Many companies use ATS software to filter and rank candidates before a human even looks at a resume. Here are some resume writing tips to make sure your resume is ATS friendly and gets through this crucial step.
ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System. It’s a type of software used by recruiters and employers to collect, sort, and rank job applications they receive for open positions. The primary function of an ATS is to streamline the hiring process by filtering out unqualified candidates, making it easier for recruiters to focus on the most suitable applicants.
An ATS is designed to simplify the recruitment process for employers but can be a hurdle for job seekers. If your resume isn’t formatted correctly or doesn’t include the right keywords, it might get rejected by the system, regardless of how qualified you are. Therefore, making your resume ATS-friendly is crucial for increasing your chances of getting an interview.
Ensure your resume includes standard sections such as:
Contact Information
Summary or Objective
Work Experience
Education
Skills
ATS software is programmed to look for these sections, so using unconventional headers can confuse the system.
Research job descriptions for the positions you’re applying for and identify keywords and phrases frequently used. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your resume, especially in the skills and work experience sections. This increases the likelihood that the ATS will match your CV with the job description.
Use a clean, simple format without excessive graphics, images, or elaborate designs. ATS can have trouble parsing complex layouts. Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri, and use bullet points to list your responsibilities and achievements.
Avoid placing important information such as your contact details in headers or footers. Some ATS software cannot read information contained within these areas, which could lead to your resume being discarded.
Use standard job titles that are easily recognisable by ATS. While creative job titles might sound impressive, they can be misinterpreted by the system. Stick to conventional titles that reflect your responsibilities clearly.
Spell out acronyms the first time you use them, followed by the acronym in parentheses. For example, “Working With Children Check (WWCC).” This ensures the ATS picks up on relevant keywords regardless of the format used in the job description.
Save your CV in a format that is compatible with most ATS software. The safest options are Word documents (.doc or .docx) and PDFs. Avoid using other file types like .jpeg or .png, as these are often not readable by ATS.
Customise your resume for each job application. While this might seem time-consuming, tailoring your CV to include keywords and skills relevant to each job increases your chances of passing the ATS screening process.
Choose or design a resume template that is simple and ATS-friendly. Avoid using templates with complex designs or multiple columns, as these can be difficult for ATS to parse correctly.
Test your CV using ATS-friendly tools available online like Jobscan. This will help you match your resume with job descriptions and improve your chances of getting noticed.
Creating an ATS resume is essential in today’s job market. By following these tips, you can ensure your CV not only passes through ATS filters but also grabs the attention of hiring managers.
If you feel like this is a challenging task, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Let our professional resume writing services help you stand out and get noticed by employers.
Our team of experts will:
Optimise your resume for ATS compatibility
Highlight your skills and experience effectively
Ensure your CV is tailored to your target job
Ready to take the next step in your career? Contact us today to get started on your ATS resume and increase your chances of landing that dream job.