Last Updated on September 23, 2024
What is an Applicant Tracking System?
First, in order to get your resume in front of recruiters, you need to understand what an applicant tracking system is. An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software application that helps companies quickly determine if an applicant is a match for a current job opening.
ATS software will automatically scan each resume sent to the company and then eliminate any applications that do not meet the requirements set forth in the job description. It could disqualify a resume for anything from job-related technical skills to work experience to certifications.
According to Amanda Datchens, a writer at Real Life Career Advice, “we know that 75% of resumes submitted for online applications get rejected by ATS.”
Something that can be a quick-fix, but not many people think about, is an ATS resume format.
What is an ATS Resume Format?
An ATS resume format is created specifically to overcome any obstacles the company may create by implementing an applicant tracking system. By using an easy-to-read format, removing any graphics that may cause issues and including keywords found in the job description you’re targeting will push you into that 25% that get past the ATS.
Creating a resume with the ATS software in mind will increase your chances of getting your resume into the hands of the recruiter. That means you’re even closer to landing that job interview at your dream job.
Why do I need an ATS Resume Format?
Even if you were to hire someone to write your resume, without formatting your resume with the ATS in mind, an expert would fall to the hands of any ATS software.
According to Jobscan.com, “When you upload your resume into an ATS as part of your job application, the ATS then parses out the text of your resume to make it searchable for a recruiter or import the information into a digital candidate profile. If an ATS can’t accurately parse your resume, your chances of getting picked for an interview are low– even if you’re perfectly qualified.”
That’s why it is essential to have an ATS resume format that will provide an opportunity for you to rank as a top tier candidate for the jobs you apply for. If your resume format is what’s holding you back from your dream job, then you have come to the right place.
5 Ways To Make An ATS Friendly Resume
Your contract work is an important addition to your resume. You can use it to fill in employment gaps, or if it’s your main source of income, show your experience.
Organizing and quantifying your contract work experience on your resume can be overwhelming. Remember to show consistency and ability to adapt to new situations based on your experiences and explain your desire to transition to full-time in your cover letter so that the employer doesn’t see you as a potential quitter.
If you’re still looking for opportunities for improvement on your resume and potentially utilizing a staffing agency, reach out to Hire Integrated today for help in your job search.
Utilize A Reverse-Chronological Resume Format
When listing out your experience, make sure that you are utilizing a reverse-chronological resume format. This will provide the best chance to combat ATS software.
Your resume will be organized by your most recent job experience to your oldest. If you have a consistent work history without large employment gaps or career changes, it would be in your best interest to show your experience in reverse-chronological order.
Include Keywords from the Job Description
Your resume must be tailored to the job you are applying for. Without looking through and picking out relevant terms from the job description, you will have a low chance of getting past the ATS software. The ATS software will scan your resume for qualifications relevant to the position. This means that it will be looking for job-related keywords.
For example, if a web development company were to hire a front-end developer, they would be utilizing keywords specific to that role. It provides a unique opportunity for you to tailor your resume to that job description by matching their hard and soft skills listed in the description. Here is an example of a list of keywords a web development company may be looking for:
- Advanced HTML Experience
- Advanced CSS Experience
- Moderate Javascript Experience
- Time Management
- Goal Oriented Individual
Make sure to pay attention to different hard and soft skills the company is looking for and include them within your bullet points, skills section, and summary at the top of your resume. This will indicate to the ATS software that you are a qualified individual for the role.
Use an ATS Resume Format Template
Many job seekers dress up their resume to make their application stand out from other candidates. However, resumes with graphic elements, tables, or unique fonts are difficult for ATS software to read.
To make your life easier, check out our 2 Free ATS Friendly Resume Templates here. Just click download and fill the resume out with your own information.
Use Common Resume Heading Sections
When creating your resume, it’s best to use commonly used resume heading sections like “Skills & Certifications, Education, Work Experience, and Volunteer Experience.” This will provide the ATS software with an easy to identify section heading that is common amongst thousands of resumes.
If you use unique section headings like “why I’m the person for the job” or “why I’m awesome,” it may reject your application altogether and move onto applicants that have common resume headings.
Save Your Resume As a PDF unless otherwise indicated
If you decide to upload your resume as a .docx file, the recruiter, ATS software, or other programs may not utilize the same version of Microsoft Word that you do. This causes many formatting, page length, and margin issues upon opening the file.
We recommend saving your resume as a PDF so that all formatting will be saved no matter what computer and program are used. This will ensure that what your resume looks identical to what it looks like on your computer screen.
Free ATS Friendly Resume Templates
To make your life easier, we have created 5 free ATS optimized resume templates for your job search. Our ATS resume templates are already formatted and ready for your job experience.
Download the files and fill out the information that is missing. Using one of our ATS optimized resume templates will help your resume to make it to the hands of recruiters, and ultimately, your next job opportunity.
Once you have found a template you like, we would also invite you to try one of the several ATS resume checkers provided below. Once you’ve scanned your resume and corrected any issues, you are on your way to acquiring that next job opportunity.
4 Free ATS Resume Checkers
Below you will find four free ATS resume checkers that will help you find out if your resume is ATS friendly. Using an online ATS resume checker will ensure that you don’t make any simple mistakes or miss out on any opportunities.
Click on the following links to open an ATS resume checker for free:
Emily Rushton
Emily Rushton, Founder and CEO of Hire Integrated, has over a decade of experience in recruitment, helping companies solve high-volume hiring challenges. Her unique, storytelling approach has made her a trusted leader in the industry, helping both businesses and candidates succeed.
