Resume Strategy
ATS Instructions
Learn how to format your resume to pass Applicant Tracking Systems and get seen by real recruiters.
How to Beat the ATS
What Is an ATS?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by employers to collect, sort, and filter job applications. Before a human ever reads your resume, it's scanned by an ATS — and if it can't read your file, you're automatically rejected.
The good news? You can absolutely optimize your resume to pass these systems. Here's exactly how.
ATS Formatting Rules
Use a Simple, Single-Column Layout
Avoid tables, columns, text boxes, and graphics. ATS software reads left to right, top to bottom. Anything that breaks that flow gets scrambled or ignored.
✓ Do
- •One-column Word document (.docx)
- •Clean section headers
- •Standard bullet points
✗ Don't
- •Canva or graphic templates
- •PDF with complex layouts
- •Text boxes or icons
Use Standard Section Headings
Stick to classic section names. The ATS looks for specific keywords to categorize your experience.
✓ Do
- •Work Experience
- •Education
- •Skills
- •Summary
✗ Don't
- •"My Journey"
- •"What I've Done"
- •Creative or vague labels
Incorporate Keywords from the Job Description
Read each job posting carefully. Mirror the exact language used for required skills, tools, and responsibilities.
✓ Do
- •Copy key phrases directly
- •Include both acronyms and full terms (e.g. "SEO" and "Search Engine Optimization")
- •Tailor each application
✗ Don't
- •Use synonyms when the JD uses specific terms
- •Keyword stuff without context
- •Use one generic resume for all applications
Choose ATS-Safe Fonts
Fancy fonts may look great to humans but confuse parsers.
✓ Do
- •Calibri
- •Arial
- •Georgia
- •Times New Roman
✗ Don't
- •Decorative or script fonts
- •Very small (under 10pt) or very large fonts
- •Colored text (especially light colors)
Save in the Right Format
When submitting through an online portal, .docx is almost always safest. Only use PDF when the application explicitly accepts it.
✓ Do
- •.docx for ATS submissions
- •PDF for direct human sharing
✗ Don't
- •.pages files
- •Image-based PDFs
- •Google Docs links
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