How to Write an ATS-Friendly Resume for 2024
Creating an ATS-friendly (Applicant Tracking System) resume is crucial in today’s job market, as many companies use these systems to screen and filter applicants before a human ever sees your resume. Here’s a guide on how to create a resume that can successfully pass through ATS and reach a recruiter.
1. Keep the Format Simple
Avoid Complex Formatting:
- Use a straightforward, clean layout without intricate designs, borders, or columns.
- Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
Use Standard Headings:
- Use standard section headings like “Professional Experience,” “Education,” “Skills,” and “Certifications.” ATS software is programmed to look for these terms, so avoid creative alternatives like “My Career Journey” or “Where I’ve Worked.”
No Tables or Graphics:
- ATS often has trouble reading tables, text boxes, and graphics, so avoid them entirely.
File Format:
- Submit your resume as a Word document (.doc or .docx) or a plain-text file (.txt), as these are the most ATS-compatible formats. PDF files can sometimes cause issues with ATS parsing.
2. Use Relevant Keywords
Match Keywords to the Job Description:
- Tailor your resume to each job you apply for by incorporating keywords from the job description. ATS systems scan for specific terms related to skills, experience, and qualifications.
- Include both the exact phrasing and synonyms where possible (e.g., if the job description mentions “project management,” also include “managing projects”).
Avoid Keyword Stuffing:
- Use keywords naturally within your resume. Overloading your resume with keywords can backfire and make it unreadable.
3. Optimize Your Professional Experience Section
Reverse Chronological Order:
- List your work experience starting with your most recent job and working backward. ATS prefers this format.
Use Bullet Points:
- Bullet points help ATS and human readers quickly identify key responsibilities and achievements.
Include Relevant Metrics:
- Quantify your achievements (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%,” “Managed a $1 million budget”). This not only highlights your accomplishments but also incorporates numeric data, which ATS systems can recognize.
4. Focus on Core Skills and Competencies
Dedicated Skills Section:
- Create a separate “Skills” section where you list core competencies and skills relevant to the job. Use bullet points and categorize them if needed.
Include Both Hard and Soft Skills:
- Include a mix of technical skills (e.g., “SQL, Python, Financial Analysis”) and soft skills (e.g., “Leadership, Communication, Team Collaboration”).
5. Keep the Language Simple and Clear
Avoid Uncommon Acronyms and Abbreviations:
- If you use industry-specific acronyms, spell them out the first time (e.g., “Customer Relationship Management (CRM)”). This ensures the ATS understands the term.
Action Verbs:
- Start bullet points with strong action verbs like “Managed,” “Developed,” “Implemented,” or “Led.” These verbs are often recognized by ATS as indicators of responsibility and achievement.
6. Optimize the Education Section
Consistent Formatting:
- Include your degree, the institution’s name, location, and graduation date. Use consistent formatting for each entry.
Include Certifications and Licenses:
- List relevant certifications, training, and licenses, as these are often critical keywords in the ATS.
7. Use Job Titles that Align with the Job Posting
Match Titles When Possible:
- If your previous job title was non-standard but your role aligns with a more common title used in the job posting, consider including the standard title in parentheses (e.g., “Customer Success Manager (Client Relationship Manager)”).
8. Avoid Headers and Footers
Place Information in the Main Body:
- Do not put important information like your contact details or key skills in headers or footers, as ATS might not scan these areas.
9. Check Spelling and Grammar
Proofread Thoroughly:
- ATS can penalize resumes for misspellings or grammatical errors, so make sure your resume is error-free.
Run a Spell Check:
- Use spell check tools to catch any typos or mistakes before submitting your resume.
10. Test Your Resume
ATS Check Tools:
- Before submitting, run your resume through an online ATS checker tool. This can help you identify areas where your resume might need improvement to pass ATS.
Sample ATS-Friendly Resume Structure
Name
[Address] | [Phone Number] | [Email Address] | [LinkedIn Profile]
Professional Summary
Results-oriented Marketing Professional with 10+ years of experience in digital marketing, content strategy, and brand management. Proven track record of driving online engagement and increasing ROI through data-driven strategies and innovative campaign development.
Core Competencies
- Digital Marketing Strategy
- SEO & SEM
- Social Media Marketing
- Content Creation & Management
- Data Analytics & Reporting
- Brand Development
- Project Management
- Team Leadership
Professional Experience
Marketing Manager | ABC Company, New York, NY
January 2018 – Present
- Developed and executed digital marketing strategies that increased organic traffic by 30% and improved conversion rates by 15%.
- Managed a team of 5 marketing professionals, providing mentorship and fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Spearheaded the redesign of the company website, resulting in a 20% increase in user engagement.
Digital Marketing Specialist | XYZ Corp, Boston, MA
June 2014 – December 2017
- Implemented SEO best practices that improved website rankings on Google, resulting in a 25% increase in organic search traffic.
- Created and managed PPC campaigns with an average ROI of 200%.
- Analyzed marketing data to identify trends and optimize campaign performance.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Graduated: May 2014
Certifications
- Google Analytics Certified
- HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification
References
Available upon request.
This guide and example structure should help you create a resume that not only stands out to human recruiters but also effectively passes through ATS screening.
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