Be? The Definitive Guide (with examples)
Write an ATS-friendly resume using these 12 techniques
Creating an ATS-friendly resume is all about making sure your application gets through the digital gatekeepers. Let’s dive into the top 12 techniques you can use to ensure your resume makes it past ATS scanners.
1. Use standard section headings
Using standard section headings like “Professional Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills” is crucial for an ATS-friendly resume. These headings help the system understand the different parts of your resume and ensure that your information is categorized correctly.
Avoid creative or unconventional headings, as they might confuse the software. Stick to the basics to make sure your resume passes the first round.
2. Include relevant keywords
Including relevant keywords is a must for getting past an ATS and catching a recruiter’s eye. Keywords are the specific terms that match the skills, qualifications, and experience mentioned in the job posting.
Make sure to use them naturally throughout your resume, especially in the skills and experience sections. This increases the chances of your resume being flagged as a good match.
What is the role of keywords in passing ATS?
Keywords play a critical role in passing an ATS because they help match your resume to the job description. The ATS scans for specific words and phrases that indicate you’ve got the skills and experience needed for the role.
If your resume lacks these keywords, it might not even get seen by a human recruiter. So, make sure you’re speaking the same language as the job posting.
What are ATS-friendly keywords?
ATS-friendly keywords are the exact words and phrases that an applicant tracking system looks for when scanning resumes. These include job titles, skills, qualifications, and industry-specific terms relevant to the position.
The best way to find these keywords is by carefully reading the job description and incorporating those terms into your resume. This increases your chances of making it past the ATS and landing an interview.
3. Choose the right resume format
Choosing the right resume format depends on your experience and the job you’re applying for. The most common formats are chronological, functional, and combination.
For most people, the chronological format works best, as it highlights your work history in a clear and straightforward way.
However, if you’re changing careers or have gaps in your employment, a functional or combination format might be better.
Related article: The Best Cover Letter Format to Land Your Dream Job
How can formatting affect ATS compatibility?
Formatting can significantly affect ATS compatibility by determining how easily the system can read and parse your resume. Simple, clean formatting with standard fonts and section headings ensures that the ATS can properly scan and interpret your information.
Avoid using graphics, tables, or unusual layouts, as these can confuse the system and cause important details to be missed. Keeping it straightforward helps your resume pass the ATS test smoothly.
What resume formats are best for ATS?
The best resume formats for ATS are the chronological and combination formats. These formats are straightforward and present information in a way that’s easy for the ATS to read and understand. They allow for clear separation of sections and make it simple to include keywords relevant to the job.
The functional format can work too, but it’s less common and can sometimes confuse the system if not done carefully.
4. Optimize your contact information
Optimizing your contact information means making sure it’s easy to find and read. Place your name, phone number, and professional email address at the top of your resume.
Avoid including unnecessary details like your full address or personal social media profiles. Keeping it simple and professional helps potential employers reach you without any fuss.
5. Use simple formatting and bullet points
Using simple formatting and bullet points makes your resume easy to read and helps it pass through ATS smoothly. Bullet points are great for breaking down your skills and accomplishments into bite-sized pieces that are easy to scan.
They also help you stay concise and to the point, which is key when you’ve got limited space. Avoid fancy designs and keep it straightforward to make sure your resume is ATS-friendly.
How can bullet points improve ATS readability?
Bullet points improve ATS readability by organizing information in a clear and structured way. They make it easier for the ATS to identify key details like skills, achievements, and job responsibilities.
By breaking up large blocks of text, bullet points ensure that important information doesn’t get overlooked. This simple formatting choice can help your resume get past the ATS and into the hands of a recruiter.
6. Include a professional summary
Including a professional summary at the top of your resume is a great way to introduce yourself and your career goals. This short paragraph should highlight your key skills, experience, and what you bring to the table.
Related article: Dear Hiring Manager: How To Address A Cover Letter
It’s your chance to make a strong first impression, so keep it concise and relevant. Make sure it aligns with the job you’re applying for to catch the recruiter’s attention right away.
7. Detail your work experience effectively
Detailing your work experience effectively means clearly listing your past roles, responsibilities, and achievements. Start with your most recent job and work backward, using bullet points to describe your key duties and any notable accomplishments.
Be specific about your contributions and use numbers to quantify your successes whenever possible. This helps employers understand what you can bring to their company.
How can job descriptions help with ATS optimization?
Job descriptions can help with ATS optimization by providing a treasure trove of keywords and phrases that you should include in your resume. Carefully read the job posting to identify the skills and qualifications that are emphasized.
Incorporate these keywords naturally into your resume, especially in the skills and experience sections. This increases the likelihood that your resume will be flagged as a strong match by the ATS.
8. Highlight relevant skills
Highlighting relevant skills on your resume is crucial for grabbing the attention of both ATS and recruiters. Focus on the skills that match the job description, and include a mix of technical and soft skills.
Place them in a dedicated “Skills” section for easy visibility and mention them in your work experience descriptions. This approach helps showcase your qualifications and makes it clear that you’re a strong fit for the role.
Can ATS detect and evaluate soft skills?
Yes, ATS can detect and evaluate soft skills, but it relies on specific keywords to do so. While it might not fully understand the nuances of soft skills like a human would, mentioning terms like “teamwork,” “communication,” and “problem-solving” can help.
Make sure to include examples of how you’ve demonstrated these skills in your work experience. This can increase your chances of getting past the ATS and impressing a recruiter.
9. Use standard fonts and text sizes
Using standard fonts and text sizes is important for ensuring that your resume is ATS-friendly. Stick to fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri, and use a text size between 10 and 12 points for the main content.
Avoid overly stylized fonts, as they can be difficult for ATS to read. Keeping it simple and professional helps your resume get properly scanned and ensures that all your information is captured accurately.
How does ATS handle different fonts and styles?
ATS generally prefers simple, standard fonts and may struggle with more decorative styles. Fancy fonts and unusual styles can cause issues with text recognition, leading to important information being misread or ignored.
Sticking to standard fonts and consistent styles ensures that your resume is accurately processed. This keeps your application looking professional and maximizes your chances of getting noticed.
Related article: How Long Should Your Cover Letter Really Be?
10. Avoid images, charts, and graphics
Avoid using images, charts, and graphics in your resume, as they can confuse the ATS. These elements are often not readable by the system, which can lead to missing or misinterpreted information.
Stick to plain text and simple formatting to ensure that all your content is captured accurately. This approach not only helps with ATS compatibility but also keeps your resume looking clean and professional.
Should you add a profile picture on your resume?
No, you should not add a profile picture on your resume. In many regions and industries, including a photo can lead to unconscious bias and is generally considered unprofessional.
Most ATS systems also can’t process images, so it won’t help your application get through. Focus on showcasing your skills and experience instead, and save the picture for your LinkedIn profile.
11. Save your resume in an ATS-friendly format
Saving your resume in an ATS-friendly format is essential to ensure that it gets properly scanned and processed. The most commonly preferred formats are PDF and Word (.doc or .docx), as they maintain the structure and formatting of your resume.
Don’t file formats like JPEG, PNG, or even Google Docs links, as these can cause compatibility issues. By sticking to PDF or Word, you increase the chances of your resume being read accurately by the ATS.
Are there specific file formats preferred by ATS?
Yes, specific file formats are preferred by ATS systems, with PDF and Word (.doc or .docx) being the most common. These formats preserve the layout and text of your resume, making it easier for the ATS to scan and parse the content.
While PDFs are generally safe, ensure they’re not locked or password-protected. Always double-check the job application instructions, as some employers may specify their preferred format.
12. Proofread and optimize for clarity
Proofreading and optimizing your resume for clarity is crucial to make a good impression. Carefully check for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting inconsistencies.
Use clear and concise language to ensure that your qualifications and achievements are easy to understand.
A well-polished resume not only looks professional but also helps communicate your skills and experience effectively to both the ATS and recruiters.
Is it necessary to tailor your resume for each job application?
Yes, it’s necessary to tailor your resume for each job application. Customizing your resume by highlighting the skills and experiences that match the specific job description increases your chances of getting noticed.
It helps both the ATS and hiring managers see that you’re a great fit for the role. Taking the time to tweak your resume for each application can make a big difference in landing interviews.
What are common mistakes to avoid in an ATS resume?
Common mistakes to avoid in an ATS resume include using fancy fonts, graphics, or images, which can confuse the system.
Also, avoid using complex formatting, like tables or columns, as they can interfere with text parsing. Make sure to use standard section headings and include relevant keywords from the job description.
Finally, double-check for typos and inaccuracies to present a polished, professional document.
How can you test your resume for ATS compatibility?
You can test your resume for ATS compatibility by using online tools that simulate how an ATS scans and reads your document. These tools can help you identify any issues with formatting, keywords, or readability.
Additionally, you can try copying and pasting your resume text into a plain text document to see if it retains its structure and content. This quick check can reveal if your resume might have trouble being parsed correctly by an ATS.
What tools can help with ATS optimization?
Several tools can help with ATS optimization, including resume scanning services like Jobscan, Resumeworded, and Resume.io.
These tools analyze your resume against specific job descriptions to ensure you’re using the right keywords and formatting. They provide feedback on how well your resume matches the job and offer suggestions for improvement.
Utilizing these resources can enhance your resume’s chances of passing through ATS filters and getting noticed by recruiters.
