5 Steps to Create a Resume That Passes ATS

5 Steps to Create a Resume That Passes ATS

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used by many employers to filter and rank resumes. Creating a resume that passes through these systems is crucial for getting noticed by hiring managers. Here are five detailed steps to create an ATS-friendly resume, complete with thorough explanations and contextualized examples to ensure it resonates with first-time visitors to your website.

Use a Simple and Clean Format

ATS software relies on parsing technology to extract information from resumes. A simple and clean format ensures that the software can accurately read and interpret your resume. Avoid using fancy fonts, intricate designs, or unconventional layouts that may confuse the ATS. Stick to traditional resume elements such as clear headings, consistent spacing, and standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman. This approach helps the ATS focus on your content without technical parsing errors. For instance;

Jane, an administrative assistant, opted for a clean, simple format with standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman and clearly labeled sections: ‘Experience, Education, Skills.’ This simplicity ensures that the ATS can easily scan her resume.
Tom, a recent graduate, used a basic format without graphics, tables, or columns: ‘Bachelor of Science in Finance, ABC University.’ This straightforward approach makes his resume ATS-friendly.
Lisa, a marketing professional, avoided fancy formatting and used bullet points to list her achievements: ‘Increased social media engagement by 25%.’ This ensures the ATS can accurately read her accomplishments.

Incorporate Relevant Keywords

Keywords are critical for ATS software because it scans resumes for specific terms that match the job description. These keywords often include job titles, technical skills, industry-specific terms, and qualifications mentioned in the job posting. Research the job description thoroughly to identify these keywords and strategically integrate them into your resume. This not only improves your chances of passing through the ATS but also demonstrates your alignment with the job requirements to human recruiters. For instance;

David, an IT specialist, reviewed the job description and included relevant keywords: ‘Network Security, Cybersecurity, IT Support.’ This alignment with the job posting keywords helps his resume pass the ATS.
Laura, applying for a marketing role, integrated keywords such as ‘SEO, Content Marketing, PPC Campaigns’ into her resume. This keyword optimization boosts her resume’s ATS ranking.
Mike, an accountant, included job-specific terms like ‘Financial Analysis, Budgeting, Tax Preparation’ in his resume. This ensures that the ATS recognizes his relevant skills and experience.

Use Standard Section Headings

ATS software categorizes information based on standard section headings such as “Professional Summary,” “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” Using these headings ensures that the ATS can correctly organize and parse your information. Avoid creative variations or unconventional section titles that might confuse the software. Consistency in section headings helps the ATS navigate through your resume seamlessly, presenting your qualifications in a structured and easily digestible format. For instance;

Rachel, a biology graduate, used standard headings: ‘Experience, Education, Skills.’ This clear organization helps the ATS categorize her information correctly.
John, with experience in sales, used common headings: ‘Professional Experience, Education, Certifications.’ This standardization ensures the ATS can easily navigate his resume.
Anna, a law graduate, included familiar headings: ‘Work History, Education, Licenses.’ This consistency helps the ATS parse her resume effectively.

Optimize Your Work Experience Descriptions

When describing your work experience, focus on providing clear and detailed descriptions of your roles, responsibilities, and achievements using relevant keywords. ATS software looks for specific job-related actions and outcomes to assess your suitability for the position. Use bullet points to list accomplishments and use action verbs (like “achieved,” “implemented,” “managed”) to describe your contributions effectively. This optimization ensures that the ATS recognizes your qualifications and passes your resume to the next stage of review. For instance;

Mark, an economist, optimized his work experience with action verbs and relevant details: ‘Conducted economic research, analyzed market trends, developed financial models.’ This makes his qualifications clear to the ATS.
Lisa, a software developer, described her experience with specific achievements: ‘Developed a new software application, reduced processing time by 20%, led a team of developers.’ These details enhance her resume’s ATS performance.
Kevin, a project manager, used measurable outcomes in his descriptions: ‘Managed projects worth $1M, improved project delivery time by 15%, led cross-functional teams.’ This helps the ATS recognize his accomplishments.

Avoid Using Images, Graphics, or Tables

ATS software primarily reads text-based resumes and often struggles to interpret images, graphics, or tables. Including these elements can cause the ATS to skip over important information or misinterpret your resume content. To ensure your resume passes through the ATS successfully, keep it text-based with minimal formatting beyond standard fonts, headings, and bullet points. This approach guarantees that all your qualifications and achievements are accurately processed by the ATS, maximizing your chances of advancing in the hiring process. For instance;

Emily, a graphic designer, avoided using images or graphics in her resume. Instead, she highlighted her design skills through her experience: ‘Designed promotional materials, improved brand visibility by 30%.’ This ensures her resume passes the ATS.
David, an engineer, refrained from using tables or charts in his resume. He listed his technical skills and achievements in bullet points: ‘Implemented new engineering processes, increased efficiency by 25%.’ This makes his resume ATS-friendly.
Rachel, a healthcare professional, kept her resume text-based without tables or graphics: ‘Provided patient care, trained new staff, improved patient satisfaction by 20%.’ This ensures all her information is read by the ATS.

By following these steps and incorporating detailed examples, you can create an ATS-friendly resume that improves your chances of getting noticed by potential employers. Ready to refine your resume? Join the team and start on the seven days course on resume writing and start building your standout application today!