How to Create an ATS-Friendly Resume: A Practical Guide

Creating a resume that both impresses hiring managers and passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can feel like threading a needle. Let’s dive into some practical tips that will help you stand out in the job market, all while keeping things light and engaging.

Nail the Date Format

Believe it or not, date formatting is crucial in ATS resume writing. Always use either “MM/YYYY” (e.g., “06/2024”) or spell out the month (e.g., “June 2024”). Consistency is key. Mixing formats can confuse the ATS and hiring managers alike. For instance, avoid “6/2024” like the plague—stick to “06/2024.”

Clear Up Abbreviations and Acronyms

ATS friendly resumes must be clear and simple in communicating your role, Imagine you’re talking to a friend who’s not in your industry. Would they understand “ERP” or “CPA” right off the bat? Probably not. Spell it out first: “Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)” or “Certified Public Accountant (CPA).” This way, both the ATS and human readers get the full picture.

Keep Graphics Simple

Sure, a flashy resume might catch the eye of a human, but it can trip up an ATS Resume process. Stick to clean, simple formatting with black dot bullet points. Fancy graphics and unusual bullet points can throw off the parsing process. Think of your resume as a neatly organized menu rather than an abstract art piece.

Skip Headers and Footers

Placing important details in the header or footer might seem like a smart use of space, but ATS systems often ignore these areas. Stick to one-inch margins and keep essential information in the main body of your resume making the resume truly ATS Friendly.

Choose Standard Fonts

Resist the urge to showcase your artistic flair with unique fonts. Stick to classics like Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman. These fonts are universally readable and won’t cause any hiccups with the ATS Resume scanning. Think of them as the plain white bread of fonts—simple, reliable, and always in style.

Use Standard Headings

Getting creative with section headings can backfire. Instead of quirky titles like “My Journey” or “Skills Galore,” stick to traditional headings like “Summary,” “Skills,” and “Experience.” This ensures the ATS Resume scores are high and help hiring managers know exactly where to find key information.

File Formats Matter

Always save your resume in ATS-friendly formats like .docx or .pdf. Avoid image formats and fancy publishing software formats. Think of it as ensuring your resume speaks the same language as the ATS—no need for fancy dialects here.

Proofread, Proofread, Proofread

Typos and grammatical errors are ATS resume killers. Use tools like Grammarly or ask a friend to review your resume. Fresh eyes can catch mistakes you might overlook. Remember, a single typo can make you appear less professional and the resume no longer will be ATS friendly.

Don’t Lie

It might be tempting to embellish your achievements, but honesty is the best policy. Exaggerated or false claims can come back to haunt you. Keep your resume accurate and truthful. After all, trust is hard to rebuild once broken.

Get to the Good Stuff Quickly

Capture attention right off the bat. In a ATS friendly resume, place your targeted profile summary or objective near the top of the first page. Highlight your skills and recent experience prominently. Hiring managers often make quick decisions, so make sure they see your strengths immediately.

Order and Layout Matter

Stick to a logical order: start with a summary or objective, followed by skills, experience, and education. Avoid unusual labels or unconventional layouts. A clean, well-organized resume is easier to read and more likely to make a positive impression.

By following these tips, you’ll create a resume that’s not only ATS-friendly but also engaging for human readers. Remember, your resume is your first impression—make it count!