To ensure your resume doesn’t end up in the digital trash bin, you need to optimize it for ATS software by focusing on format, keywords, structure, and avoiding common pitfalls. Here’s how you can do it effectively.
When applying for jobs, one of the biggest obstacles many candidates face is getting their resumes past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). A major consulting firm recently reported that up to 70% of resumes are rejected by ATS systems before they even reach a human recruiter. These systems are designed to filter applications, ensuring only the most relevant candidates make it through. While this technology streamlines the hiring process for employers, it can present a significant challenge for job seekers.
To improve your chances of getting your resume seen by a recruiter, it’s crucial to understand how ATS works and how to optimize your resume to pass through its filters. In this article, we’ll explore 10 essential tips to ensure your resume gets past ATS systems and lands in the hands of a recruiter.
What Is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?
An ATS is a type of software used by companies to manage the recruitment process. It automates the collection, scanning, and ranking of resumes. Large organizations receive thousands of applications for a single job posting, making it impractical for a recruiter to read each one. That’s where ATS comes in—by scanning resumes for specific keywords, qualifications, and experience, it narrows down the candidate pool.
The downside? Many well-qualified candidates are filtered out simply because their resumes aren’t optimized for ATS. To avoid this fate, it’s important to design your resume in a way that both humans and machines can read. This means using the right format, structure, and content to increase your chances of being noticed.
Why Should You Care About ATS?
In today’s digital world, ATS has become the standard for recruitment. According to estimates, nearly 99% of Fortune 500 companies and many smaller companies use some form of ATS in their hiring process. If your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, you’re at risk of being automatically eliminated from consideration for jobs—even if you’re a great fit.
1. Use a Simple, Standard Resume Format
ATS systems are designed to read standard resume formats. While a creative design might impress a human recruiter, it could confuse the software. To avoid this, stick to a simple, clean design. Avoid using tables, graphics, charts, or special characters, as ATS may not be able to read them correctly.
A traditional resume format is best, with clear headings like “Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” Use widely accepted fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri, and keep the font size between 10-12 points. Ensure consistency in spacing, alignment, and structure throughout your resume. For example:
Correct: Professional fonts like Arial, Times New Roman
Incorrect: Decorative fonts like Comic Sans, Papyrus
ATS systems work by scanning and parsing information, and inconsistent formatting can result in misreading or ignoring critical data.
2. Avoid Headers and Footers
Some ATS systems can struggle to interpret information in headers and footers. If your contact details or important information are placed in these sections, they might be overlooked. Keep all crucial information, such as your name, phone number, and email address, in the main body of the resume.
Additionally, avoid putting essential details like job titles and dates of employment in unusual locations, such as side columns or footers. ATS often scans resumes in a linear fashion, from top to bottom, so ensure that everything is laid out logically.
3. Include the Right Keywords From the Job Description
One of the primary functions of ATS software is to screen resumes for specific keywords. These are often the same words and phrases used in the job description. For example, if the job posting requires experience with "digital marketing," "SEO," and "Google Analytics," your resume should include these exact terms, as long as they are applicable to your experience.
ATS systems rank candidates based on how closely their resumes match the job description. If you’re applying for multiple jobs, tweak your resume for each one by incorporating the most relevant keywords. However, be mindful of keyword stuffing, which can backfire.
Here’s how to integrate keywords effectively:
Correct: Naturally incorporate keywords like "project management" and "data analysis" in your job descriptions.
Incorrect: Listing a string of keywords at the bottom of your resume without context, which could trigger an automatic rejection.
4. Use Appropriate Job Titles
Be sure to clearly list your current and past job titles, and ensure they match the roles you're applying for. If your job title differs slightly from the one in the job description but involves the same responsibilities, consider adding the job title from the job posting in parentheses next to your official title.
For instance:
Correct: Marketing Manager (Digital Marketing Specialist)
Incorrect: Just listing “Marketing Manager” if the job is asking for a "Digital Marketing Specialist."
This can help increase the ATS ranking of your resume by aligning your experience more closely with the job posting.
5. Prioritize Keywords but Avoid Overloading
While using the right keywords is essential, overloading your resume with them can lead to rejection. Many ATS systems are programmed to identify "keyword stuffing," where keywords are placed unnaturally just to match the job description. This tactic can lower your ranking or result in outright rejection.
Focus on using keywords naturally within your job descriptions, skills, and accomplishments. Here's an example of proper keyword integration:
Correct: "Managed digital marketing campaigns, including SEO, SEM, and Google Analytics, resulting in a 20% increase in website traffic."
Incorrect: "SEO, SEM, digital marketing, Google Analytics."
Remember, context is key—ATS not only looks for the presence of keywords but also how they are used.
6. Use Bullet Points for Readability
Recruiters often skim resumes, and bullet points help make your experience more readable—this applies to ATS systems as well. Bulleted lists also help the software break down sections of your resume more easily, increasing the chances that important information will be recognized.
For each job you list, use bullet points to highlight your accomplishments, focusing on quantifiable results. For example:
Correct: "Increased sales by 15% in Q1 through targeted email marketing campaigns."
Incorrect: "Responsible for increasing sales."
Quantifying your achievements adds weight to your resume and makes your claims more credible.
7. Submit the Correct File Type
One of the most common reasons resumes are rejected by ATS is because they are submitted in the wrong file format. While PDF files are often considered professional, not all ATS systems can parse PDFs correctly. It’s usually safest to submit your resume as a Word document (.doc or .docx), unless the job posting specifically requests a PDF.
Many ATS systems are designed to read Word files, and submitting your resume in this format ensures it’s more likely to be parsed accurately.
8. Label Your Sections Clearly
ATS systems rely on clear section headings to sort through your resume. Use standard headings like "Experience," "Education," "Skills," and "Certifications." Non-standard headings or creative titles can confuse the software and cause it to miss important sections of your resume.
Here’s how to format your sections:
Correct: "Skills," "Work Experience," "Certifications."
Incorrect: "What I Bring to the Table," "My Career Path," "Knowledge I Have."
By sticking to conventional labels, you ensure that ATS systems can correctly identify and categorize your qualifications.
9. Avoid Images, Graphics, and Columns
Many ATS systems are unable to read images or interpret complex layouts, such as multi-column formats. Including photos, icons, or logos on your resume might seem visually appealing, but they can confuse ATS software, leading to important information being missed.
Stick to a single-column format and avoid any visual elements that could disrupt the ATS scanning process. A plain, straightforward design will improve the chances of your resume being parsed correctly.
10. Test Your Resume With ATS-Scanning Tools
Before submitting your resume, it’s a good idea to test it with online ATS-scanning tools. These tools can give you a sense of how your resume will be read by an ATS and whether there are any issues with formatting or missing keywords.
Some tools even offer feedback on how to improve your resume for ATS compatibility. By using these resources, you can fine-tune your resume and increase your chances of making it through the system.
Real-World Case Study: Optimizing for ATS
Let’s look at a real-world example of how resume optimization can make a difference. A candidate applying for a data analyst position was continually rejected by ATS systems despite having relevant experience. Upon review, it was discovered that the candidate’s resume used non-standard headings like “My Professional History” instead of "Work Experience," and included skills in a table format across multiple columns, which many ATS systems couldn't read.
After adjusting the resume to use clear section headings, removing tables, and incorporating relevant keywords from the job description, the candidate started receiving interview requests. The lesson here is clear: small adjustments can make a big impact when optimizing your resume for ATS.
Conclusion
With 70% of resumes being rejected by ATS systems before reaching a recruiter, optimizing your resume for these systems is critical. By following these 10 tips, you can improve your resume’s chances of passing through ATS filters and getting into the hands of a human decision-maker.
Take the time to test your resume, refine your formatting, and incorporate relevant keywords. In a competitive job market, ensuring that your resume is ATS-friendly can make all the difference in landing your next job.
Are you ready to optimize your resume for success?
