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

Thanks to job boards and online job applications, applying to jobs is faster and easier than ever. Advancements in technology have streamlined the job application process, making it quick and easy to apply for jobs online. Consequently, employers are often flooded with a mountain of applications for every job opening. In recent years, employers started using AI powered automation tools like Application Tracking System software (ATS) to manage this influx of applications. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, more than 90% of employers have adopted some form of AI tool to screen candidates or sort and filter applications. These ATS tools can be used to collect, organize and rank candidates as well as filter out any resume that don’t meet the employer’s criteria for a particular role. This streamlines applications and helps recruiters and hiring managers interview only the best qualified candidates. However, even qualified candidates might not make it to the interview stage if their resume is not optimized with 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.

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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. Images and graphics increase the size of the file, and most online job platforms limit file sizes to 2-5MB.

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 (.txt) 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 might appear 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 Eztrackr, Resume.co 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 ATS tools ignore extra instances of keywords, so avoid stuffing your resume with repetitive keywords. Only use them where they make logical sense. Remember that keywords mean nothing without context. Make sure you can provide relevant experience and compelling details that illustrate your abilities to back up these terms. Ensure your resume clearly addresses who you are, what you offer, where you've gained experience and why you're a strong fit. This shows hiring managers and employers that you can communicate your abilities and put them to work in their organization.

Why context is more important than excess keywords

Job titles

What are the job titles employers are using to describe your skill set? Are there 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

Does the job description have certification 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].

Explore LinkedIn and study how professionals in your desired role communicate their skill and experiences. Whether they are at your company or in a different industry, you can take inspiration from standout profiles to craft a more effective resume.

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UPDATED JANUARY 2026

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SPACE IN BETWEEN BUTTONS

SPACE IN BETWEEN MODULES/ Macros/ Sections

SPACE IN BETWEEN HEADER AND SUBHEAD + Subhead & Body

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.