ATS-Friendly	Problematic for ATS
Standard fonts (Arial, Calibri)	Fancy fonts (Cursive, Decorative)
Clear section headings	Unusual section names
DOCX format	Some ATS struggle with PDFs
Simple bullet points	Text in tables or columns
Job titles & skills with keywords	Vague descriptions
Standard date format (MM/YYYY)	Unconventional date formats
Reverse chronological order	Functional resumes
Hard skills & tools listed	Too many soft skills
No headers/footers	Contact info in headers/footers
Black text on white background	Colors, images, or fancy designs

Understanding ATS and How It Works

ATS is a software program that employers use to sort through job applications. Instead of manually reading every resume, recruiters rely on ATS to scan, filter, and rank resumes based on specific keywords and formatting. If your resume doesn’t match what the system is looking for, it gets tossed aside before a real person even looks at it.

Here’s how ATS works:

• Keyword Matching: ATS scans resumes for specific keywords related to the job description.
• Formatting Recognition: It checks whether the resume follows a standard, readable format.
• Ranking System: Resumes are scored based on how well they align with the job posting.
• File Type Consideration: Some ATS systems struggle with certain file formats, like PDFs.

If you want to land an interview, your resume needs to play by ATS rules.

Choosing the Right Resume Format for ATS

Not all resume formats are ATS-friendly. Some are easier for these systems to read, while others might cause problems. The best choices are:

• Chronological resumes: List work experience in reverse chronological order. ATS prefers this format.
• Hybrid resumes: Combine skills and experience while maintaining a clear structure.

Avoid functional resumes since ATS software often struggles to interpret them. To make sure your resume is readable, keep it simple—avoid fancy fonts, graphics, or columns. Stick to clear, well-organized sections with standard headings like “Work Experience,” “Skills,” and “Education.”

Using the Right Keywords to Get Noticed

One of the biggest reasons resumes get rejected is a lack of relevant keywords. ATS is designed to search for specific words and phrases related to the job. If your resume doesn’t include these, it might not rank high enough to be seen.

How to Find and Use the Right Keywords

1. Read the job description carefully and highlight repeated words or phrases.
2. Incorporate those terms naturally into your resume, especially in the skills and experience sections.
3. Use industry-specific terminology and job-related software names.
4. Avoid keyword stuffing—make sure your resume reads naturally.

If a job posting mentions “Google Analytics” a lot and you have experience with it, make sure to add it to your skills and work history. It’s all about finding the right balance between optimizing your resume and keeping it readable.

How to Structure Your Resume for Maximum ATS Compatibility

Your resume should be easy for both ATS and human recruiters to read.

• Contact Information: Place it at the top, but avoid using headers or footers—some ATS systems don’t scan these areas properly. Make sure to include your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile.
• Professional Summary: Write a short paragraph highlighting key skills and experience that align with the job description.
• Work Experience: List jobs in reverse chronological order, including job title, company name, dates of employment, and key achievements. Use bullet points to describe accomplishments, starting each with strong action verbs.
• Skills Section: Focus on hard skills like software expertise and industry-specific tools. Avoid listing soft skills without context.
• Education Section: Include degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework. If you’re a recent graduate, mention academic achievements or leadership roles.

Avoid complex formatting, like tables or graphics, since ATS struggles to process them correctly.

Choosing the Right File Format: DOCX vs. PDF

File format matters when submitting your resume. While PDFs are great for preserving formatting, some ATS systems can’t read them correctly. A DOCX file is usually the safest choice since it’s widely recognized by ATS software.

Only submit a PDF if the job posting specifically requests it. If you’re unsure, stick with a DOCX to ensure your resume is processed correctly.

Highlighting Your Skills and Experience Effectively

A strong resume doesn’t just list what you’ve done—it shows why you’re a great fit for the job.

How to Make Your Work Experience Stand Out

1. Start each bullet point with a strong action verb like “Managed,” “Developed,” or “Implemented.”
2. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., “Increased sales by 35%” or “Led a team of 10 employees”).
3. Align your responsibilities with the job description to ensure ATS recognizes your experience.

How to Format the Skills Section

• Focus on technical skills like coding languages, tools used in the industry, and certifications.
• Skip listing soft skills like “communication” or “leadership” unless you can back them up with real examples.
• Keep it concise—ATS prioritizes specific, measurable skills.

For example, instead of saying “Microsoft Office,” list the exact programs you use, like “Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.”

Testing Your Resume for ATS Compatibility

Before submitting your resume, test it with an ATS checker. There are free tools online that will analyze your resume and provide feedback. Some popular ones include:

• Jobscan
• ResumeWorded
• Rezi

These tools can identify missing keywords, formatting issues, and other factors that might affect your ATS ranking. Spending a few minutes testing your resume can make a huge difference.

Making Sure Your Resume Appeals to Recruiters

While ATS optimization is important, your resume also needs to be engaging for human recruiters. Keep your language clear and professional, and avoid excessive jargon or keyword stuffing.

• Use bullet points for easy readability.
• Keep your resume one to two pages
• Avoid excessive design elements that may look great but confuse ATS.

Remember, recruiters are looking for both qualifications and personality. A resume that sounds robotic or overloaded with keywords won’t impress them. Find a balance between ATS optimization and natural readability.

Final Thoughts

Beating the ATS isn’t about tricking the system—it’s about making sure your resume is structured, formatted, and written in a way that highlights your qualifications effectively.

To increase your chances of getting past the ATS, focus on:

• Using the right keywords from job descriptions.
• Choosing a clean, readable format without tables or images.
• Submitting your resume in DOCX format unless otherwise requested.
• Testing your resume with ATS checkers before applying.

FAQs

How do I know if a company uses an ATS?

Most large companies and online job application systems use ATS. If you’re applying through a website rather than emailing your resume directly, chances are it’s going through an ATS.

Can I use color or creative designs on my resume?

It’s best to keep it simple. ATS software doesn’t always read colors, graphics, or columns correctly. Stick to a clean, black-and-white format with standard fonts.

Is it okay to include links in my resume?

Yes, but avoid hyperlinking them. Instead, paste full URLs for your LinkedIn profile, portfolio, or personal website to ensure ATS can read them properly.