ATS Resume Tips: What Applicant Tracking Systems Read

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software applications that employers use to manage job applications. Most of them store applications and let recruiters search them by keyword; some ask knock-out questions, such as whether you can work in the country. Knowing what they read helps your resume reach a recruiter as you wrote it.

How ATS Systems Work

When you submit a resume, the ATS parses your document into structured data. It extracts your contact information, work history, education, and skills, so a recruiter can search and filter the applications. A resume that is read correctly and uses the job's own words is easier to find.

What Makes a Resume Hard to Read

• Incompatible file format (some ATS struggle with certain formats)
• Complex formatting (tables, columns, graphics)
• Missing keywords from the job description
• Non-standard section headings
• Incorrect contact information formatting
• Embedded images or charts

ATS-Friendly Formatting Tips

Follow these formatting guidelines so the system reads your resume correctly:

• Use a simple, single-column layout
• Stick to standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
• Use standard section headings: Summary, Experience, Education, Skills
• Avoid headers and footers for important information
• Use bullet points instead of paragraphs for achievements
• Save as .docx or .pdf (check job posting requirements)

Keyword Optimization Strategies

Recruiters search by the words in the job description, so use them where they are true for you. Here's how:

• Carefully read the job description and identify required skills
• Include exact phrases from the job posting
• Use both spelled-out and abbreviated versions (e.g., "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)")
• Place keywords in context, not just in a skills list
• Include industry-standard terminology

Testing Your Resume

Before submitting, paste the job description into Job Match. It shows which of the job's keywords your resume covers and which are missing. No tool can promise how a particular employer's system will rank you, so use it as a checklist.