4 Proven Secrets to Create an ATS-Friendly Resume

Recruitment methods have changed significantly with advances in technology.  As technology has grown, so have the tools and techniques of recruiting. One important development is the use of software that scans job applications for specific keywords related to skills and qualifications, known as an Applicant Tracking System.

ATS is a software that uses an algorithm to scan the resumes of the applicants for certain keywords, which are defined based on the skills required for a job profile and depending on that filters out resumes. 

This helps employers quickly sort through many resumes to find candidates who meet the requirements.

Modern systems are now capable of analysing not only keywords but also how and when candidates have applied their skills. These systems review detailed information such as education, work experience, and other relevant abilities to organise applications efficiently and support the hiring process.

Nowadays, the ATS has become so advanced that they don't just stop at scanning resumes for keywords, but it also takes into consideration when, where, and how a candidate has used the skills.

The ATS now has the full ability to check an entirely formatted resume. It looks for keywords based on educational qualifications, work experience, previous experience, and certain other skills. Using this information, the ATS passes the resume for the next round and also manages and organises the information to simplify and sort the hiring process.

Why You Need an ATS-Friendly Resume?

An ATS-friendly resume is designed to get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which are software used by recruiters to sort resumes according to different categories and rank them. These systems scan resumes for specific keywords and formats to decide which ones are worth looking at by a human recruiter.

Here’s why you need one:

Increased Chances of Getting Seen: Many companies use ATS to filter resumes before they even reach a human. If your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, it might never get seen by an actual recruiter or hiring manager, no matter how qualified you are.

Better Matching with Job Descriptions: ATS scans for keywords from the job description to find the best matches. By including relevant keywords and using the right format, you improve your chances of passing this initial screening and getting your resume into the hands of a person.

So, having an ATS-friendly resume is crucial to ensure your application doesn’t get lost in the digital shuffle and has the best chance of being accepted by a human reviewer.

Here Are Tips to Create an ATS-Friendly Resume

So, you must create a resume that is ATS-friendly, and not only that, it must also please the human resource manager. So, here are some simple steps to create an ATS-friendly resume:

Use an Easy-to-Read Resume Template

You must remember that an ATS is a robot, and however advanced it may be, it still understands simple things and gets confused when things are overcomplicated.

The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) works best when the resume is straightforward. It struggles with complex formats, so using basic fonts and styles is important. Bullet points help make the information easy to scan compared to long paragraphs.

Avoid using images, charts, or unusual graphics that may confuse the system. Also, common headings like “Education,” “Skills,” and “Experience” should be used to organise information.

Stick to basic fonts, standard headings (like Education, Experience, Skills), and bullet points to organise information. Avoid complex formatting, graphics, or tables, as these can confuse ATS software and cause important content to be missed.

Try to avoid using images or complex graphs and charts in the resume. Also, make sure you use common headings and titles to represent your education, skills, and other important details. Your resume must be simple to look at and should be clear.

Avoid Putting Important Details in the Header or Footer

Many ATS programs cannot read details placed in headers or footers, especially if the resume file is in Word format. Critical information such as phone numbers, email addresses, and links should always be inside the main section of the resume.

This ensures that both the ATS and the hiring manager can easily find these details without risk of them being missed.

ATS systems often can't read text placed in headers or footers, especially in Word documents. Ensure that critical contact information like your phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile is included in the main body of your resume.

So, you must avoid putting important details like your phone number, email address, and other details in the header or footer section and add them to the main part of your resume.

Optimise Your Resume with Keywords

ATS filters resumes by scanning for keywords and specific experience relevant to the job. It happens mostly based on two methods: The presence of keywords and the amount of a particular experience.  So, to optimise your resume well, you must keep these two methods in mind and write your resume accordingly. Candidates should identify common keywords from job descriptions by reviewing several postings for the same role.

To optimise your resume based on the presence of keywords, you must consider the number of times a keyword is used in your resume as well as how they are placed in it. You must not overdo the use of keywords on your resume, and keyword stuffing must be avoided, as you do not want to fill your resume with them and miss out on other important details.

Carefully study job descriptions to identify repeated keywords and key skills. Naturally incorporate these keywords 2–3 times throughout your resume.

Your resume must have the keyword two or three times in it, as the strength of your skills will be determined by this. If you are unsure what the keywords for your resume are, you can look at three to five descriptions of the job you are applying for and find the key skills or terms that are repeated in all and use them as your keywords.

The other way to make your resume compatible with your ATS is by how you have placed the keywords in your resume using that the ATS can estimate whether you have used a particular skill in your previous experience or not. So, when writing about your previous experience, make sure to use keywords in it.

Customise Your Resume for Each Employer

Using the same resume for every job reduces the chance of passing ATS filters. Personalising resumes to fit each employer’s needs allows job seekers to focus on keywords and experiences that matter most for each position. This approach improves how well the ATS reads and ranks the resume while also showing recruiters a clear match to the specific job requirements.

Avoid sending the same resume for every job application. Tailor each resume to highlight the qualifications and experiences most relevant to the specific role. This not only improves your chances with the ATS but also shows employers you're a strong fit for the position.

Adding a personal touch is always a plus point. So instead of sending out the same resume to all employers, it is better to customise your resume for all the companies you apply to. This gives you a scope to optimise your resume in a better way, as your keywords would be focused on that particular job.

The ATS filters through resumes and only selects those that are written with the robot's sensibility in mind. Building a good resume may seem tedious and take up too much time but it will be worth the effort in the long haul. So, it is better to optimise your resume well to create an ATS-friendly resume by keeping the above points in mind when applying for a job.

Here's an overview:

Conclusion

Creating an ATS-friendly resume is essential in today’s tech-driven hiring process. A simple layout, clear headings, relevant keywords, and proper formatting help ensure your resume passes through automated filters and reaches hiring managers.

By avoiding common mistakes and customising your resume for each job, you increase your chances of standing out. Taking the time to optimise your resume for ATS can make a big difference in landing interviews and advancing your career.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

An ATS is software used by employers to manage and filter job applications. It scans resumes for specific keywords, skills, and formatting to identify candidates who best match the job description.

2. Why is formatting important for ATS?

Proper formatting ensures the ATS can read and understand your resume. Complex layouts, images, and non-standard fonts can confuse the system and cause it to skip or misread important information.

3. How can I find the right keywords for my resume?

Read multiple job descriptions for the same role and highlight repeated skills or terms. These commonly used phrases are likely the keywords the ATS is searching for, so incorporate them naturally into your resume.

4. Can I use the same resume for every job?

It’s not recommended. Customising your resume for each job ensures you highlight the most relevant skills and use keywords that match that specific job description, improving your chances with the ATS.

5. Where should I place my contact information?

Always include your phone number, email, and any links (like LinkedIn) in the main body of the resume. Avoid placing them in headers or footers, as many ATS tools cannot read those sections correctly.