How to Write an ATS-Friendly Resume (And Actually Get Seen!)
Ever feel like your resume disappears into a black hole after you apply for a job? You’re not alone.
✅ The Basics of an ATS-Friendly Resume
Before we get into the juicy tips, here’s what every ATS-friendly resume should include:
A simple layout with standard headings
Relevant keywords pulled directly from the job description
A common file type (.docx or .pdf unless stated otherwise)
No fancy graphics, tables, or unusual fonts
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide.
🧩 1. Use a Clean, Simple Layout
DO:
Use standard sections like: “Work Experience,” “Education,” “Skills,” and “Certifications”
Stick to easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
Use bullet points to break down information
DON’T:
Use tables, columns, images, or text boxes
Add overly stylized formatting or creative layouts (save that for your portfolio!)
💼 2. Structure Your Resume Like This
Here’s a tried-and-true format that ATS (and humans) love:
Contact Information
Name
Phone number
Professional email
LinkedIn (optional but helpful)
Professional Summary
A 2–3 sentence intro highlighting your experience, skills, and what you bring to the role.
Example: "Detail-oriented marketing specialist with 5+ years of experience in digital campaigns and SEO strategy. Skilled in Google Analytics, content writing, and conversion optimization."
Skills
List 8–12 relevant skills, ideally tailored to the job description. These should include:
Software/tools (e.g., Salesforce, Excel, Python)
Technical skills (e.g., budgeting, analytics)
Soft skills if relevant (e.g., leadership, collaboration)
Work Experience
For each role:
Job Title | Company | Dates
3–5 bullet points that show achievements (quantify where possible)
Example:
Increased email click-through rate by 25% through A/B testing Managed $80K annual ad budget with a 12% increase in ROI
Education
Degree | School | Graduation Year (optional if long ago)
⚙️ 3. Save in the Right Format
Most ATS systems handle .docx and .pdf files, but check the job posting — some systems prefer one over the other.
When in doubt, go with .docx for maximum compatibility.
🔍 4. Tailor Every Resume to the Job
Generic resumes rarely make it through ATS. You don’t need to rewrite from scratch — just tweak each version to match the job you're applying for.
How?
Swap out keywords
Adjust your summary
Highlight specific accomplishments that match the role
✅ Final Checklist: ATS Resume Essentials
✔️ Clear headings like “Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills”
✔️ Keywords from the job description
✔️ Bulleted accomplishments, not just responsibilities
✔️ Clean formatting (no columns, graphics, or images)
✔️ Saved in .docx or .pdf format (as required)
✔️ Tailored for each job application
