How to Make Your Resume ATS-Optimized

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Did you know that 75% of resumes are never seen by human eyes, getting filtered out by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)?

In today’s job market, crafting an ATS-optimized resume is crucial to ensure your resume passes the initial scan and lands in front of human eyes. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are designed to make hiring more efficient for employers but can be confusing for job seekers to navigate.

Your goal is to understand the balance between technology and human touchpoints to craft a resume that not only ranks high in system searches but also resonates on a human level.

1. Keep Formatting Simple and Structured

When creating a resume that is optimized for ATS, it is important to keep the formatting simple and structured. This means using a basic font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri and avoiding any fancy or decorative fonts.

Additionally, it is important to use a consistent font size throughout the document.

Using bullet points to list your experience and qualifications can also make your resume easier for ATS to read.

When listing your work experience, start with your most recent job and work backwards. Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments at each job.

For example, instead of saying “I was responsible for managing a team,” say “Managed a team of X employees to achieve Y results.”

It is also important to avoid using images, graphics, or tables in your resume, as these can confuse the ATS and cause it to skip over important information. Instead, use plain text and simple formatting to make your resume easy for the ATS to scan.

2. Use Keywords Wisely

When optimizing your resume for ATS, it is important to use keywords wisely. This means including relevant keywords throughout your resume, but also avoiding keyword stuffing.

Overusing keywords can actually hurt your chances of getting past the ATS, as it may flag your resume as spam or low-quality.

To use keywords wisely, start by carefully reading the job description and identifying the most important keywords and phrases. These might include specific skills, job titles, or industry buzzwords.

Make sure to include these keywords throughout your resume, but do so in a natural and organic way.

One effective strategy is to include a “Skills” section near the top of your resume, where you can list relevant skills and competencies using targeted keywords.

You can also incorporate keywords into your job descriptions, particularly if you have previous experience in a similar role.

Remember that ATS algorithms are designed to identify relevant keywords, but they also take into account the context and overall quality of your resume. So while it’s important to use keywords wisely, don’t sacrifice the quality and readability of your resume in the process.

3. Highlight Achievements with Quantifiable Results

When creating your resume, it’s important to highlight your achievements with quantifiable results. This means including specific numbers and metrics to showcase your accomplishments.

One way to do this is by using bullet points to list your achievements under each job title. For example, “Increased sales by 25% in Q2 2024” or “Managed a team of 10 employees and improved productivity by 30%”.

Another way to showcase your achievements is by using tables or graphs to display your data. This can be particularly effective if you have a lot of numbers to share, such as revenue growth or website traffic.

It’s important to remember that including quantifiable results not only helps your resume stand out to recruiters and hiring managers, but it also demonstrates your ability to analyze data and achieve measurable results.

4. Tailor Your Resume for Each Application

To increase your chances of getting past the ATS, you should tailor your resume for each application. This means customizing your resume to match the specific job description and using relevant keywords.

To tailor your resume effectively, follow these tips:

• Read the job description carefully and identify the most important skills and qualifications required for the position.
• Incorporate those keywords and phrases into your resume, especially in the work experience and skills sections.
• Use the same language as the job description to describe your skills and experience.
• Highlight your most relevant experience and achievements that match the job requirements.
• Avoid using graphics, images, or tables that may confuse the ATS and cause it to reject your resume.

5. Don’t Overlook the Cover Letter

When it comes to applying for jobs, many candidates focus solely on their resume and neglect the importance of a cover letter. However, a well-written cover letter can greatly increase your chances of getting past the ATS and landing an interview.

First and foremost, make sure your cover letter is tailored to the specific job you are applying for. Use keywords from the job description to show the ATS that you are a good fit for the position.

Additionally, keep your cover letter concise and to the point. Use bullet points to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Avoid lengthy paragraphs that may be difficult for the ATS to parse.

Finally, don’t forget to proofread your cover letter for spelling and grammar errors. Mistakes can make a negative impression on hiring managers and hurt your chances of getting an interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

What steps can you take to ensure your resume is ATS-friendly?

To ensure your resume is ATS-friendly, you should follow these steps:

• Use standard section headings such as “Summary,” “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.”
• Customize your resume to match the specific requirements of each job posting.
• Incorporate relevant keywords and phrases from the job description into your resume.
• Avoid using graphics, images, charts, and other graphic elements.
• Use a legible font and keep the formatting simple.
• Label your resume sections clearly and correctly.

What features should you include in your resume to improve its ATS score?

To improve your resume’s ATS score, you should include these features:

• Use relevant keywords and phrases throughout your resume.
• Use achievement statements that respond to the job requirements.
• Use both long-form and acronyms of keywords.
• Use a reverse chronological format.
• Use a legible font and keep the formatting simple.
• Label your resume sections clearly and correctly.

How can you convert your resume to an ATS-compliant format?

To convert your resume to an ATS-compliant format, you should follow these steps:

• Use a plain text format such as .txt or .docx.
• Avoid using PDFs, images, or other non-text formats.
• Use a legible font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Use standard section headings such as “Summary,” “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.”
• Label your resume sections clearly and correctly.

How can you get your resume to be noticed by ATS systems?

To get your resume to be noticed by ATS systems, you should follow these steps:

• Use relevant keywords and phrases throughout your resume.
• Customize your resume to match the specific requirements of each job posting.
• Use achievement statements that respond to the job requirements.
• Use both long-form and acronyms of keywords.
• Use a reverse chronological format.
• Use a legible font and keep the formatting simple.
• Label your resume sections clearly and correctly.

Are there any reliable ATS resume checkers available for free?

Yes, there are several reliable ATS resume checkers available for free, such as Jobscan, Resume Worded, and RezScore. These tools can help you optimize your resume for ATS systems and improve your chances of getting noticed by recruiters.

What does ATS optimization entail for a job seeker’s resume?

ATS optimization entails customizing your resume to match the specific requirements of each job posting. It also involves using relevant keywords and phrases throughout your resume.

Additionally, it involves using a reverse chronological format, standard section headings, and a legible font. By optimizing your resume for ATS systems, you can increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters and landing your dream job.