How to Write a Resume That Gets Past Applicant Tracking Systems

Creating a resume that captures a hiring manager’s attention is already a challenge. But what many job seekers don’t realize is that your resume may not even be seen by a human—unless it successfully makes it through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) first.

Crafting the perfect resume to clearly define your experiences and career goals is a difficult challenge, and can be discouraging when you find out the majority of what you include could be hurting your chances rather than helping you. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to ensure your resume passes through the system filters and lands in the hands of the decision-makers.

Understanding the Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a type of software that companies use to streamline and manage their hiring process. Instead of manually reviewing each resume, employers rely on ATS tools to automatically collect, scan, and sort applications based on predefined criteria. Recruiters and hiring managers are able to sort through large amounts of candidate data and filter down to skills and experiences that they find relevant for the roles they look to fill.

From large corporations to small businesses, ATS platforms are widely used across industries, especially when companies receive hundreds—or even thousands—of applications for a single job posting.

How Does an ATS Work?

At its core, the ATS works like a search engine. Once a job is posted, the system gathers resumes and ranks them based on how well they match the job description. Here’s what the ATS typically looks for:

• Keywords related to job titles, skills, and qualifications

• Formatting consistency, such as standard fonts and layouts

• Relevant experience and chronological work history

• Document type compatibility

If your resume lacks the correct structure or content, it may be filtered out before a recruiter even sees it. That’s why understanding how to optimize your resume for the ATS is essential.

Why You Need an ATS-Friendly Resume

In today’s digital hiring landscape, writing a resume that is visually appealing isn’t enough. You must ensure it’s readable by ATS software to avoid being automatically disqualified. Even highly qualified candidates can be overlooked simply because their resumes weren’t formatted or worded appropriately.

An ATS-friendly resume improves your chances of getting interviews by:

• Increasing visibility in recruiter searches

• Accurately presenting your unique qualifications

• Ensuring keyword alignment with the job description

• Avoiding technical errors that block parsing

 

Resume Tips: How to Create an ATS-Friendly Resume

Follow these professional resume tips to help your resume make it through the ATS and stand out to hiring teams.

1. Include the Job Title in Your Resume Introduction

Start with a strong opening summary that includes the exact job title you’re applying for. This simple step helps the ATS recognize the relevance of your resume to the position. For example:

“Results-driven Marketing Manager with 8+ years of experience leading cross-functional campaigns…”

Not only does this align your resume with the job description, but it also helps recruiters immediately identify your suitability for the role from your past experiences.

2. Use Skills from the Job Description

Scan the job description for hard and soft skills that match your own qualifications. Then, naturally incorporate those keywords into your resume.

If a posting calls for “project management” or “CRM experience,” be sure those terms appear in your skills or experience sections—assuming you have them, of course. But avoid keyword stuffing or placing skills that you don’t have ample experience honing; relevance and readability still matter.

3. Stick to a Chronological Format

An ATS prefers resumes in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. This format is the easiest for both the system and human readers to follow.

Always include: the job title, employer name, location, dates of employment, and bullet-point achievements and responsibilities

Functional or hybrid resumes can confuse the ATS and bury your most relevant experience.

4. Make It Easy to Scan

To ensure your resume is both machine-readable and human-friendly, follow these formatting tips:

• Use common fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman that are easily legible.

• Stick to font sizes between 10–12 pt for body text. Too big, too small or too varied in text sizes can disrupt the system.

• Use simple language and clear section headers, nothing too abstract, stick to easily recognizable.

• Avoid large graphics, tables, or multiple columns. Imagery can cause errors in the scanning process.

• Keep your layout clean and free of distractions. Simpler is better in this instances.

Remember, your resume’s first reader may not be a person—so clarity is key.

5. Avoid Headers, Footers, and Hyperlinked Content

Many applicant tracking systems struggle to read content embedded in headers and footers, or interpret hyperlinks. Instead, place all key information in the main body of your resume. If you want to include your LinkedIn profile or online portfolio, paste the full URL in plain text.

6. Submit as a DOC or PDF File Only

Not all file types are created equal. The safest formats for ATS parsing are:

• .doc or .docx (Word documents)

• .pdf (if saved correctly and not scanned)

Other file types like .odt, .pages, or image-based PDFs may result in errors or unreadable data. When in doubt, stick with a standard DOCX or PDF.

Why It’s Worth Taking the Time to Format Your Resume Properly

Taking the time to properly format your resume for applicant tracking systems can dramatically improve your chances of getting noticed by hiring teams. An ATS-friendly resume ensures that your qualifications are accurately captured, your application isn’t disqualified due to technical formatting errors, and your experience aligns closely with the role you’re targeting. By optimizing your resume with clear formatting, relevant keywords, and readable content, you significantly boost its visibility in recruiter searches and make a strong first impression that can set you apart from the competition. While it may take a bit more effort upfront, this attention to detail can make all the difference in landing your next opportunity.

Let Professional Alternatives Help You Stand Out

Writing an ATS-friendly resume may seem technical, but with the right strategy and guidance, it becomes a valuable tool in your job search.

If you’re currently transitioning careers or exploring new job opportunities, the expert recruiters at Professional Alternatives are here to help. We connect candidates like you with top employers, offer personalized resume feedback, and provide access to exclusive openings across industries.

Ready to make your next move? Reach out to our team today and let’s work together to turn your resume into a powerful step forward in your career. Check out our open roles or submit your resume to be automatically considered for roles that match your career goals.