Creating an ATS-Friendly Resume
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In today’s competitive job market, ensuring your resume passes an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. With more companies using automated systems to screen resumes, having an ATS-friendly resume can be the difference between landing an interview or being overlooked.
This guide covers everything you need to know about creating an ATS-compliant resume, the importance of ATS resume checkers, and where to access a free ATS resume scan to see if your resume makes the cut.
What is an ATS and How does it work?
An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is software used by employers to streamline the hiring process. Instead of manually reviewing resumes, ATS software scans, sorts, and ranks candidates based on keywords, experience, and other criteria.
Think of it as a resume grader—it scores applications by how well they match the job description. These systems filter through hundreds of resumes, so aligning yours with job requirements is crucial. An ATS resume checker evaluates your resume for skills, keywords, and formatting issues before a recruiter even sees it.
Why you need an ATS friendlyresume
Over 75% of recruiters use ATS tools to screen resumes. If your resume isn’t optimized for ATS, you risk being filtered out before the hiring manager even reviews your application.
An ATS-friendly resume follows specific formatting rules:
• Avoid overly creative designs or complex layouts.
• Ensure essential keywords match the job description.
• Use a plain, structured layout with clear headings.
A well-optimized resume significantly improves your chances of advancing in the hiring process.
How to optimize your resume for ATS: Tips and tricks
Follow these proven tips to ensure your resume beats ATS systems:
1. Use keywords from the job description
ATS software scans for keywords that match the job description. Tailor your resume by including these terms naturally.
• Example: If the job requires “data analysis” and “SQL,” ensure these phrases appear in your resume.
2. Stick to simple formatting
Avoid fancy designs, graphics, or images that confuse ATS systems. Use standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman and stick to a clean, easy-to-read layout.
3. Use proper headings and sections
Standard headings like Work Experience, Skills, and Education make it easier for ATS to parse your information. Avoid creative or unconventional section titles.
4. Save in the right format
Some ATS systems struggle with PDFs. Submit your resume in a .docx or plain text format to ensure compatibility.
5. Avoid headers and footers
Important details like contact information should be in the main body of your resume, not in headers or footers, which ATS tools often ignore.
The role of keywords in beating ATS
Keywords are critical for tailoring your resume to specific job postings. ATS tools scan resumes for phrases that match job requirements, so incorporating the right terms boosts your ranking.
Use tools like InstaResume.io to upload your resume and job description. The platform identifies gaps and suggests improvements to help you optimize your resume for specific roles.
ATS-Compliant resume guidelines
To ensure your resume passes ATS scans, follow these guidelines:
• Use a simple, clean layout with bullet points.
• Optimize with relevant keywords and skills from the job description.
• Avoid tables, columns, or complex formatting.
• Save your resume as a .docx or ATS-friendly PDF.
• Proofread thoroughly to eliminate spelling errors or inconsistencies.
Free ATS resume scanners
Free ATS resume checkers can help you test and improve your resume. One standout option is InstaResume.io, which offers:
• Free ATS resume scans (up to 3 uploads).
• Detailed keyword analysis tailored to job descriptions.
• Actionable recommendations to improve your resume’s ATS compatibility.
Whether you’re creating multiple resumes for different industries or refining a single version, InstaResume.io makes it easy to identify gaps and optimize for ATS success.
Does ATS score matter?
A common question is whether your ATS score really matters. While a high ATS score doesn’t guarantee a job offer, it increases the likelihood that your resume will make it through the initial screening. If your resume doesn’t get through the ATS, no human will ever see it.
For many job seekers, the resume AI that helps you pass ATS filters is a crucial part of their application strategy. Using a resume checker to adjust your resume for different jobs is time consuming, but necessary in today’s job market. A resume scanner like instaresume.io not only boosts your ATS score but also helps align your resume with what recruiters are looking for.
Avoid common mistakes
ATS systems can be picky. Here are some common mistakes to avoid if you want your resume to pass:
Overly complex formatting:
Stick to clean, simple formats. Avoid tables, graphs, and charts as ATS systems can’t read them properly.
Lack of keywords:
Every job description is different. Make sure your resume mirrors the language in the job ad, especially when it comes to specific skills or tools.
Unconventional job titles:
ATS systems may not recognize creative or industry specific job titles. Use commonly recognized titles for better chances.
Resume scanning tools vs. professional resume review: which is better?
Should you rely on resume scanners, or is it worth paying for a professional resume review? Both have their benefits. A free ATS resume checker like instaresume.io can quickly scan your resume for keywords and formatting issues, making it a great starting point for job seekers on a budget.
However, if you’re struggling to improve your ATS score or land interviews, a professional review might offer more tailored advice. In many cases, a combination of both (using a resume scanner for initial optimization and then having a professional polish it) is the best approach.
How to score high on ATS and land more interviews
Here are some final tips to make sure your resume gets the ATS stamp of approval:
Use job specific keywords
Tailor your resume for each job! ATS looks for keywords from the job description, so make sure you include the specific terms and skills that match the role.
Example: If the job mentions “Data visualization” or “Python,” you should add these keywords in your resume to improve your chances with ATS scans.
Choose a simple format
ATS systems struggle with complex designs. Avoid fancy fonts, graphics, or unusual formats. Stick to a clean, simple structure with clear headings such as Education, Work Experience, Skills. Word documents .docx are usually safer than PDFs for ATS compatibility.
Use standard job titles
Keep your job titles as standard and clear as possible. If your previous role had a creative title like “Data Ninja,” change it to something recognizable by the ATS, like “Data Analyst.”
Optimize your skills section
Taylor your skill section to highlight the most relevant abilities for the job you are applying to. Focus on both hard and soft skills that match the job description, and include keywords that align with the role to improve your chances with ATS scans.
Example: Create a dedicated skills section and fill it with both hard skills such as SQL, Power BI, Tableau and soft skills such as communication and teamwork. The ATS will scan this section for relevant keywords.
Include relevant experience and metrics
Be specific about your experience and skills you have learnt in your previous works and also mention the output you provided to your previous company because this is going to demonstrate the tangible value you bring.
Example: Instead of simply listing responsibilities, use metrics to show how you improved processes, increased efficiency or contributed to the company's growth. “Managed databases,” say “Managed SQL databases containing 1M+ records and optimized query performance by 30%.” ATS loves quantifiable achievements.
Avoid tables and columns
Tables and columns help organize your resume, making it easier to read and scan quickly. You can use them to neatly display skills, education, or certifications side by side. Just ensure the formatting is ATS-friendly to avoid parsing issues with applicant tracking systems.
Use the right file format
Choosing the correct file format for your resume is crucial. Many companies use ATS to scan resumes, and certain formats, like PDFs, are more compatible with these systems. While PDFs preserve the layout and design of your resume, some job postings may request Word documents (.docx) for easier parsing.
Include section headers
Use standard section headers like Education, Work Experience, Skills, and Certifications. ATS recognizes these headers and organizes your resume accordingly which eventually will enhance your resume to get that dream job.
Repeat keywords naturally
Make sure relevant keywords appear multiple times through out your resume don’t overdo it, though. Use them naturally in your work experience and skills section.
Check for ATS compatibility
Tools like instaresume.io will help you spot issues and adjust your resume for better ATS scores.
By following these steps, you’ll optimize your resume for ATS and increase your chances of landing that coveted interview.
To get a desired score when ATS scan your resume, you need to choose a standard template and some AI touch. For that, you need to check out our blogs on resume making tips for different profession and here are they:
Project manager resume examples
Graphic designer resume examples
FAQs
What is an ATS and how does it work?
An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is software used by employers to streamline the hiring process. It scans resumes for specific keywords and criteria to determine which candidates are the best fit for a job.
Does the ATS score really matter?
Yes, the ATS score is crucial as it determines whether your resume will reach the hiring manager or get filtered out by the system. A higher score increases your chances of landing an interview.
How can I make my resume ATS-friendly?
To make your resume ATS-friendly, use a simple format, include relevant keywords from the job description, and avoid graphics, tables, or unusual fonts.
What percentage is required for ATS on a resume?
There’s no universal percentage, but a resume that matches 70% or more of the job description's keywords typically performs well in an ATS scan.
The cost to use an ATS resume checker depends on the platform or service you choose. Some tools offer free basic scans with limited features, while others may charge for more detailed analysis or additional services like unlimited scans or personalized feedback.
For example: InstaResume.io offers a free ATS resume scan where you can check if your resume passes ATS filters. This basic scan often highlights key areas for improvement.
Can an ATS read PDFs?
Yes, most modern Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can read PDFs, but not all of them do it perfectly. While many ATS can parse PDFs effectively, some may still struggle, especially if the PDF contains complex formatting, graphics, or non-standard fonts.
How do know my resume is ATS compliant?
To know if your resume is ATS-compliant, start by ensuring that it's formatted in a simple and clean layout, avoiding complex designs, images, or tables. Use standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman and save your resume as a .docx or .pdf file, though .docx is generally safer. Tailor the content to the job description by incorporating relevant keywords that the ATS is likely to scan for. Stick to standard section headings such as Work Experience and Skills, and make sure your resume is free of any spelling or grammatical errors. You can also test your resume with an ATS-friendly resume checker to see how well it performs. By following these steps, you can be more confident that your resume will pass through an ATS and reach a human recruiter.
Conclusion
In the end, creating an ATS-friendly resume is crucial for getting your foot in the door. By using tools like instaresume.io and tailoring your resume for every job application, you’ll give yourself the best chance of passing the ATS test and landing more interviews. Remember, the goal is to make sure both the ATS and the human eye find your resume compelling.