The ATS-Friendly Resume

by:Harlando Pratama Siregar & Nisa Patrisia

An ATS-friendly resume is designed specifically to get past applicant tracking systems. Using an easy-to-read resume format, removing things like tables or images, and including resume keywords from the job description all help make your resume more ATS-friendly. If you create your resume with ATS software in mind, your application stands a better chance of getting into the hands of a hiring manager, which is one step closer to landing an interview.

Submitting an ATS resume is an important step in the hiring process that can benefit you and the employer. Employers want to hire the absolute best candidate they can, and an ATS ensures every single application is reviewed for the job — something which might not be possible if one person had to read through hundreds of applicants.

Crafting an ATS friendly resume is relatively simple if you follow some basic guidelines.

1. Use an ATS resume template

The layout of your resume matters. When an ATS scans your resume, the placement of the content can impact how your application is judged. If you have limited or no work experience, the Skills Based resume format may be your best option. This style highlights your strengths to offset what you may be lacking in professional work experience. If you do have solid work experience, then a Chronological Resume format may be a better choice.

2. Tailor your resume to the job description

To determine if you’re qualified, an ATS will scan your resume for specific keywords that directly relate to the job. Luckily, you have access to most, if not all, of these words since they are often used in the job description. This is key to building an ATS optimized resume. When describing your skills and work experience, try to use words that match the job listing provided. The more keywords you include, the higher the likelihood your resume will progress into the pool of eligible candidates.

3. Use a simple layout for your resume

You may be tempted to dress up your resume to differentiate yourself from other candidates. But an ATS has difficulty interpreting elaborate components like graphics or tables. Certainly, the recruiter may appreciate your unique wording or creative flair, however such additions will likely prevent your resume from passing the ATS criteria. It’s also important to have clear and concise headings. This helps signal to the ATS that the information it is looking for is in that section.

4. Use appropriate keywords

A company’s ATS is looking for a way to compare your resume to the job description. It’s ranking you, and in order to earn a higher ranking, you need to carefully adapt your resume to the posting. You have the opportunity to incorporate keywords in the various sections of your resume. Carefully review the words used in the job description, and if you have those skills, repeat those same keywords in your resume.

When crafting your ATS resume, be sure to avoid these mishaps that might decrease your chances of moving to the next stage in the hiring process:‍

· Don’t mix fonts. Simple is better.

· Keep your resume left aligned. Centre aligning can confuse an ATS.

· No abbreviations on their own. Write everything out in full and include the abbreviation next to it. This will help when an ATS is scanning for keywords.

· Keep paragraphs short and only include relevant information.

· Avoid using tables, columns, graphics or any images.

References

Pettersson, I. (2022, June 14). How to Write an ATS-Friendly Resume in 2022. Resume Genius. https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/ats-resume

Prepped. (2022, May 6). How to Write an ATS Friendly Resume. https://www.fullyprepped.ca/blog-posts/how-to-write-an-ats-friendly-resume