Writing ATS-Friendly Resumes: Essential Tips for Job Seekers

In the digital age, simply having a well-crafted resume isn't enough. Understanding how employers view your resume can be just as important. This is where Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) come in. ATS is a type of software used by recruiters and employers during the hiring process to collect, sort, scan, and rank the job applications they receive for their open positions.

Regrettably, many job seekers discover that their resumes are getting lost in the ATS shuffle, leaving them in the dust despite being qualified for the positions they applied for. An ATS-friendly resume can make the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked.

Here are some tips to write an ATS-friendly resume:

Use Keywords Wisely

The importance of using keywords relevant to the job can't be overstated. These kinds of keywords will look different for each job and each profession, so do your research. Look at the job description for the role you're applying to and identify the specific skills, qualifications, and experiences that are mentioned. These same terms should appear in your resume.

• Be Forward-Thinking

  With ATS, employing some forward-thought can significantly aid your resume. Avoid using outdated terms (for instance, ‘personnel’ instead of ‘HR’) as the ATS might not recognize them.

• Avoid Over-Aprropriation

  While you should incorporate keywords into your resume, avoid "keyword stuffing." It's not about the number of times keywords appear; context matters.

• Use Variations

  If a job description uses both an acronym and a long-form expression of a keyword, include both in your resume (for example, "Search Engine Optimization" and "SEO").

• Tailor Your Resume

  Tailor your resume for each job application. Using the same set of keywords for every application isn’t a smart move. While it might save you time, your resume could fail to pass the ATS for some jobs.

Abide By Standard Resume Rules

When crafting an ATS-friendly resume, it's important to follow standard resume writing practices closely, such as the use of standard section headings, spell-checking, appropriate language, and so forth.

• Use Standard Headings

  Headings like "Experience," "Education," and "Skills," are typically programmed into ATS software. Stick to these headings, instead of getting creative (like "Where I've Worked").

• Check Spelling and Grammar

  ATS software can only read what it can recognize. Spelling and grammatical errors can cost you dearly, as the ATS may not understand mistaken keywords.

• Use Traditional Fonts

  To ensure maximum readability for both human and robot eyes, use traditional fonts like Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, or Verdana.

• Avoid Fancy Graphics

  ATS software also struggles with parsing infographics, charts, and other complex graphics. While these might make your resume more appealing to human eyes, they might render your resume unreadable by the ATS.

• Save Your Resume as a .docx or .pdf File

  Different ATS software reads different file types more efficiently. It is generally best to save your resume in either of these file formats to ensure maximum ATS readability.

Don't Try to Trick the ATS

Trying to "trick" the ATS with tactics like "white words" may seem tempting, but these tricks can backfire for several reasons.

• You'll Eventually Need Human Approval

  Even if your resume passes the ATS, a human will eventually read your resume. Unnecessary keyword stuffing or strange formatting can be off-putting to hiring managers.

• Most Systems are Smarter

  Most ATS algorithms are smart enough to see through any “tricks” you throw at them. In fact, some may even be programmed to reject resumes that attempt to cheat the system.

• Honesty is the Best Policy

  Plainly put, dishonesty isn't worth the risk. It's always best to represent your skills and experiences truthfully.

A well-optimized, ATS-friendly resume can be the difference between landing an interview or getting passed over. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting past the ATS and getting noticed by hiring managers.

Finally, make sure each job application is tailored to the job you're applying for — there is no