How to write your resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS)

Thanks to technology, applying to jobs online is easy and fast. The result for employers is a mountain of job applications for every open role. Here's where automation programs, such as ATS, short for application tracking systems, come into play. According to TopResume, 75% of applications don't make it past ATS. That leaves only 25% of resumes making it to a recruiter. Due to the high volume of resumes received, recruiters and hiring managers utilize artificial intelligence and machine learning to sort through thousands of applications they receive. ATS then scans and filters submitted resumes based on specific criteria set by the employer before the resumes are passed on for review by an actual human. Oftentimes, these systems automatically filter out candidates who do not seem to be a close match for the criteria the employer is looking for. You could be a great fit for the position you are applying to and still be overlooked if you do not optimize your resume for the keywords and phrases the ATS is looking for. If you haven’t been contacted after submitting a resume, an ATS may have something to do with it. You should craft your resume to attract a robot recruiter to increase your chances of landing an interview.

This Ruler is for the Space Above and Below the Header Text Area. It Should Reach from the Bottom of the the Nav Bar to the Top of the Header Text. And From the Bottom of the Header Text to the Bottom of the Header Photo.

This Ruler is for the Space Between the Bottom of the Hero/Header Text and the Subheader Copy. Check Your Spacing for Consistency.

This Ruler is for the Space Between Modules/Macros/Sections. It Should Reach from the Bottom of the Previous Module/Macro to the Top of the Next Section.

This Ruler is for the Space Between Text/Buttons/Callouts. Check Your Spacing for Consistency.

Search Open Jobs

Ready for your next opportunity?

How to Write a Career Change Resume

How to Create a Master Resume

How to Write a Resume That Draws Attention

How to create an ATS-friendly resume (with tips)

• Use standard fonts like Times, Arial, Georgia, Tahoma and Verdana. • When using lists in your resume, stick to bullets. Avoid symbols like arrows, check marks and hyphens to prevent information scrambling. • Put the job title in the resume headline and use header sections like Summary, Professional Skills, Experience and Education. • Do not include pertinent information such as skills, contact information or links in the header or footer. Not every ATS can read information in these document sections.

• Save your resume in a compatible format: .doc, .docx or .txt. • Avoid PDFs. Some older ATS software interprets PDF information as one single image. • Spell out all terms alongside abbreviations and acronyms [I.e., project manager (PM)]. • Use relevant, targeted keywords that match the job description. • Keep graphics and design elements to a minimum.

The bottom line is that you need an ATS-friendly resume. These recommendations can help you optimize your content:

We recommend checking your resume for ATS compliance before submitting it. Copy content from your resume and paste it into a plain-text document. Missing information, scrambled characters and unorganized information can signal that your resume needs some refinement to best suit an ATS. For example, the dates of your employment might appear next to the wrong job entry, or your summary section appears in the middle of your education. These are easy fixes—but you need to discover these issues before you can resolve them.

Convert your resume to a plain-text document

Test your resume for ATS compliance

There are some fantastic tools that predict your resume’s likelihood of being chosen by an ATS to pass on to a recruiter or hiring manager. Check out online software systems such as Resunate and Jobscan to score your resume like an applicant tracking system would. These features can take your resume from zero to hero, giving you recommendations to fix your resume and improve your overall score.

Use web-based software to score your resume

Improve your resume with Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

A crucial step in getting your resume into a recruiter’s “yes” pile is optimizing it for search engines. SEO works by implementing a keyword strategy including words and phrases that help make your resume easier to find—whether it is online or in an ATS. In resume writing for SEO, you will need to include industry keywords that show you are the right person for the job. Not sure which keywords to use? Review the descriptions of the positions you want. Create a list of common keywords and phrases used throughout. The right keyword can be a defining factor in an employer finding your resume. During your research, keep the following questions in mind while building your keyword strategy:

Most applicant tracking systems ignore extra instances of keywords. Avoid stuffing your resume with repetitive keywords, and only use them where they make logical sense. Also, don’t forget that keywords mean nothing without context. You will need to provide relevant experience and compelling details that illustrate your abilities around these keywords. Make sure your resume answers the who, what, where and why to demonstrate to hiring managers and employers that you can not only communicate your skill set but apply it to their role as well. Interested in learning more tips and advice from our experts? Partner with a recruiter today.

Why context is more important than excess keywords

Job titles

What relevant job titles are employers using that describe your skill set? What are all the variant titles for similar roles?

What are the specific skill requirements for the job(s) you seek?

SKILLS

Which technologies should you be proficient in?

TECHNOLOGIES

Is the employer looking for a candidate with a specific background?

INDUSTRY

Does your address match the location of the position you are applying for?

LOCATION

Are there any specific certifications or education requirements?

CERTIFICATIONS

example:

If you're a [job title], don't say you're familiar with "[keyword/skill]." Say instead, "I worked for [company] on a large [specific project] and achieved [solution].

Visit LinkedIn and research other professionals who have the job you are trying to land. It does not matter if they are at your current company or in an entirely different industry. Study how they communicate their skill sets and experiences and take note when crafting your resume. Sometimes, the best inspiration can be found by exemplary professionals in your field!

PRO TIP:

SPACE IN BETWEEN BUTTONS

SPACE IN BETWEEN MODULES/ Macros/ Sections

SPACE IN BETWEEN HEADER AND SUBHEAD + Subhead & Body

Search Open Jobs

Ready for your next opportunity?

How to Optimize Your Professional Brand on LinkedIn

Stay Updated on Industry Trends with Twitter

How to Use Instagram During Your Job Search

UPDATED AUGUST 2024

TopResume