ATS Resume Optimization: Expert Tips, Templates & Free Tools
How to optimize resume for ATS? In this article, we will review sample and tips, and learn how to create impressive ATS-optimized resumes. It is very important to optimize a resume. If you don't, you have a slim chance of getting noticed by potential employers. This article is devoted to the strategies that can be used to tailor a resume to pass automatic screenings. Land your interview with our help!
Why You Should Optimize Your Resume for ATS
Applicant tracking systems help companies oversee the recruitment process and streamline the selection of candidates. According to the statistics, 98% of Fortune 500 companies rely on ATS to filter the most qualified candidates and save the hiring manager's time.
ATS is an applicant tracking system. ATS optimization refers to the process of altering your resume to align well with the software scanning. If ATS optimization is not done, your resume will not be read or correctly passed by the software. So, what is an ATS optimized resume? It is the document that passes the filters using specific keywords, formatting rules, and vital skills. If resume parsing accuracy is low, you will face resume rejection. Today, the majority of companies use resume screening software and you should be prepared for it. In addition, your resume metadata should be carefully written as well!
Writing a resume that opens correctly with ATS systems is the major stumbling point for job-seekers. If your resume has the wrong file type, formatting, or typos, it can be tossed before the hiring manager actually reads it. To help you avoid such an unpleasant situation, we have prepared a short guide to help you optimize your resume and boost your chance to get shortlisted!
What Makes a Resume ATS Optimized?
Here are five key criteria that make ATS optimized resume:
- Use of Relevant Keywords
Include job-specific keywords and phrases from the job description to match what the ATS is scanning for. - Simple and Clear Formatting
Avoid complex layouts, tables, images, or graphics that ATS software can’t read properly. Ideally, ATS optimized resume does not have any tables. - Standard Section Headings
Use conventional headings like "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills" so the ATS can easily identify sections. ATS compliance resume strictly follows the order of the sections too. - Consistent Font and Text Style
Use standard fonts (e.g., Arial, Times New Roman) and avoid special characters or unusual symbols. - Proper File Type
Submit the resume in ATS-friendly formats, typically Word (.doc or .docx) or plain text (.txt), unless PDF is explicitly allowed. For example, ATS-friendly PDF resume format is rather a rare case.
Follow these resume formatting rules your document will reach the potential employers. Pay special attention to resume bullet points! Avoid being excessively creative!
Resume Formatting for ATS: Best Practices
Job-seekers dread ATS software for a reason: according to the survey, ATS rejects 75% of all submitted resumes. If you are unaware of how this software functions, you can keep getting rejected even if you're perfectly qualified! Let's learn the key rules of resume format.
After you submit a resume, this software scans it for specific keywords, dates, competencies, and more. The program eliminates all formatting and focuses on content only. If the resume information matches the job requirements, the resume is passed to a hiring manager. Otherwise, it gets tossed.
Although optimizing the resume is no rocket science, it does take some time and effort. But worries aside – below you'll find a step-by-step guide to make your resume ATS-friendly.
Use proper ATS resume headline
Among the first rules to keep in mind when following resume formatting for hiring software is to make sure your headline is aligned with the position you are applying for. Once you optimize the headline, write down all ATS-friendly sections you want to include in your resume. In addition to fundamental education and employment sections, the job posting may mention other important information!
Avoid resume builders and templates
Resume builders are websites that offer a variety of fancy templates for your resume. However, you need to be careful with them. In most cases, resumes created in a builder or templates you've downloaded from the internet are not compatible with applicant tracking systems.
Often templates come in unusual formats or use lots of graphic elements that the software cannot read correctly. As a result, your resume may get tossed. Resume layout should be clear and easy to read!
Optimize your name
You might think that listing your name on a resume is the simplest thing. However, you need to keep ATS in mind here as well. The first line in the document should contain your first and last name, and nothing more. Avoid punctuation or special symbols.
If you have a degree or a certification, don't list it next to your name as this will confuse the system. List them under your name or in a separate section of the resume.
Use plain formatting
Well-designed fancy resumes draw more attention than plain ones. However, the problem is that many applicant tracking systems cannot read sophisticated formatting correctly. If you use tables, columns, text boxes or graphic elements, this may confuse the system and your document will get messed up.
The solution? Resume fonts for ATS are Arial, Times New Roman or Tahoma. Don't use pictures, charts, special characters or other graphic elements. Also, don't include any information in headers or footers, as the software cannot read them.
Submit an ATS-friendly file type
Different systems accept different file types. If you don't know what software the company uses, the safest bet is to submit the resume in a file type: DOC or PDF. Use ATS-friendly file types, so your document will be opened and processed correctly.
Include full terms for acronyms
Professional skills can be presented as acronyms, for example, SEO, SMM, CAC. However, if the ATS is set to look for full phrase, say, social media management, it might not recognize the acronym. So, resume experts recommend that you use the both forms to pass the ATS for sure. For example: Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
Make sure it's error-free
The software that scans resumes doesn't recognize grammar mistakes. Say, if you write Registered Psyologist, it can mark your resume as irrelevant because the term Psychologist is not there. Therefore, it's highly important to double-check the resume text for typos and mistakes. Use an online spell checker, and then proofread manually, as the software may not find all mistakes. If your language skills aren't up to scratch, consider hiring a pro resume editor.
It's also important to proofread because hiring managers dislike mistakes as well. 59% of them are ready to dismiss the candidate due to typos and poor grammar. So, an error-free resume is important for increasing your interview chances.
Use the Right Keywords to Pass ATS Filters
The main function of the ATS is to scan the resume for specific words and phrases that prove your competencies for a position. Keywords are usually software names, hard and soft skills, degrees and other requirements for the role. The simplest way to optimize your resume is to highlight key words in a job posting, and add them to the resume.
Note that keywords should go in the same form as they go in the job ad. Resume keywords for ATS scanning should be the exact ones mentioned in the job posting. Yes, you need to copy resume keywords as they are! If there's a phrase “word processing software”, don't write “MS Word”, as the program might not recognize it. Always add the name of the target job in a resume after your contact info, as the job title also counts as a keyword. Keep in mind that keyword density should be healthy! Your resume ATS keyword strategy should not be limited to creating a list of relevant skills. Keyword density must fall within 3-4% of the total word count. Job keyword matching should be exact but not too obvious!
Knowing where to find the keywords is only a part of the process. You need to use keywords naturally throughout the document, including them in skills, job descriptions and accomplishments. Keywords listed at the top of the page have the biggest impact, so make sure to list the key qualifications in the career summary. Also, check several skill phrasing examples to become more knowledgeable in paraphrasing strategies.
This strategy is important not only for passing the ATS, but also to win the attention of the recruiter. If the keywords are listed as skills and your experience doesn't prove how you put those skills into practice, you aren't likely to get an interview. Now you know how to keyword optimize your resume and land more interviews! Just keep in mind that you should always review your resume before applying to make sure it meets the specific job's requirements in terms of keywords.
Common Mistakes That Lead to ATS Rejection
In an attempt to get a high score with the system, job-seekers sometimes use different tricks. The most popular one is adding many keywords from the job ad to your resume in white. In this way, the program marks the resume as relevant and sends it to the hiring manager. It is a typical case of resume mistakes ATS, and one of the leading resume ATS rejection reasons.
You will have your resume rejected by ATS if you:
- use too many graphics or text boxes
- chose to type your conteact details or headlines in a footer or header
- submit your resume as an image
- forget to ATS resume spellcheck
In addition, pay attention to the following examples of errors in the file naming:
- Naming the file simply "Resume.docx" makes it difficult for hiring managers to identify whose resume it is.
- Using special characters like "John_Doe's_Resume!.pdf" can lead to file upload issues in some ATS systems.
- Using an unclear or incomplete name like "JD_Final_V3.docx" looks unprofessional and can be confusing for recruiters.
The problem is, the software removes all formatting and the hidden words will appear in the system in regular color. And, once the hiring manager sees Key account management written multiple times, they'll know for sure you've tried to trick the system. So, this approach is unlikely to bring you any results.
There are specific requirements for listing dates as well. Firstly, always include dates in Month/Year format. Only years are not enough, as the hiring manager wants to make sure you don't have employment gaps. Secondly, you need to place the dates to the right. In this way, the system recognizes them faster and more effectively.
Free Resume Optimization Services You Can Use
Not sure if your current resume is up to scratch? Send it to us for a free evaluation. At ResumePerk.com, we offer resume reviews from professional writers. Our expert will closely examine your resume and provide detailed feedback as per structure, writing style, ATS compliance, format and more. This service is free for everyone and it usually takes 4-5 business days to hear back from us. Get your resume ATS ready with a free scan! Yes, you can get ATS resume review free right now!
Although optimizing your resume for a target job is relatively easy, it takes time and special knowledge. Busy job-seekers often don't have time for it and therefore get overlooked for great job opportunities. At ResumePerk.com, our goal is to help every job-seeker to get the employment you deserve. Our ATS resume writing service is highly praised by our clients because we offer not only a professional resume checker, but also provide resume rewriting for ATS scanning. Thus, you have a successful ATS resume scan and no lost employment opportunities!
We offer a full satisfaction guarantee: the writer keeps working until you are satisfied with the final document. Contact us today and make the first step towards your dream career!
Final Thoughts: Optimize Your Resume, Beat the ATS
If you are looking for a reliable optimize resume service, you have found the right one. Get resume ATS ready for a very affordable fee, and you will see the difference in your job search efforts right away! It is possible to beat the applicant tracking system when you know the rules. Our writers and editors are here to offer their professionalism and support. Get a free resume scan for ATS compliance, order resume writing assistance, or enjoy editing services. Our team provides all resume-related services!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a resume ATS optimized?
An ATS-optimized resume uses clean formatting, standard section headings, and job-specific keywords. It avoids tables, images, and unusual fonts that applicant tracking systems may not read correctly.
What are common resume formatting mistakes that break ATS parsing?
Using tables, graphics, custom fonts, headers/footers, and non-standard section titles can confuse ATS software. Stick to a single-column layout and save your file in .doc or .pdf format.
How to write an ATS resume without a template?
You can build an ATS resume from scratch by using a plain layout, avoiding text boxes, and clearly labeling sections like Work Experience, Education, and Skills. Include job-relevant keywords naturally.
What is ATS resume keyword density and does it matter?
Keyword density refers to how often specific job-related terms appear in your resume. While there's no fixed rule, using keywords in a natural context across your summary, experience, and skills is best practice.
Why do resumes get rejected by applicant tracking systems?
Most rejections happen due to poor formatting, missing keywords, incorrect file types, or spelling errors. ATS software scans for job relevance, so formatting and language matter.
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