Employers use Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) to screen applicants. ATS scans resumes for specific keywords, then sorts and ranks them. This helps hiring managers identify which applications to review. Recruiters rely on the system to avoid wasting time on unqualified candidates. The software rejects over 75% of applications before a human ever sees them. Unfortunately, even qualified candidates get filtered out if their resumes don’t meet ATS requirements. If your resume doesn’t align with the system, the employer won’t see it—no matter how well you fit the role.
Now that you know what ATS is, here are a few tips to pass the check:
Use the Right File Type
While PDFs are popular, they are not always ATS compliant. PDFs help avoid formatting issues, but some ATS systems can’t read them and reject the resumes as a result. To prevent this, use Word Docx., remember to check all formatting, fonts and images before sending them to employers. Always check if the employer has listed a preferred document type and for some, PDFs may be acceptable, but when in doubt, it is better to use Docx.
Do not Use Headers and Footers
ATS systems cannot read the information in the header and footer, so make sure you do not put any important information like your contact information. Have proper margins on your resume so the ATS can quickly scan your resume and pick out the keywords and contact information that is relevant.
Use Keywords
One of the best ways to ensure your resume is ATS compatible is to include keywords. Not buzzwords like “team player” or “proactive,” but words that represent hard and soft skills that you possess. Review the job posting and identify words or skills that appear multiple times or seem heavily emphasized. Include these keywords in your resume—ideally two to three times. Some ATS systems track how often specific terms appear and may rank your resume higher based on keyword frequency. It is a good idea to include an “Areas of Expertise” section at the top of your resume to list these keywords as bullet points and then include them again in your Work Experience.
Use a Clean Resume Design
Do not use fancy formatting or tons of images and text boxes because it will make your resume harder to read for the ATS. Many ATS systems convert resumes to text only, so any part of your resume that is not in plain text (i.e., inside an image) will not be seen. Avoid using large amounts of graphics, and do not include a photo of yourself. Stick to more common section headings like “Work Experience” and “Education” so the ATS can quickly sort your information. Do not use uncommon fonts that you need to download; stick to conventional fonts like Arial, Tahoma, Times New Roman or Cambria.
However, there are some things you can use to help your resume stand out to the employer, such as using bold or italic lettering, you can underline headings and URLs. You can also use color, ATS will show everything as one color, but it is okay to use color in your resume. But remember to use neutral tones and it is better to stick to only 1-2 colors. You can include bullet points because they are an easy way to organize important information. Ditch the fancy templates and revert to a clean and easy-to-read resume design. Writing a resume involves many details, but with practice, you can make sure employers see it and invite you to interviews.