Technology is revolutionizing every aspect of our lives, including how we apply for jobs. To remain competitive in today’s job market, you must have an ATS-friendly resume.
An ATS, or Applicant Tracking System, is software used by employers to streamline the process of managing job applications. It automates tasks such as tracking, evaluating, and organizing applicant data, saving time and resources.
When you submit your resume, it often lands directly in an ATS database. The system scans the document, extracting critical details like your education, job titles, work experience, and skills—particularly those matching keywords from the job description.
Why an ATS-Friendly Resume Matters
An ATS-friendly resume is essential for ensuring that hiring managers can locate your application when searching the database. Incorrect formatting or missing keywords can prevent your resume from being processed correctly, reducing the likelihood of it reaching human eyes.
This guide will show you how to create an ATS-compliant resume to improve your chances of being noticed and considered for the role.
Struggling to Create Your Resume?
Using tools like Jobscan’s resume builder can simplify the process. You can upload an existing resume or create one from scratch, seamlessly incorporating the necessary skills and keywords. Once completed, you can save it as a reusable base resume for quick optimization.
Six Steps to Crafting an ATS-Friendly Resume
Creating an ATS-compliant resume isn’t complicated if you follow these six steps. The first three focus on keywords, while the latter three cover formatting tips. Each step is critical to ensure your resume meets ATS standards.
1. Include the Job Title in Your Resume Headline
Your resume headline, located under your name and contact details, should highlight your value as a candidate. It must be concise, attention-grabbing, and directly relevant to the job you’re targeting.
For example, if the job title is “Marketing Automation Specialist,” your headline might read:
“Marketing Automation Specialist with 8 Years of Experience.”
Tailor your headline for each job application to improve your visibility in searches. Data shows that resumes with job title matches in their headlines are 3.5 times more likely to land an interview.
2. Identify and Add Relevant Skills
Keywords, especially skills mentioned in the job description, play a significant role in ATS searches. Carefully review the job posting, noting frequently mentioned skills, and integrate them naturally into your resume.
For instance, if “marketing” appears often, it should be included in your document. Using the same terminology as the job posting improves the chances of your resume being flagged during searches.
3. Use Keywords Correctly
To optimize your resume for ATS scanning, ensure that keywords are used precisely as they appear in the job description. For example, if the posting mentions “leadership experience,” include this exact phrase rather than a general description of your leadership roles.
It’s also advisable to include both long-form and abbreviated versions of terms (e.g., “customer relationship management” and “CRM”). This ensures your resume matches various search queries.
4. Opt for an ATS-Friendly Format
Choose a reverse-chronological format, listing your most recent job first, followed by previous roles. Each entry should include:
- Company name and location
- Job title
- Employment dates
- Accomplishments and responsibilities
This straightforward structure is easy for ATS software to parse and is preferred by hiring managers.
5. Simplify Formatting
Make your resume easy to scan by both humans and ATS. Use clear, simple language and common fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman. Maintain 1-inch margins and format dates as MM/YYYY or Month Year. Avoid unconventional symbols, complex graphics, or tables.
6. Avoid Formatting Pitfalls
ATS systems strip most formatting to analyze resumes. To ensure compatibility:
- Avoid headers, footers, and special symbols.
- Stick to standard headings like “Work Experience” or “Education.”
- Submit your resume as a Word document or PDF for optimal readability.
Make Your Resume Stand Out
When you follow these tips, your resume will be optimized for ATS processing. It will also significantly improve your chances of being shortlisted. Tools like Jobscan’s resume builder can simplify formatting and keyword optimization, saving you time and effort.
What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?
The internet has made applying for jobs easier than ever, allowing candidates to submit resumes through platforms like Indeed or Glassdoor with just a few clicks. However, this convenience has resulted in an overwhelming influx of applications for employers. To manage this volume, companies rely on ATS software to collect, organize, and filter resumes.
Hiring managers typically search the ATS database using job-specific keywords, such as job titles or required skills. For example, searching “customer service” pulls up profiles containing this term. This process allows recruiters to identify the most qualified candidates efficiently.
How to Check if Your Resume is ATS-Friendly
If you already have a resume, tools like Jobscan’s resume scanner can analyze it against a specific job description. These scanners identify missing skills and formatting issues, providing actionable suggestions to improve your score and chances of landing an interview.
When to Use a CV Instead of a Resume
In certain fields such as academia or medicine, a curriculum vitae (CV) supersedes a resume. CVs focus more on educational achievements, research experience, and certifications, often running much longer than traditional resumes.
By understanding and implementing these strategies, you can craft a resume that not only satisfies ATS requirements but also resonates with hiring managers.
Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly Today!
Understanding what makes a resume ATS-friendly is the first step toward securing your dream job. But knowing and implementing are two different things. Why leave your career progression to chance? At CVBrandingExperts, we specialize in crafting resumes that not only impress hiring managers but also pass the ATS test with flying colors.
Our team of experts knows the ins and outs of ATS optimization, from using the right keywords to formatting your document for seamless parsing. Whether you’re struggling to get callbacks or want to ensure your resume stays ahead of the competition, we’re here to help.
Take control of your job search today. Let us create an ATS-friendly resume that opens doors to your next opportunity. Place an order now and turn your career aspirations into reality!