What Is an ATS Resume? How to Write a Job-Winning ATS-Friendly Resume

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) have become a staple of the hiring process, which means that to land the job you want, you need a resume that's made to impress the ATS. Your resume needs to be built for both human recruiters and AI systems—but what does it mean to make an ATS-friendly resume?

This guide will show you:

Want to make sure your resume is ATS-friendly? Try Resume Now's ATS Resume Checker to analyze your current resume's ATS performance. Or, use our AI Resume Builder to make an ATS resume quickly. Upload your resume or start a new one, choose a customizable template, and fill it out with generated suggestions tailored to your needs.

What Is an Applicant Tracking System Resume?

An ATS resume is any resume that is optimized for applicant tracking systems, or ATS.

ATS software is used during the hiring process to automatically sort and rank job applicants. Most ATS scan resumes for specific qualifications and keywords to find the most qualified candidates for the role. This saves the employer time, but it can result in unoptimized resumes being filtered out.

Recent data from Select Software Reviews indicates that:

If your resume is not formatted correctly or if you use unfamiliar language, an ATS might remove you from consideration even if you are extremely qualified.

So, how do you avoid this and make an ATS resume? First, you need to understand how they work.

How Does an Applicant Tracking System Work?

An ATS can't read your resume the way a human would. Instead, it scans resumes for keywords often listed in the job description and matches them to its list of prerequisite skills and metrics desired by the employer.

For example, your resume profile might read:

While a human could pick up on the subtle nuances and context clues, an ATS is trained to scan and pick out keywords. Here's what the ATS would likely see:

The ATS will then cross-reference your qualifications with what the company is looking for and rank you against other candidates. If you pass a certain threshold, your resume is likely passed along to the relevant hiring manager to take a closer look. This threshold depends on the specific role, but there are ways of making a close estimate and optimizing your resume to meet ATS expectations.

How to Write an ATS Resume in 8 Steps

Before focusing on ways to impress recruiters, you must write a resume that can be read by an ATS; otherwise, it might never be seen by the hiring manager.

Follow these eight steps to ensure your resume makes it past this initial scan.

If you'd like to see what an ATS-friendly resume looks like, check out our resume examples library.

1. Pick the Right Layout

Many qualified applicants are rejected because the ATS software can't read their resumes.

Picking a resume template with a simple layout using a logical hierarchy that aligns with reading patterns can be the difference between getting the call for an interview and having your resume discarded before it's even seen.

An ATS-friendly resume template uses a clean, single-column layout with clearly labeled section headings and consistent formatting throughout. Content should flow top to bottom without relying on text boxes, tables, columns, or graphic elements that can disrupt how an ATS parses information.

Here are two particular problem areas in resume layouts:

• Headers and footers: While humans can easily contextualize information in these resume areas, some applicant tracking systems cannot identify vital details commonly stored here, like contact information. It's best to avoid placing vital information in a designated header or footer.
• Columns: Some applicant tracking systems will read columns left to right instead of column by column, meaning that your neatly arranged columns will become jumbled and indiscernible to the ATS. Stick to a simple layout to ensure your info isn't scrambled by incorrect formatting.

2. Use an Easy-To-Read Font

ATS scans your resume best when you use a clear, easy-to-read font like Times New Roman, Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, Tahoma, or Garamond.

You should also consider font size. While some people use the smallest size possible to fit more information, it's best to stick to the standard 10- to 12-point font on your resume. Your section headings should be a few points larger than your resume text.

3. Use Standard Formatting

While intricate resume designs may look interesting to the human eye, some ATS may be unable to read them. Here's where you can use resume formats to your advantage.

When creating an ATS-compatible resume, it's best to avoid fancy formatting like:

Instead, try using formatting styles that won't confuse an ATS if the resume is converted to a plain-text file, such as:

• Bold
• Italics
• Underline
• Colors
• Bullets

Many applicant tracking systems will convert your resume to a text-only file, meaning much of the fancy formatting you use will get lost. Using text-only modifications will ensure that the ATS doesn't miss out on valuable information in your resume.

4. Use Clear, Concise Headings

Stick to conventional headings like "Work Experience," "Education," and "Certifications" to convey your message.

The top half of your resume is the most valuable space since it's what a hiring manager likely looks at first, so you should also list your headings in order of importance.

Start with an objective statement or professional summary. Then, your work experience should sit in this prime real estate if you've been out of school for a few years and have significant work experience.

On the other hand, if you're a student searching for an internship, it might be more prudent to put your education in the top spot to downplay a lack of work experience.

5. Tailor It With Appropriate Keywords

Now that your formatting choices are on point, it's time to ensure that your resume is ATS-friendly from a content perspective.

Tailoring your resume to each position is crucial to creating a bot-proof job application. One-size-fits-all resumes are a thing of the past, and these days, the best applicants take keywords from the job description and integrate them into their resumes to create a targeted resume designed to pass through ATS screening.

It's important to know how to incorporate these keywords correctly. While you could pull keywords from the job description and list them all under a skills section, some ATS automatically assign a mere six months of experience to any skill listed without an exact date.

Instead, incorporate your keywords throughout your work history and other relevant sections. Your resume should "show" rather than "tell" employers how you've put your most relevant skills to work.

6. Quantify Your Achievements

If tailoring your resume to include relevant keywords helps you stand out, quantifying it allows the ATS to better understand and potentially rank your resume.

By adding measurable work experience, particularly with accomplishments, you help your resume stand out with unique metrics that the ATS and the hiring manager can easily see.

Additionally, quantifying your job history helps underscore your value as an employee, which can help convince the hiring manager to interview you.

In your bulleted list under the job title, use the format of [action verb] + [specific responsibility] = [measurable result].

For example:

The applicant tracking system will pick up on this data and present it to the hiring manager, who can then connect your skills to your impact.

7. Get the File Name Right

An easy way to customize your resume is to use a standard, customized file name. However, many job applicants make the mistake of sending in an unprofessional or untidy file name.

Your file name should follow a format like this:

Many people make the mistake of including dates or numbers in their resume, and while this may not seem like a big deal, a clean file name that uses your full name shows attention to detail and is less likely to get lost in the shuffle.

8. Use the Correct File Format

One of the most common misconceptions is that an ATS can't read PDF files. While there's nothing wrong with making your resume in a Word doc, applicant tracking systems have just as much difficulty reading a Word doc if you put your content in a header, table, or column as they would a PDF.

It's best practice to save your resume in multiple file formats so you can submit the one that is most appropriate for your situation or the one the employer specifically requested.

Be sure to convert your resume to a plain text file as well. To do this, copy your resume into a plain text document without formatting and check the results. You'll want to look for things like disorganized headings, scrambled words, or missing details from the original resume.

5 ATS-Friendly Resume Templates

Consider using an ATS-friendly resume template to help you pass the screening. By using such a template, you can save yourself a lot of worry about whether or not your resume will be compatible.

Check out the following ATS resume designs and try one that fits your style.

ATS Resume Template – Contemporary

Use this template

ATS Resume Template – Upgrade

Use this template

ATS Resume Template – Iris

Use this template

ATS Resume Template – Aster

Use this template

ATS Resume Template – Standard

Use this template

ATS Resume FAQ

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Don Sjoerdsma, CPRW

Career Writer

Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years' experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.

Read more articles by Don Sjoerdsma, CPRW