ATS Resume Guide: How to Create an ATS-Friendly Resume

ATS stands for “applicant tracking system,” and an ATS-friendly resume uses the right keywords and resume format to stand out. ATS systems power many of the job postings that hiring managers and recruiters list online.

The resume format for ATS software typically includes the following resume sections.

1. 1. Work history section: A summary of relevant work experience in reverse-chronological order.
2. 2. Education section: A list of secondary education institutions, degrees earned, and relevant honors.
3. 3. Hard skills section: Specific skills relevant to the job description, such as software abilities or leadership certifications.
4. 4. Soft skills section: Personality-related skills, such as curiosity and enthusiasm. While soft skills are rarely the determining factor for a new hire, terms like "enthusiastic" and "team-oriented" can be specific keywords that ATS software seeks out.

An applicant tracking system is a software-based system that sorts through job applications before they reach human eyes. Many Fortune 500 companies and multinational job recruiters receive hundreds—if not thousands—of job applications and rely on an ATS to identify the most promising job seekers.

An applicant tracking system can process a cover letter, curriculum vitae (CV), and supplementary materials provided by the job applicant. While the hiring process does ultimately involve human hiring managers, an ATS scan can begin the process.

ATS software has become a necessary part of the modern job search. You may have identified your dream job at a perfectly matched company, but before you can get human eyes on your application, you’ll likely have to pass through the ATS gauntlet. Without an ATS-friendly resume template, your application may be miscategorized and overlooked.

With proper formatting and relevant keywords, you can create an optimal ATS resume.

1. 1. Apply to relevant jobs. Applicant tracking systems are designed to match candidates to the right job listings. Submitting a resume that meets the minimum expectations of the job title or job description in a listing is the first step to making it through the ATS.
2. 2. Format your resume as a Word document. Many people submit resumes as PDF files, but ATS software tends to work best with files that end in a .doc or .docx extension. Programs like Microsoft Word, Open Office, and LibreOffice can save files this way. If you use Google Docs, it can also export documents using these file types.
3. 3. Use plain text. The most functional resume will use simple fonts like Arial or Times New Roman. Opulent fonts can cause trouble with ATS scans and may look less professional. Organize your resume sections with bullet points and concise language. Take care not to use too many abbreviations.
4. 4. Keep graphics off the resume. Graphs, charts, and JPG files can confuse ATS software. Leave them off your resume for maximum optimization.
5. 5. Do not use headers and footers. Word documents allow users to input headers and footers at the top and bottom of a document, respectively. However, headers and footers do not comport well with ATS software. Avoid these sections and write everything—even your contact information—in the main body of your document.
6. 6. Use top resume keywords. ATS software is programmed to look for certain keywords. In some cases, these keywords may be specifically tied to the job title you're applying for. In other cases, the keywords are more general, focusing on phrases like "self-starter" and "team-oriented." Online resources can help you hone in on valuable resume keywords. They also can provide ATS-friendly resume templates to steer you in the right direction.

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