How to Make Sure Your Resume is ATS Friendly

Most recruiters use an ATS, or Applicant Tracking System, to help them thin out the pile of resumes they receive. An Applicant Tracking System is an AI program that will parse resumes for keywords and phrases, essential qualifications, etc. to provide the employer with the candidates it has determined to be the best fit. However, ATS’s are not perfect, and there are a number of factors that can make your resume less appealing to the software. Ensuring your resume is ATS friendly is vital in today’s job market. You can do this by keeping these things in mind:

• Use keywords in your resume that are specific to the job you are applying for. Look for keywords used in the job description to find out which ones to use.
• Upload your resume as a .docx file (it’s the easiest for the ATS to parse)
• Stick to simple, concise language and formatting in your resume, and avoid graphics or images.
• Follow a consistent date/naming structure for your education and work experience.
• Don’t try to “cheat the system” by hiding relevant keywords or the job description with invisible text. Your resume will be converted to plain text by the ATS, and these tricks will be painfully apparent.

Keeping these ideas in mind when submitting your resume could be the deciding factor in whether your resume is selected by our client. Ensuring your resume is ATS compliant will give you the best chance to secure an interview.