If your resume is not ATS-friendly, it might never be seen by a human recruiter. This guide covers everything you need to know about creating a resume that passes automated screening systems.
What Is an ATS?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that employers use to collect, sort, scan, and rank job applications. When you submit your resume online, it almost certainly goes through an ATS before reaching a recruiter. The system parses your resume, extracts key information, and scores it against the job requirements.
How ATS Scoring Works
Most ATS platforms look for specific keywords and phrases from the job description. They analyze your job titles, skills, education, and experience to determine how closely you match the role. Resumes that score below a certain threshold are automatically filtered out.
Formatting Rules for ATS
Keep your formatting simple and consistent. Use standard section headings like "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills." Avoid tables, text boxes, headers/footers, images, and multi-column layouts. Stick to common fonts and save your file as a PDF or DOCX.
Keyword Optimization
Read the job description carefully and incorporate relevant keywords naturally throughout your resume. Include both the full term and common abbreviations (e.g., "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)"). Use the exact phrases from the posting when possible.
Testing Your Resume
Use WriteCV's resume scanner to check your ATS compatibility score before submitting. The scanner analyzes your resume against the job description and provides specific recommendations for improvement.