How to Optimize Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
In today’s digital age, submitting a resume online has become the norm, and with that comes the use of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). An ATS is a type of software used by many companies to filter through the large number of resumes they receive for job openings. These systems help recruiters and hiring managers by scanning, sorting, and ranking resumes based on specific criteria.
While ATS can streamline the hiring process for employers, it can be a challenge for job seekers if their resume isn’t formatted to pass through the system correctly. Even if you’re highly qualified, a poorly optimized resume could be rejected before it ever reaches human eyes.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover how to optimize your resume for ATS and give you practical tips to ensure it gets noticed and makes it to the hiring manager’s desk.
1. What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software designed to manage the hiring process. It helps companies automate the sorting of resumes based on keywords, experience, education, and other factors relevant to the job posting.
When you apply for a job online, your resume is often passed through an ATS first. The system scans your resume for specific keywords and ranks it based on how well it matches the job description. If your resume doesn’t meet the criteria, it might never be seen by a human recruiter.
Why does this matter?
Understanding how ATS works is crucial to ensure that your resume isn’t rejected. Optimizing your resume for ATS increases your chances of being selected for an interview, allowing you to move forward in the hiring process.
2. Use a Simple, ATS-Friendly Format
One of the most common mistakes job seekers make is using a resume design that ATS can’t read. Fancy formatting, images, graphics, and tables may look visually appealing but can confuse the system, causing important information to be missed.
- Stick to a simple layout with clearly defined sections such as “Work Experience,” “Skills,” and “Education.”
- Use a standard font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid decorative or script fonts.
- Avoid images, charts, and graphics. While these may enhance your resume’s visual appeal, they can’t be read by ATS and may cause key information to be ignored.
- Use basic bullet points instead of special characters or symbols.
Why does this matter?
ATS is primarily designed to read and parse text. If your resume contains too many design elements, it could fail to be parsed correctly, and your qualifications may not be accurately recognized.
3. Include Relevant Keywords from the Job Description
Keywords are one of the most important elements in optimizing your resume for ATS. These systems use keywords to assess whether your experience and skills align with the job description. If your resume doesn’t contain the right keywords, it may be automatically rejected.
- Tailor your resume for each job application by carefully reading the job description and identifying important keywords related to required skills, qualifications, and experience.
- Incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your resume, particularly in sections like Work Experience, Skills, and Professional Summary.
- Avoid keyword stuffing. It’s important to use relevant keywords, but don’t overdo it by forcing too many into your resume. Ensure the content remains readable and natural.
Why does this matter?
ATS often filter resumes based on specific keywords, so failing to include them can result in your resume being overlooked. By aligning your resume with the job description, you improve your chances of passing the ATS screening.
4. Use Standard Section Headings
Applicant Tracking Systems are programmed to recognize standard resume section headings. Using creative or non-standard headings may cause the ATS to overlook important sections of your resume.
Stick to standard headings such as:
- Professional Experience or Work Experience
- Education
- Skills
- Certifications
- Contact Information
Avoid using headings like Career Journey, My Talents, or Where I’ve Worked. While these might sound more creative, they can confuse the system, causing key sections of your resume to be skipped.
Why does this matter?
Using standard section headings ensures that the ATS can correctly categorize and scan your resume, allowing it to capture all the relevant information.
5. Avoid Headers and Footers for Important Information
Many job seekers place their contact information in the header or footer of their resume to save space. However, some ATS are unable to read information in headers and footers, meaning your contact details could be missed entirely.
- Place your name, email, phone number, and LinkedIn profile in the main body of the resume rather than in the header or footer.
- Avoid putting critical information in these sections. Keep all important content—such as your work history, skills, and achievements—within the main body of your resume.
Why does this matter?
If an ATS cannot read your contact information because it’s placed in the header or footer, your resume may be discarded, even if you’re the perfect candidate for the job.
6. Optimize Your Resume for Readability
Even though ATS is a machine, the hiring manager who eventually reviews your resume is human. So, while optimizing for ATS is essential, your resume must still be readable and well-organized for a human reviewer.
- Use bullet points to list your achievements and responsibilities, as these are easier to scan.
- Keep your language clear and professional.
- Avoid long paragraphs. Use concise statements that focus on your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments.
Why does this matter?
The goal is to get past the ATS and into the hands of a hiring manager. Once that happens, the hiring manager will appreciate a resume that is well-organized and easy to read.
7. Use Job-Specific Phrases and Abbreviations
Incorporating industry-specific terms and job-related abbreviations can enhance your resume’s ranking in the ATS system. However, be mindful of the terms you use—many ATS may not recognize certain abbreviations.
- Include both the full form and abbreviation for commonly used terms. For example, if applying for a project management role, you can write “Project Management Professional (PMP)” to ensure that both the full title and acronym are recognized by the ATS.
- Mirror the language used in the job description. If the job posting mentions “customer service,” use that exact phrase in your resume, even if your previous title was “client relations.”
Why does this matter?
By using the correct terms and phrases, you increase the likelihood that your resume will match the employer’s search criteria within the ATS.
8. Use Reverse Chronological Order
Most ATS prefer resumes that follow a reverse chronological format, meaning your most recent job experience should come first. This format is straightforward and widely recognized, making it the safest option for both ATS and human readers.
- List your work experience starting with the most recent position and work backward.
- Include dates for each job, as ATS often filter resumes based on timeframes. Be sure to list your employment dates in a consistent format (e.g., “January 2020 – Present”).
Why does this matter?
Reverse chronological order is the standard format most ATS are programmed to read. Deviating from this format can lead to confusion and lower your chances of passing the ATS screening.
9. Focus on Accomplishments, Not Just Responsibilities
While it’s important to list your job responsibilities, accomplishments are what set you apart from other candidates. ATS often rank resumes higher when they include measurable achievements.
- Use quantifiable metrics to showcase your success. For example, “Increased sales by 20% in six months” or “Managed a team of 10 and reduced project completion time by 15%.”
- Focus on results rather than simply listing tasks. Instead of saying, “Responsible for managing a budget,” say, “Managed a $500,000 budget and reduced expenses by 10%.”
Why does this matter?
ATS often give higher priority to resumes that emphasize accomplishments and results. Additionally, recruiters are more likely to notice and be impressed by measurable achievements.
10. Test Your Resume for ATS Compatibility
Before submitting your resume, it’s a good idea to test it to ensure it’s ATS-friendly. There are several online tools and websites that allow you to check how well your resume is optimized for ATS systems.
- Use tools like Jobscan or Resumeworded to test your resume against specific job descriptions.
- Convert your resume into plain text to see if it maintains its structure and readability. If it looks disorganized in plain text, it may not be parsed correctly by an ATS.
Why does this matter?
Testing your resume before submitting it ensures that it’s formatted correctly and optimized with the right keywords, giving you a better chance of passing the ATS screening.
Conclusion: How to Optimize Your Resume for ATS
Optimizing your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems is no longer optional—it’s essential for success in today’s job market. From using simple, ATS-friendly formatting to including relevant keywords and highlighting accomplishments, taking the time to optimize your resume can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview.
By following these steps and keeping the needs of both ATS and human readers in mind, you’ll increase your chances of making it through the initial screening process and getting one step closer to your dream job.
Take the time to customize and optimize your resume for each application, ensuring it’s designed to not only get past the ATS but also impress hiring managers once it reaches them.
