How to Make an ATS-Friendly Resume (Templates & Guide)

To create an ATS-friendly resume, it’s important to use relevant keywords and phrases throughout the resume that align with the job description. 

This can help the ATS to recognize the candidate’s skills and qualifications, and match them with the job requirements. 

Stick to a simple, clean resume design and avoid tables, text boxes, images and graphics.

Use standard headings throughout your resume, such as “Work Experience,” “Education” and “Skills.”

When you are ready to download, follow any specific instructions in the job posting regarding the preferred file format.

See our guide on what a resume looks like for additional information about how to optimize your resume formatting for ATS compliance.

Optimizing your resume for an ATS is important because most companies today use this technology to manage their hiring process. 

ATS software is designed to identify relevant keywords, skills and experiences related to the job you are applying for. 

If your resume does not contain these keywords and does not match the job description, it may not make it past the software and into the hands of the hiring manager or recruiter, even if you are qualified for the job. 

Optimizing your resume for ATS is essential to increase your chances of getting noticed and getting an interview.

We recommend using our free ATS Resume Checker to scan your resume for common errors that might decrease your chances of passing ATS.

You’ll get a personalized resume score and actionable feedback on improvements to implement. 

In addition to using our ATS Resume Checker, here are a few steps you can follow to check if your resume is ATS-friendly:

• Use appropriate formatting: The ATS prefers simple and clean formatting with standard fonts and bullet points. Avoid using tables, charts, images and other graphical elements that may not be compatible with the ATS.
• Use relevant keywords: Read the job description carefully and use relevant keywords throughout your resume. This will help the ATS recognize your skills and qualifications and match them with the job requirements.
• Optimize your job titles: Use standard job titles that match the job description instead of creative or unique titles that the ATS may not recognize.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your resume is optimized for ATS and increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters.

To determine which keywords to use in an ATS resume, read the job description closely and match the requirements to your professional summary or objective statement, work experience, skill set, professional achievements and education and training.

Use keywords that are specific to your industry, position and field. Look for industry-specific terms and technical skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

Additionally, use action verbs to describe your experiences and achievements. This not only makes your resume more engaging but also helps you include relevant keywords.

For example, instead of writing “responsible for managing a team,” write “led a team of 10 employees.”

Not all companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) for resumes, but they are increasingly common, especially among larger corporations and organizations with high volumes of job applications. 

However, smaller businesses or startups may not utilize ATS due to cost constraints or because they handle their recruitment process manually or with simpler tools. 

Nonetheless, it’s a good idea for job seekers to be familiar with ATS since they’re prevalent in the job market today.

A concise one-page resume or two-page resume is generally recommended for resumes submitted through applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Many ATS have parsing capabilities that extract information from resumes, and overly lengthy documents can be challenging for these systems to process effectively.

Focus on including relevant information that highlights your skills, experiences and achievements related to the job you’re applying for.

Balancing brevity with substance is key to creating an impactful resume for both ATS and human reviewers.

Yes, ATS can read two-page resumes, but it’s essential to ensure the formatting and content are ATS-friendly. Here’s what you need to know:

• ATS reads entire documents: ATS scans the entire document, regardless of resume length, as long as it’s formatted properly and submitted in a compatible file type. 
• Consistent formatting across pages: Use clear headings and consistent fonts/styles throughout both pages to ensure ATS parsing doesn’t break.
• Avoid headers or footers for key info: ATS may not read information in headers or footers. Avoid placing contact information or page numbers there.
• The first page is critical: Ensure your most critical skills, accomplishments, and qualifications appear on the first page, as recruiters may prioritize what they see first.

Ultimately, a two-page resume is compatible with ATS as long as it’s well-structured, relevant, and optimized with keywords to pass the system and impress human reviewers.

To make an existing resume ATS-friendly, locate synonyms for the resume ATS keywords you’ve highlighted and replace them with your keyword matches.

Using a variety of keywords throughout your resume ensures you’re covering all the job requirements. 

However, don’t go overboard; overdoing it can backfire on an ATS resume. For additional guidance, check out what to put on a resume for a job application.

PDFs created by exporting from word processors (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs) are generally readable by ATS because the text remains selectable and searchable. 

If the PDF resume is free of complex designs, graphics or tables, it’s more likely to be parsed accurately.

You can copy and paste the text from the PDF into a plain text editor like Notepad. If the text is readable, it’s likely ATS-compatible.