What is an Applicant Tracking System?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a type of software companies use to quickly determine if an applicant is qualified for a job opening.
ATS software automatically scans and processes each job application sent to a company, and then disqualifies applications that don’t meet the requirements the company set. Such requirements usually include things like job-related technical skills, certifications, and work experience.
If your resume doesn’t get past the ATS, your application will likely be rejected before it ever reaches the hiring manager.
What is an ATS-friendly resume?
An ATS-friendly resume is designed specifically to receive a thumbs up from a company’s Applicant Tracking System.
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 an actual hiring manager, which is one step closer to landing an interview.
How to make an ATS-friendly resume
Here are six ways you can make your resume more ATS-friendly.
1. Use the chronological resume format
There are three primary resume formats job seekers use when applying for work.
However, the chronological resume is the most compatible with ATS software, because it best emphasizes and organizes your work experience (from most recent to oldest). If you have a normal work history with no large employment gaps or career changes, definitely make sure you use a chronological resume.
2. Correctly label your sections
Applicant Tracking Systems organize your qualifications based on common resume headings like “Work Experience” and “Skills”.
Playful headings like “Why I’m Great” will confuse ATS software. So don’t use them.
Here are some good and bad examples of resume headings:
ATS Friendly Resume Headings
- Work Experience
- Skills
- Education
ATS Unfriendly Resume Headings
- Jobs I’ve Done
- Major Abilities
- Where I Studied
3. Include job-related keywords
To determine whether your qualifications are relevant to the position, ATS software scans your resume for specific job-related resume keywords and cover letter keywords. Although newer ATS software uses AI to understand whether your resume fits the job requirements, many companies still use older software that searches for resume keywords.
To increase your chance of getting into the interview pool, look through the job listing for these words to include on your resume.
For example, a software company hiring a new front-end developer might use these words in the advertisement to describe the hard and soft skills they’re looking for in a candidate:
- CSS
- C++
- Javascript
- Collaborative
- Innovative thinker
Take note of these skills and include them in your resume core competencies section or resume skills section to ensure that the ATS knows you’re qualified for the job.
The images below contain a real example of a sales associate job description. We’ve highlighted the important keywords applicants for this job opening should include on their resume to pass the ATS:
4. Use an ATS-friendly resume template
Many job seekers dress up their resume to make their application stand out from other candidates. However, resumes with graphic elements, tables, or unique fonts are difficult for ATS software to read.
To make your life easier, simply download an ATS-friendly resume template and fill it out with your own information.
Here’s an example of an ATS resume template that still looks professional and eye catching:
ATS Resume Template Free Download
5. Use a common resume font
The best resume fonts to get past the ATS are common and easy to read. When in doubt, stick to basic fonts like Times New Roman, Calibri, Arial, or Georgia.
6. Save your resume as a PDF or .docx
Some older ATS software has trouble understanding resume PDF files, but if the job listing doesn’t specify what file format to save your resume, then PDF and .docx should both work.
Five ATS-friendly resume templates for 2022
The following five ATS-friendly resume templates are free to download and specifically designed to beat the applicant tracking system. If you’re making your resume in MS Word, all you have to do is open the template with Word and fill in your information.
