How to Make Your Resume ATS-Optimized

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

There are many HR workers who disagree with this but there are many people I talk to every day that tell me that they automatically get rejections right after they apply for jobs.

Whether or not you think this is true, writing 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.

Your goal for your resume should be to have a balance between a resume that not only ranks high in system searches but also resonates on a human level.

When I have hired some of my clients in the past, we have talked about how personalized resumes always tend to stand out to us.

That is why I created a template that is easy to insert your own experience into while following a good structure that works for ATS systems.

You can use my free template here.

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 cursive fonts.

Make sure you also use a consistent font size throughout the document.

You should also use bullet points to list your experience and qualifications, which can also make your resume easier 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 because they can confuse the ATS and cause it to skip over important information.

This doesn’t apply to those of you who live in countries where a picture is required on the resume!

Instead, use plain text and simple formatting to make your resume easy for the ATS to scan.

This is mostly for jobs in the US and Canada because I know there are some countries like Japan that require a photo on their resumes.

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 causes your resume to be flagged 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 or job titles used in the description.

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

You can include a “Skills” section near the top of your resume, where you can list relevant skills using targeted keywords.

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

That is where I tend to add keywords because it usually just means changing words slightly.

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%”.

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.

It looks quite bad if you have submitted a resume with errors so ALWAYS double-check.

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 make your resume ATS-friendly, you should follow these steps:

• Use 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 from the job description into your resume.
• Avoid using graphics, images, or charts.
• 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?

You should include these in your resume to help with ATS systems:

• Use relevant keywords and phrases throughout your resume.
• Use achievement statements that respond to the job requirements.
• Use long-form and acronyms of keywords, especially if used in the job description.
• Use a reverse chronological format.

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

Make sure your resume is saved as a PDF so the formatting doesn’t shift. When your resume is saved as a Word document the formatting can change and mess up all of your hard work!

Are there any reliable ATS resume checkers available for free?

Yes, there are several reliable ATS resume checkers that are free, such as Jobscan, Resume Worded, and RezScore.