How to optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS)

If you’re looking for a new job, don't neglect Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) when drafting your resume. Many companies rely on ATS to filter and manage job applications, and you want your resume to pass the test. 

An ATS scans resumes for specific keywords, skills, and qualifications that match the job description. If a resume lacks the right terms or is formatted in a way the ATS can't easily parse, an ATS can automatically discard the document before passing it on to a human recruiter. This means even highly qualified candidates like yourself can be overlooked if your resume isn’t optimized. 

In this article, Remote shares how to optimize your resume for ATS, so you can land the job you want.

What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by companies during recruitment to manage job applications and track candidates. ATS automates tasks like resume parsing, filtering applicants by keywords or qualifications, and posting job listings on different platforms. 

An ATS organizes candidate data, making it easier for recruiters to search and evaluate applicants. It also arranges communication through automated emails and interview scheduling. By filtering out resumes that don't match specified criteria, ATS helps employers focus on top candidates, but it can also inadvertently exclude qualified applicants if their resumes aren't optimized for the system.

What is an ATS resume 

An ATS resume is a resume that is ATS-friendly or ATS compliant. Basically, it’s a resume optimized for ATS so that the system can accurately understand the document. 

An ATS resume normally uses a simple, clean format without images, graphics, or complex tables that could confuse the ATS. Fonts are standard and easy to read, and headings should clearly define each section of the resume. Bulleted lists are better than paragraphs for listing previous jobs or achievements, as lists are easier for ATS software to scan and interpret.

An ATS-optimized resume also includes keywords on what employers are looking for. ATS often rely on keyword matching to filter resumes, so it's important to include relevant terms for your skills and job titles.

How to optimize your resume for ATS 

Nearly 99% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS platform as part of its hiring process. It’s important to optimize your resume for ATS to make sure a human recruiter can consider your application.

Here are the main factors to consider when optimizing your resume, to make sure you stand out to top employers.

1. Know your keywords

ATS rely heavily on keyword matching to determine whether your qualifications align with the job description. When an ATS scans your resume, it looks for specific terms related to skills, leadership, and qualifications that match the job listing.

Without keywords, even a well-qualified candidate may be overlooked if their resume doesn't use the exact terms the system is programmed to identify. Take the job description seriously and incorporate relevant keywords naturally throughout your resume. Keywords include specific skills, certifications, software, and industry-specific terminology that match the job posting. ATS systems often scan for exact matches, so mirroring the job description's language will help your resume rank higher.

2. Include a skills section

A skills section provides a clear, concise way to highlight your most relevant abilities to the ATS. If your resume lacks a clear list of skills, the ATS may not recognize your qualifications, even if they are present elsewhere in the document​.

Additionally, the skills section allows you to strategically incorporate keywords that align with the job posting, improving your chances of passing the initial ATS screening. List relevant technical skills (e.g., programming languages, software expertise) and any key soft skills (e.g., leadership, communication) here. It helps both the system and human recruiters quickly determine whether your technical and soft skills match the requirements.

3. Use consistent job titles

Use consistent and standard job titles across your resume. If you had a unique job title that is specific to a certain company, translate it into a more recognizable and common title.

When your job titles are inconsistent or overly creative, the ATS may not recognize the relevance of your experience, and your resume could be filtered out. For example, if the job listing asks for a marketing manager, but your resume lists "creative marketing leader," the ATS might not identify that your experience aligns with the position.

For the ATS to match you and the company as a good fit, use common, industry-standard titles for your previous roles. Don’t forget to use keywords from the job description.

4. Clean and simple formatting 

Keep your resume simple and avoid complex formatting like tables, images, columns, graphics, or unusual fonts. Overly complex designs can cause the ATS to misread or skip important sections of the resume. 

Stick to standard fonts (Arial, Times New Roman), section your resume with clear headers (e.g., "Experience," "Education," "Skills"), and format dates and locations consistently. Bullet points also help the ATS recognize and categorize information correctly.

ATS systems are programmed to prioritize content over aesthetics, so decorative elements ‌can disadvantage you. Keeping the format simple allows the ATS to focus on what's most important: your skills, experience, and qualifications.

5. Avoid headers and footers 

ATS scan and extract content from the main body of a resume, but it often skips or struggles to interpret data placed in headers or footers. For example, some people keep their contact details and other important sections in headers or footers. This can be appealing to the human eye, but an ATS might miss key information like your name, email, and phone number. 

To make sure all information is recognized by an ATS, it’s best to keep all content within the main body of your resume. Avoid placing important details like contact information in headers or footers. This helps the ATS process your resume properly and pass it on for human evaluation.

6. Save as standard file formats 

Save your resume as a word document or a PDF file that is ATS-friendly. Some ATS cannot accurately understand PDFs, so if you're unsure, opt for a word document (.docx).

ATS systems are optimized to handle .docx files because of their simple structure. Word documents help ATS extract text, keywords, and formatting without difficulty. While some PDFs work, others may include hidden layers or non-standard fonts that ATS software cannot interpret. 

When you use uncommon or complex formats like .pages or PDFs with intricate formatting, the ATS may struggle to read the content correctly. The ATS can then improperly evaluate your resume and reject it.

How to check if your resume is ATS-friendly

Optimize your resume with relevant keywords from the job description provided by the company that you’re applying for. Include a skills section using keywords, and make sure any previous job titles are consistent and relevant to the role you’re pursuing. 

Format your resume in a way that's ATS-friendly. Many ATS struggle with complex designs or non-standard file types. Simple fonts, clear section headings, and bullet points are the way to go. Avoid tables, columns, or images that can confuse the ATS.

Still not sure if your resume will pass the ATS test? Scan your resume with Jobscan or Resume Worded and compare it to job descriptions to double-check your resume is optimized for ATS.

Get noticed by top employers with Remote Talent 

Optimizing your resume for ATS means you are one step closer to getting your resume noticed by a human recruiter. It’s one of the many things a job seeker needs to go through to land their next (or first) desired job. 

Luckily, Remote Talent makes it much easier for you to stand out to top employers worldwide. Remote understand the frustration of finding a job – which is why Remote Talent is free of costs and ads for job seekers. 

You did your part in making your resume ATS-friendly. Remote Talent helps you filter your job search by location, remote roles, and pay ranges to make sure the employers you want see your resume. Sign up for free to get noticed by top employers today.

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