If you’re submitting job applications online, there’s a good chance your resume is first being reviewed not by a human recruiter, but by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). These systems are designed to streamline the recruitment process by scanning resumes for keywords, formatting, and relevant qualifications before a human ever sees them. That means your carefully crafted resume could be rejected before it reaches a hiring manager—simply because it’s not ATS-readable.
Crafting an ATS-friendly resume is crucial in today’s job market. But what does that really mean, and how can you be sure your resume is being processed correctly?
What Is an Applicant Tracking System?
An Applicant Tracking System is software used by employers to manage the recruitment process. It scans, parses, and evaluates resumes based on pre-set criteria including keywords, experience, and education. ATS can sort, filter, and even rank candidates based on how well their resumes match the job posting.
Understanding how these systems interpret resumes can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.
Is Your Resume ATS-Compatible?
Some common elements of a resume that can confuse ATS software include:
- Complex formatting (tables, text boxes, graphics)
- Non-standard fonts or symbols
- Headers and footers containing crucial information
- Unusual section titles instead of standard terms like “Experience,” “Education,” etc.
If your resume includes any of these elements, it may not be properly parsed by ATS, which could mean your details don’t get captured correctly—or at all.
Best Practices for an ATS-Friendly Resume
To maximize your resume’s readability by ATS, follow these essential guidelines:
- Use a Simple, Standard Format
Stick to a chronological or hybrid resume layout. Avoid using fancy templates filled with tables and graphics. - Stick to Traditional Section Headings
Use headings such as “Professional Experience,” “Education,” “Skills,” and “Certifications.” These are easily recognized by most ATS platforms. - Incorporate Relevant Keywords
Tailor your resume to the job description by incorporating keywords that match the role’s requirements. Focus on skills, job titles, tools, and methodologies mentioned in the posting. - Use Standard Fonts
Fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, and Calibri are safe bets. Avoid decorative or script fonts. - Save in the Right File Format
Most ATS systems can read .docx and .pdf files, but .docx is generally safer. If you use a PDF, make sure it’s saved as a text-based file, not an image.
How Can I Test My Resume?
Here are a few ways to check if your resume is ATS-friendly:
- Copy and paste your resume into a plain text editor (like Notepad). If the format breaks or information appears out of order, the ATS may also have trouble reading it.
- Use online ATS resume scanners. Several free tools analyze your resume for ATS compatibility and give actionable feedback.
- Manually compare your resume content with the job posting. Ensure a high level of keyword alignment, especially in skills and experience.
What to Avoid
While making your resume visually appealing might impress a hiring manager, many design-heavy elements hinder ATS readability:
- Avoid columns and multiple text boxes: They often confuse parsing software, causing information to be skipped.
- Don’t include graphics, charts, or logos: These visual elements may not be interpreted correctly—or at all—by an ATS.
- Refrain from creative job titles: Using unconventional job titles might reduce keyword matches. Stick to industry-standard language.
Conclusion
Your resume is the key to getting your foot in the door—but if it isn’t readable by an Applicant Tracking System, it may never get the chance to be evaluated by a human. By keeping your formatting simple, using clear language, and targeting your resume for each job application, you greatly increase your odds of making it past the first digital hurdle.
In a world where technology increasingly dominates the hiring process, making your resume ATS-friendly is not just a recommendation—it’s a necessity.