How to Write an ATS-Compliant Resume

To start, if you don’t know what ATS is or how it applies to a modern-day job search – please read “What Job Seekers Need to Know About ATS”.

If you know what ATS is and want to write a resume that ‘works’ for the system, read on.

The easiest way to ensure your resume will be properly parsed by an ATS is to submit a resume that is both ATS-friendly and human-reader ready. The two are not mutually exclusive; however, ATS-friendly resumes are formatted more carefully, while human-reader resumes may contain graphic elements that make the document more attractive to a human reader (think: color, charts, graphs, images, boxes).

The ultimate goal is to have the resume reviewed by a human, so even an ATS-friendly resume needs to be readable — and attractive — to human eyes.

Some Quick ATS Resume Considerations:

1. If you are given the choice to copy and paste the resume or upload a file during an application process, choose the upload option. This will ensure formatting is retained for the eventual human reader.

2. Ensure graphics don’t interfere with the system by adding graphics to the resume as image files – which are typically ignored by the system. Then, translate information from a graphic into the body of the file so the system can read details.

3. One way to ensure a match with a posted job is to “mirror” the job posting in your resume, never copying and pasting the complete job ad (this will be flagged and get your application removed), but working to incorporate job posting details naturally into your resume content.

4. The main body of the resume is critical — some ATS software cannot “read” header/footer information, so if you include contact information in those sections, it may not be seen. (Remember, geographic location can be used as a filter – so include your city, state/province and zip/postal code.)

5. Populate the file with appropriate keywords. Work experience sections should also include the skills used in the role (including computer software and hardware, if relevant).

6. One nice thing about applicant tracking systems is that they are not sensitive to the length of the resume, so two or more pages are fine. Just remember that a person may read the file too and could get fatigued by long length. Keep all content relevant to the reader!

7. Even if hiring managers /recruiters are using a formal applicant tracking system, they may also file documents on their hard drive. Use your name and targeted job title in the resume file (i.e:  John Smith-Financial Accountant-Resume.docx) instead of the generic “Resume.docx”

So, does an ATS-friendly resume have to be basic and boring? Not necessarily — although formatting has to be carefully considered.

Fast Formatting Tips:

• Use a Microsoft Office Word file in .docx format (preferred).
• List your contact information at the top of the document – never in the header or footer.
• Create section headings that are clear and common like “Summary,” “Work Experience,” and “Education.” Make headers larger.
• Use simple bullets (•) or keyboard characters (*, -, or >).
• Ensure appropriate white space throughout the file.
• Put the targeted job title as the header of the resume. Make your intentions clear.
• List work history in reverse chronological order (this is easier for the system and people to parse and read).  List position information in the order of: company name, dates, position title, role requirements, and bulleted achievements.
• Match the language of the job posting as much as possible authentically.
• Populate the file with relevant, repeated keywords and key phrases  – with variations (ex:  managed and managing).
• Don’t place resume details within tables. These details may be difficult for the system to parse.

Customizing your resume for every application is key.

Finally, keep in mind that the best way to improve the chances of your resume being flagged as a match or being read by a person in detail is to work around ATS whenever possible. Online job applications typically yield low ROI for job seekers.  Increased success strategies include networking and referrals – so diversify your job search tactics and pursue multiple avenues when seeking a new job (don’t rely exclusively on job boards).