How to Write an ATS Resume. Tips + Templates to Download

What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

Imagine you put time and effort into crafting the perfect resume, only to discover it might never reach human eyes. This is the reality job seekers face in today’s digital job market, thanks to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

An Applicant Tracking System, commonly known as an ATS, is a software program used by companies to manage their recruitment process. Companies use ATS to speed up hiring, organize candidate data, and find the best-fit applicants by scanning for keywords. It’s efficient, saves time, and ensures fair and consistent screening. In reality, ATS processes resumes before they even reach a hiring manager’s desk.

ATS is commonly used by companies of all sizes, to efficiently manage their hiring process. According to research from Jobscan, ATS is utilized by over 98% of Fortune 500 companies.

Still not sure why having an ATS-friendly resume is crucial? Well, this number speaks volumes: 75% of applicants get rejected at this initial stage, as reported by Forbes.

How Does ATS Parse and Analyze Resumes?

ATS use algorithms to parse resume content, extracting relevant information such as relevant keywords, work experience, skills, education, and other qualifications. The software then compares this information to the job description and assigns a score based on relevancy. Resumes with higher scores typically move forward in the selection process, while those with lower scores may get filtered out.

Understanding how ATS operates is key to creating an effective resume that gets noticed.

ATS capabilities have improved over time, and some may be better at parsing more complex layouts due to advancements in AI and natural language processing. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that not all ATS systems are equally advanced, and their ability to handle complex layouts may vary.

But don’t worry, our tips in this article will help you to write a winning resume, no matter which ATS you encounter.

When to use an ATS resume?

Always use an ATS-optimized resume when applying for jobs online, especially if you’re submitting through a company’s website or a job board. It increases your chances of passing the initial screening.

Make Your Resume ATS-Ready: Best Tips and Tricks

While it’s crucial to create an ATS resume, remember that perfection for the system is not the ultimate goal. After passing ATS, your resume will face a human reviewer, so it must also impress them to secure that coveted interview invitation. 

In this ultimate guide, we’ll share the best tips and tricks on how to beat ATS. 

Step 1: Choose the right resume format

ATS systems favor the reverse chronological resume format because it presents your experience in a clear and easy-to-follow timeline. This format makes it simple for the ATS to scan your work history and qualifications, increasing your chances of passing the initial screening.

What to do then?

Start with your most recent job, followed by the previous one, and so on. 

Step 2. Choose an ATS-compliant resume template

When browsing resume templates, prioritize the ones that are ATS-compatible. Stay away from the fancy ones. 

Avoid using fancy templates or complex designs, as they can confuse ATS algorithms and lead to your resume being overlooked.

If you don’t want to use template, you can build your ats CV with one of free ATS resume builder.

Step 3. Formatting tips to make your resume ATS-ready

To ensure your resume is ATS-compatible and visually appealing to human reviewers, consider the following formatting tips:

• Choose the right font and size. Opt for clean, easy-to-read fonts like Arial or Calibri, and stick to a font size between 10 and 12 points. Avoid fancy or overly decorative fonts that might confuse ATS. 

• Bold or capitalize section headings or subheadings to make them stand out. This not only guides human readers but also helps ATS recognize the structure of your resume.
• Use bullet points. Instead of long paragraphs, present your information in concise bullet points. 
• Bold relevant keywords.
• Use right date format. There are two acceptable options:
  1. MM/YYYY Format: For example, “03/2023.” If you opt for this format, remember to include a leading “0” for single-digit months. Avoid using “3/2023,” for instance.Month and Year Format: Write out the name of the month followed by the year, like “March 2023.”
  Regardless of your choice, keep it consistent.
• Use clear abbreviations and acronyms. An ATS may not always understand abbreviations or acronyms that seem obvious to you. To ensure your resume doesn’t get missed, include both the full word and its abbreviation in parentheses. This helps both ATS systems and human readers comprehend your resume efficiently.
• Include your contact information at the top of the document.

Step 4. Use a simple resume layout and optimize structure

• Use clear headings and subheadings
• Use standard names for your resume sections, such as Summary/Objective, Work Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications, and Awards/Achievements.
• Opt for a straightforward layout. Avoid tables or complex designs, as they can confuse ATS algorithms.
• Avoid headers and footers as they may cause parsing problems for ATS.
• Always maintain one-inch margins on all sides of your resume, ensuring that the margins remain free of text.

What ATS can’t read?

Here are some things ATS systems often struggle to interpret:

• Non-text elements, such as images, graphics, charts, or logos. 
• Special characters, like uncommon symbols, characters, or special fonts may not be recognized correctly.
• Unstructured data, like complex tables, or multi-column layouts may cause parsing issues.
• Headers and footers. 
• Inconsistent formatting. Frequent changes in font style, size, or formatting can confuse ATS systems.
• Overuse of Keywords: While keywords are essential, overloading your resume with them may harm readability and ATS performance.

Unsupported File Formats: Some ATS may not accept file formats other than PDF or DOC/DOCX.

To ensure your resume is ATS-ready, stick to straightforward formatting, use standard fonts, and avoid excessive graphics or complex layouts.

Step 5. Tailor your resume to match the job description

If you want to write a winning resume, tailor you resume to what the employer is looking for. Look closely at the job posting and describe your experience using similar language.

Highlight your achievements with numbers, so both ATS and recruiters notice. Include a brief, clear summary showing you’re the right fit. Use relevant keywords and bold some to make your resume speak the job’s language, all in plain and simple terms.

Step 6. Incorporate relevant keywords

Identify industry-specific jargon, skills, and qualifications. Incorporate these keywords throughout your resume, paying special attention to the skills section and work experience descriptions. Just make sure to use keywords naturally and avoid overstuffing your CV, as this can raise red flags for both ATS and human reviewers.

Step 7. Choose the appropriate file type

For compatibility with most ATS systems, it’s best to save your resume as a PDF (Portable Document Format). PDFs maintain the formatting and layout you’ve carefully designed, ensuring your resume looks as intended to both ATS and human reviewers. While some ATS can handle Word documents (DOC or DOCX), PDFs are generally more reliable. Stick to this file type to maximize the chances of your resume successfully passing through ATS scans.

Files you should avoid: Image Formats (e.g., .jpg, .png), Rich Text Format (.rtf), HTML Files (.html), Microsoft Publisher (.pub), Adobe InDesign (.indd) 

Step 8. Prooofread your resume before applying

Overwhelming 77% of hiring managers reject resumes with typos or grammar errors instantly. These errors can also confuse ATS systems.

Proofreading helps, but it’s tough to catch everything. You can use free online tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor to check for mistakes. It’s also a good idea to ask a friend or colleague to look at your resume. They might spot mistakes you missed. This way, your resume stays neat and error-free.

Step 9. Keep you resume updated

The best resume, is an updated resume. Maintaining an updated resume ensures your qualifications match current job trends and employer needs.

Regular updates allow you to incorporate new skills and achievements, keeping your resume relevant and competitive. Additional Tips for ATS Success

Step 10. Scan your resume with ATS checker 

Before submitting your resume, consider using a reliable ATS scanner or resume screening software to assess how well your resume fares in various applicant tracking systems. These tools simulate the parsing process of your resume and provide you with a score to indicate how ATS-compatible your resume is. With this knowledge, you can always optimize your resume to achieve a higher score.

You can run a free ats resume scan with such tools:

• Jobscan or
• Resume Worded – Scanner: resumeworded.com/resume-scanner

The process is simple. You have to just upload your resume and you get the score. 

How to Convert Resume to ATS Format?

If your current resume isn’t ATS-compatible, the simplest way to optimize it is by applying the clear and structured content guidelines mentioned in this article. Be sure to focus on including relevant keywords, removing unnecessary graphics or images, and simplifying formatting to improve ATS compatibility.

ATS Resume Examples

You don’t need to write an ATS-friendly resume from scratch. Find inspiration in our collection of ready-to-use ATS-friendly resume templates.

Ats resume example for freshers

Downloadable, ATS-Friendly ResumeTemplates 

Google Docs ats resume example

See more ATS-friendly Google Docs Resume Templates

Microsoft Word ats resume template:

See more free ATS Word Resume Templates to download.

ATS Cover Letters

While many ATS only process resumes, some systems also allow applicants to submit cover letters. If the job application permits, consider crafting an ATS-friendly cover letter that complements your resume. Follow similar formatting guidelines and tailor your cover letter to highlight key qualifications and skills.

Key Takeaways

Here are the key points you should learn from thus guide:

• Many employers utilize ATS to collect, evaluate, and rank job applications.
• To build an ats-friendly resume, keep things simple. Use plain fonts, basic design, and bullet points for clarity. Avoid fancy designs, tables and complex layout.
• Always tailor your resume to the job description.
• Incorporate keywords from the jo ad.
• Before applying, proofread and scan your resume in a CV scanning software.

ATS Frequently Asked Questions