ATS helps employers manage large volumes of job applications efficiently. To write an ATS-friendly resume, you need to keep these things in mind:
Choose the right format for resume:
Use a clean, straightforward, simple format with clear headings and standard fonts as these elements tend to be more ATS-compatible. Avoid using complex designs, tables, images, double column resumes or unusual fonts that can confuse the ATS.
1. Use Conventional section headings:
Make sure that your resume includes essential sections such as contact details, a professional summary, work experience, education, relevant skills, Projects, certifications and achievements to optimize it ATS-friendly.
- Resume Sections: Instead of using a generic title like "Resume" or "CV," use your name, thereafter include your contact information, email, and LinkedIn profile. Please avoid mentioning your addresses, age and marital status.
Let’s take an example:
- Professional Summary: It should be mentioned if you exceed 2 years’ experience otherwise it it's advisable not to include it in your resume. In this section, it is the topmost section of your CV. It’s crucial to draft your resume in professional and polished manner, if you have more than 2 years’ experience
Let’s take an example of marketing manager with 3 years’ experience:
"Dynamic marketing manager with 3 years of expertise in digital marketing strategies, campaign management, and data-driven decision-making. Adept at developing and implementing online marketing initiatives that boost brand visibility, engagement, and conversion rates. Proficient in SEO, social media, and email marketing, with a proven track record of achieving measurable results. Eager to leverage my experience to drive further growth and ROI in a dynamic marketing role."
- Work Experience: This section is very crucial. In work experience, it’s important to mention the Company name, profile role, Start and End dates, Roles and Responsibilities. Its also important that you keep in mind the 3 key elements stated below while writing bullet points
o Action Words
o What was your Role about
o Impact in Quantified Manner
Let’s take an example of a human resource manager working in TCS Company:
- Skills: Use that relevant skills and keywords as per your job description. Don’t use the interpersonal skills like communication, collaboration, teamwork etc., ATS does not take these skills. Its also important to add skills and keywords as per the Job Description. You can know Job Specific Keywords here. Important Note here is to never include Skills in tables, 75% of job seekers add skills in tabular format which ATS finds it difficult to read
Let’s illustrate with an example of content writer skills:
- Education: In Education section include your highest degree first, the institutions and the graduation dates. If you are a recent graduate mentioning CGPA is important. Do not mention your education in tabular format, again it would decrease your readability wrt to ATS
For Example:
- Projects: In this section, project includes Duration of the project, Name of the project, which Tech-stack/Technique used for the project.
- Certifications and Achievements: These acts as a cherry on the top and completes your candidature.
2. Avoid tables, columns, header, footers and graphs
In ATS resume, don’t use tables, columns, graphics, header and footer. These can make it difficult for the ATS to parse your information correctly. Don’t use images in your resume, the ATS might get confused; keep it simple.
3. Use an ATS friendly font and layout
-- Use simple and clear language in your resume.
-- ATS friendly fonts like Garamond, Calibri, Times New Roman, Arial, or Helvetica to appear professional.
-- Font size should be 11 – 12 for regular text, and 14- 14 for section titles.
-- The Date should be formatted in two distinct ways: MM/YYYY or “March 2023”.
4. Use standard bullet points:
Use bullet points to make your ATS resume scannable. ATS systems prefer lists and bullet points to paragraphs. Start each bullet point with a strong action verb.
5. Choose the relevant keywords:
Customize your resume for the specific job you're applying to by including relevant keywords from the job description. Include these keywords in your resume, especially in the Skills and Work Experience sections. These keywords help your resume rank higher in ATS search results.
6. Avoid using special characters, or symbols:
Do not use special characters, symbols, or non-standard punctuation that might not be recognized by the ATS.
7. Use a standard file format:
PDF is always recommended over any other format. Always apply using a PDF. Also don’t convert an Image into PDF Format and apply, ATS would detect it to be an Image and would not ready it correctly.
8. Analyze Your Resume:
Carefully analyze your resume for spelling and grammar errors. Errors can negatively impact both your ranking and your chances with ATS. These systems may reject your resume.
So, before submitting your resume, run it through an ATS checker tool to see how it performs. Make adjustments as needed. With the help of Resume Checker, you can check your resume. Resume Check scans your resume for over 30 issues to ensure it’s free of errors and fully customized for the job you want
