How to Write an ATS Friendly Resume
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. If your resume is not ATS-friendly, it might not even be seen by a person. This post tells you how to write a resume that an ATS can read.
What is an ATS?
An ATS is software that helps companies manage job applications. It scans resumes for keywords, skills, and experience. It ranks candidates based on how well their resume matches the job description. If your resume does not score high enough, it might get rejected automatically.
Why Your Resume Needs to be ATS-Friendly
Think of an ATS as a robot reader. It is not like a human. It looks for specific things in a specific way. If your resume is too fancy or hard for the robot to understand, it will not pass. An ATS-friendly resume helps you get past this first step.
Tips for an ATS-Friendly Resume
- Use the Right Keywords
Keywords are the most important part of an ATS-friendly resume. These are words and phrases from the job description.
Scan the job description: Read it carefully. Highlight important skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Include exact phrases: If the job description says “project management,” use that exact phrase. Do not write “managing projects.”
Use synonyms: Think of other words for the skills. For example, if they want “communication skills,” you can also use “written communication” or “verbal communication.”
Do not stuff keywords: Do not just list keywords. Put them in your experience and summary sections naturally.
- Choose a Simple Format
Fancy designs can confuse an ATS. Keep your resume clean and simple.
Use a standard font: Stick to fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
Keep it uncluttered: Avoid graphics, images, or complex tables.
Use clear headings: Use standard headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” “Skills,” and “Summary.”
Use bullet points: Bullet points are easy for an ATS to read.
Standard resume sections: Make sure you have the usual sections. Do not create unique names for them.
- Use Standard File Types
Save your resume as a .docx file or a plain text (.txt) file. PDF is often okay, but sometimes an ATS has trouble reading them. If the job application says to use a specific file type, use that one. If it does not say, .docx is usually the safest choice.
- Check Your Dates and Locations
Make sure your work dates are clear and in chronological order. An ATS uses these to understand your career path. Also, include your city and state.
- Spell Check Everything
Even one typo can make an ATS miss a keyword. Proofread your resume carefully. Use a spell checker.
- Tailor Your Resume for Each Job
This is key. Do not use the same resume for every job. Change your resume for each application. Match it to the specific job description. This means updating keywords and highlighting relevant experiences.
Example: How to Apply Keywords
Let us say a job description asks for “digital marketing expertise” and “social media management.”
Bad example:
“I am good at online ads and posting on Facebook.”
Good example:
“Developed and executed digital marketing strategies that increased online presence by 15%. Managed social media campaigns across multiple platforms, growing audience engagement by 20%.”
Final Check
Before you apply, ask yourself:
Does my resume use keywords from the job description?
Is the format simple and easy to read?
Are my dates and sections clear?
Have I spell-checked everything?
By following these steps, you will make your resume ATS-friendly. This helps you get past the first hurdle and closer to an interview.
