How to Make an ATS-Friendly Resume

What an ATS does

An applicant tracking system (ATS) collects applications, turns your document into text and lets a recruiter search it. A person usually makes the decisions. The software mainly stores and sorts. If it cannot read your file, your details may be mixed up or missing.

Formatting that works

• A single column with normal headings such as Summary, Experience, Education and Skills.
• A standard font like Arial, Calibri, Georgia or Times, at 10 to 12 points.
• Plain bullet points.
• Dates in a consistent style, such as "Mar 2022 - Present".
• A PDF with real, selectable text, or a Word file if the advert asks for one.

Formatting to avoid

• Text boxes, tables and multiple columns, which can scramble the reading order.
• Icons, skill bars and rating charts, which software cannot read.
• Putting your name or contact details inside the page header or footer.
• A resume saved as an image or a scanned photo.

Using keywords the right way

Read the job advert and note the skills and tools it names. Where you really have them, use the same wording in your experience and skills sections. For example, if the advert says "customer service" and you write "client support", add the advert's phrase too. Do not paste in skills you do not have, because interviewers will ask about them.

A quick test

Copy all the text from your PDF and paste it into a plain text editor. If the order is sensible and nothing is missing, most software will read it well. Resumes made with Resume Desk use plain, selectable text.