How to write a resume that passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Before a hiring manager looks at your job application, your resume may have to pass through an Applicant Tracking System, or ATS. According to Jobscan, nearly 99% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS software to screen resumes before they ever reach human eyes. That’s why it’s so important to write a resume that’s optimized to pass an ATS scan. With the following ATS resume tips, you can create a resume that sails through this screening and gets you a big step closer to landing your dream job in the United States.
What’s an ATS?
An ATS is a type of software some companies use to streamline their hiring processes. It scans and processes job applications so hiring managers don’t have to sort through thousands of resumes on their own.
The ATS may sort, rank or even disqualify resumes that don’t fulfill the requirements for a position. In fact, TopResume says that 75% of resumes don’t make it past the ATS to a human reader.
Don’t feel discouraged by this stat, though – there are easy ways to write and design your resume so it’s ATS-friendly.
How to write an ATS resume: 7 tips
When crafting your ATS resume, your goal is for a hiring manager to read it. That’s why it’s important to craft a resume that will impress both an ATS scan and a human reader. These tips can help.
1. Write an optimized headline
Your resume headline gives a quick summary of who you are as a professional. It appears at the top of your resume and can help an ATS quickly determine whether you’re a good fit for the target job.
Let’s say, for instance, that you’re applying for a job as a software engineer. Your headline should use the target job title whenever possible. Some examples could be:
- Highly competent software engineer with demonstrated success designing and maintaining large-scale software solutions
- Detail-oriented software engineer with proven capabilities in cloud architecture
- Motivated and hardworking software engineer with a passion for innovating technology
If you’re an entry level candidate, you could use the target job title in your headline and then succinctly describe your relevant experience below that. Using the job title at the top of your resume will help show the ATS you’re a good fit for the role.
If you’re applying for a job as a software engineer and your resume headline says you’re a dentist, the ATS will probably discard your resume right away.
2. Use simple formatting
Although you may be tempted to add charts, tables and graphics to your resume, these elements could confuse an ATS. Applicant Tracking Systems have an easier time reading resumes with a simple design.
That means ignoring graphics in favor of straightforward text, headers and bullet points. Use a tried-and-true font like Arial or Times New Roman, and ditch special characters or images that would be tough for an ATS to read.
3. Stick to straightforward headers
You’ll also want to stick to straightforward headers and a clear hierarchy when crafting your ATS-compliant resume. Although it may be fun to mix it up with creative headers like “Scholarly Pursuits” and “Where I’ve Been,” these out-of-the-box ideas could hurt your chances of making it through the ATS scan. Instead, use traditional section headers like “Education” and “Work Experience.”
Follow a traditional resume structure, too, which generally involves a headline, summary statement, education and work experience in reverse chronological order. Using a clear hierarchy divided into sections will be easier for both an ATS and a hiring manager to read.
4. Include keywords from the job description
With the rise of artificial intelligence, ATS software is getting more sophisticated at reading through resumes. However, it still looks for relevant keywords to determine whether you’re a strong candidate.
You can find these keywords directly in the job description. A company may list hard and soft skills that it’s looking for, as well as specific qualifications, certifications and experiences needed for the role.
You don’t want to repeat the same keywords over and over, but make sure to incorporate the most important ones in your summary of skills and work experience sections so the ATS understands you fit the job criteria.
5. Take advantage of ATS resume templates
When crafting your ATS resume, you’re not on your own. You can find various ATS resume templates and tailor them to your experience. Here are a few resources to get you started:
6. Try a free ATS scan before you submit
There are a number of free online resources you can use to check whether your resume will make it through an ATS. Here are a few websites that offer ATS resume checkers:
After uploading your resume, these sites will tell you whether your resume is ready for an ATS and may give you suggestions for improvement.
7. Save your resume in the right format
Read over the job application instructions to find out what format to submit your resume in. Some ATS software can process both PDFs and .docx files, whereas others have trouble processing PDFs. If you can’t find any guidelines, either format should work.
Beat the bots with a well-crafted resume
As an international graduate in the competitive U.S. job market, crafting an ATS-optimized resume is crucial. By following the tips above – such as using relevant keywords, sticking to a simple and clean format and clearly highlighting your qualifications and experiences – you can enhance your chances of passing an ATS screen.
If you borrowed a student loan from MPOWER Financing along the way, you can also take advantage of MPOWER’s career support services through its Path2Success program. These services include a resume builder, job application support and a directory of F-1-eligible positions.
Customize your resume to each job you apply for, and make it clear for both an ATS and a human reader to understand. Your unique experiences as an international applicant will be an asset to any company.
