Is Your Resume ATS-Friendly

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) is a software used by organizations to streamline their recruitment process.

In today’s job market, most applications first pass through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before reaching human eyes. An ATS scans and parses your resume, filtering based on formatting and content. If your resume isn’t optimized, it may never land on a recruiter’s desk. Making your resume ATS‑friendly means focusing on two key areas: layout and content.

1. Layout Is Part of It

Clear structure. Organize your resume into standard sections—Contact Information, Summary, Skills, Experience, and Education—with clearly labeled headings. This ensures the ATS parser can accurately identify and extract each element.

Avoid complex formatting. Skip tables, text boxes, graphics, headers, and footers. These can confuse the ATS and lead to data being overlooked or misread. Instead, use simple, single‑column layouts and standard bullet points (• or –).

Font and file type. Choose common, readable fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, in 10–12 point size. Save your resume as a Word (.docx) or a plain‑text–compatible PDF, since these formats are most reliably parsed by ATS software.

Templates that work. For peace of mind, consider selecting an ATS‑friendly layout from résumé.com, where each template is designed and tested to ensure proper parsing by major ATS platforms.

2. Content Is the Other Part

Keyword optimization. ATS tools match your resume against the job description. Identify critical keywords—job titles, required skills, certifications—and weave them naturally into your resume. Focus on exact phrases (e.g., “project management,” “JavaScript,” “PMP-certified”) rather than vague synonyms.

Action‑oriented achievements. Replace duty‑centric bullet points with accomplishment statements. For example:

• Led a cross‑functional team of 8 to deliver a new software module, increasing user engagement by 22%

Quantify results wherever possible—percentages, dollar amounts, time frames—to strengthen both your narrative and your keyword density.

Consistency and clarity. Use a uniform date format (e.g., “Mar 2020–Dec 2023”) and consistent language throughout. If the job description calls for “digital marketing,” don’t alternate between “online marketing” and “digital advertising”; stick to the phrasing that best matches the listing.

Tailor for each role. One size rarely fits all. For every application, adapt your summary, skills section, and top achievements to mirror the job’s priorities. This increases your relevance score in the ATS and demonstrates to recruiters that you understand their needs.

Avoid filler and jargon. Phrases like “hard worker,” “team player,” and generic industry buzzwords don’t help your ATS ranking. Instead, focus on concrete skills and technologies that are directly referenced in the job posting.

3. Bringing It All Together

An ATS‑friendly resume balances a clean, parseable layout with strategic, keyword‑rich content. Start with a tested template—such as one from résumé.com—and then craft each section to align precisely with the job description:

• Select a simple, single‑column template with clear headings.

• Extract keywords and key phrases from the job listing.

• Incorporate those terms into bullet points that highlight measurable achievements.

• Review your document in plain‑text view to ensure all information remains legible.

• Submit with confidence, knowing your resume will sail through the ATS to a recruiter’s inbox.

By giving equal attention to layout and content, you’ll transform your resume into a tool that not only speaks to automation but also resonates with hiring managers. Need more help? Reach out to me at ceannpalmer@gmail.com