In today’s competitive job market, many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to streamline their hiring process. ATS software automatically scans sorts, and ranks resumes, making it easier for recruiters to manage a large number of candidates. According to data from GoodFirms, 90% of Fortune 500 companies rely on ATS to filter through resumes.
To increase your chances of landing an interview, you need to ensure that your resume is ATS-friendly. In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to create an ATS-friendly resume, boost your ATS resume score, and use an ATS resume checker to improve your chances of standing out.
What is an ATS Resume?
An ATS resume is specifically designed to be compatible with applicant tracking systems. These resumes follow a structured format, making it easier for ATS software to read, analyze, and score them effectively. When applying for jobs, ATS software scans resumes for relevant keywords, skills, experience, and other important details. If your resume is ATS-friendly, it stands a better chance of being seen by a recruiter.
How Does ATS Software Work?
ATS software scans resumes and divides the content into different sections, such as work experience, education, skills, and certifications. It then compares these sections to the job description to identify keywords and skills that match the position. If your resume includes the right keywords and is aligned with the job description, your resume is more likely to pass through the ATS and be reviewed by a hiring manager.
Here are some common ATS-friendly keywords that ATS software looks for:
Skills (e.g., communication, leadership, project management)
Certifications (e.g., PMP, BLS Certified)
Education (e.g., Bachelor’s in Marketing)
Work History (e.g., Sales Manager at XYZ Corp.)
Job Titles (e.g., Web Developer, HR Manager)
How to Check if Your Resume is ATS-Friendly
An ATS resume checker is a tool that analyzes your resume and scores it based on how well it matches the job description. If your resume scores above 80%, it’s considered ATS-friendly and will most likely be sent to a hiring manager for review.
How to Make an ATS-Friendly Resume
Follow these simple steps to create a resume that works well with ATS:
Step 1: Review the Job Description
Carefully read the job description to identify important keywords and skills relevant to the position. Highlight the ATS-friendly keywords that match your experience.
Example:
Job Description for a Software Developer
Skills: Java, Python, Agile, SQL
Experience: Minimum 3 years in software development
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science
Step 2: Match Your Qualifications with the Job Requirements
Once you've identified the right keywords from the job description, incorporate them into your resume. Avoid stuffing your resume with keywords, as it may seem unnatural. Focus on including only the keywords that accurately reflect your qualifications.
Step 3: Incorporate Keywords Throughout Your Resume
Integrate the relevant ATS-friendly keywords across various sections of your resume. Here’s how:
Professional Summary: Mention key skills, years of experience, and achievements.
Work History: Highlight specific skills, tools, and action verbs from the job description.
Skills Section: List relevant skills in bullet points for easy readability.
Step 4: Use a Standard Resume Format
Choose a traditional resume format (chronological, functional, or combination) that ATS can easily read. Avoid using images, tables, or fancy designs, as they may confuse the ATS.
ATS-Friendly Resume Formatting Tips:
Use simple section headers like Work Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications.
Choose easy-to-read fonts, such as Arial or Calibri.
Ensure dates are formatted consistently (e.g., January 2020 – December 2023).
Save your resume as a Word document (.doc or .docx) or a compatible PDF (if the job posting allows).
What Is an ATS-Friendly Resume Template?
An ATS-friendly resume template is designed to help you structure your resume so that ATS can read it easily. These templates ensure your resume follows the proper format, headings, and layout to get past ATS software. Using a pre-designed template can save you time and increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters.
Key ATS-Friendly Resume Tips:
Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments, such as “managed,” “developed,” or “improved.”
Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., “increased sales by 20%”).
Avoid graphics or images, as these can confuse ATS software.
Include job-specific keywords throughout your resume summary, work experience, and skills sections.
ATS Resume Score: How to Improve It
Your ATS resume score reflects how well your resume aligns with the job description and its keywords. To improve your score, use an ATS-friendly resume checker to analyze your resume. This tool will help identify areas that need improvement, such as missing keywords or sections that are not properly formatted.
A score of 80% or higher is ideal, but remember that a perfect score doesn’t guarantee the job. It simply increases the chances of your resume being reviewed by a hiring manager.
Conclusion
In today’s job market, submitting an ATS-friendly resume is crucial for getting noticed by hiring managers. By using an ATS resume checker, incorporating relevant keywords, and following proper formatting guidelines, you can ensure that your resume stands out to both ATS software and recruiters.
For even better results, consider using an ATS-friendly resume template to streamline the process and optimize your resume. Remember, to get your resume seen by human eyes, it must first be readable by ATS.
Now, take your resume to the next level with our ATS Resume Builder and ensure it’s ATS-friendly for every job you apply to.
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