What is an ATS and Why Does it Matter?
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software applications that employers use to manage the recruitment process. These systems scan, sort, and rank resumes before a human ever sees them. According to recent studies, over 75% of companies use ATS software to screen candidates, making it essential to optimize your resume for these systems.
How to Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly
1. Use a Simple, Clean Format
Complex designs, tables, headers, footers, and graphics can confuse ATS software. Stick to a clean, straightforward layout with standard section headings. Avoid using text boxes, columns, or fancy formatting that might not be properly parsed.
2. Include Relevant Keywords
ATS systems scan for specific keywords related to the job. Review the job description carefully and incorporate relevant industry terms, hard skills, soft skills, and certifications throughout your resume. Don't just stuff keywords—use them naturally in context.
3. Use Standard Section Headings
Use conventional section titles like "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills" rather than creative alternatives. This helps the ATS properly categorize your information.
4. Choose the Right File Format
Submit your resume as a .docx or .pdf file, as these are the most ATS-friendly formats. When using PDFs, ensure they're created from text documents rather than scanned images, which can't be read by ATS software.
5. Avoid Fancy Fonts and Special Characters
Stick to standard, professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid special characters, symbols, or emojis that might confuse the system.
How to Test Your Resume's ATS Compatibility
Before submitting your application, it's a good idea to test how well your resume performs with ATS software. Our CvCrafting ATS Optimizer tool can analyze your resume against the job description and provide actionable feedback on how to improve your match rate.
Key Takeaways
- Keep your format simple and clean
- Include relevant keywords from the job description
- Use standard section headings
- Submit your resume as a .docx or .pdf file
- Use standard fonts and avoid special characters
- Test your resume with an ATS compatibility tool before applying
By following these guidelines, you can significantly increase the chances of your resume passing through ATS filters and reaching human recruiters. Remember, even the most qualified candidates can be overlooked if their resumes aren't optimized for these systems.
The Role of Keywords in ATS Success
It's worth emphasizing how critical keywords are in the ATS screening process. Many systems rank candidates based on keyword match percentages, meaning the more relevant keywords your resume contains, the higher it will rank in the employer's candidate pool.
However, it's important to use keywords naturally and in context. ATS systems are becoming more sophisticated and can detect keyword stuffing—the practice of unnaturally cramming keywords into your resume.
Tailoring Your Resume for Each Application
One of the most effective strategies for passing ATS screenings is tailoring your resume for each job application. This doesn't mean completely rewriting your resume each time, but rather adjusting the emphasis and keywords to match the specific job requirements.
By taking the time to customize your resume for each application, you demonstrate to employers that you've carefully considered how your qualifications align with their needs—and you increase your chances of getting past the ATS and into the hands of a hiring manager.
Conclusion
Creating an ATS-friendly resume is no longer optional in today's competitive job market. By understanding how these systems work and optimizing your resume accordingly, you can significantly increase your chances of landing interviews and ultimately securing your dream job.
Remember that while optimizing for ATS is important, your resume should still be readable and compelling for the human reviewers who will see it after it passes the initial screening. Balance technical optimization with strong content that effectively communicates your value to potential employers.
