5 ATS-Friendly Resume Tips

“In this digital age, it’s not enough to just write a killer resume. You need to make sure it gets past the dreaded ATS.”

If you’re like most job seekers, you’ve probably heard all about ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). These powerful pieces of software are used by recruiters to screen resumes and weed out the ones that don’t match the job requirements. In other words, if your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, you’re probably not going to hear back from very many employers.

But don’t worry! Making your resume ATS-friendly is actually pretty easy. Here are 5 tips to help you get started:

Tip #1: Use Keywords

One of the most important things you can do to make your resume ATS-friendly is to use the right keywords. These are the words and phrases that recruiters are going to be searching for when they’re looking for qualified candidates. If you don’t include these keywords in your resume, it’s less likely to get noticed.

To find the right keywords, start by carefully reading the job description. Make a list of all the specific skills, experience, and qualifications that the employer is looking for. Then, go through your resume and make sure to include all of these keywords in your skills section, experience section, and summary statement.

Tip #2: Avoid Common Mistakes

There are a few common mistakes that job seekers make when they’re trying to optimize their resumes for ATS. Here are a few things to avoid:

• Using too much jargon. ATSs don’t like jargon, so it’s important to keep your resume as simple and straightforward as possible. Avoid using industry-specific terms or acronyms that the ATS might not be able to understand.
• Using too much text. ATSs prefer resumes that are easy to scan and read. So, keep your resume concise and to the point. Try to limit your resume to one page, and use bullet points and white space to make it easy to read.
• Using a fancy font. ATSs have trouble reading fancy fonts, so it’s best to stick with a simple, serif font like Times New Roman or Arial.
• Using graphics or images. ATSs can’t read graphics or images, so it’s important to avoid using them in your resume. Stick to plain text, and use bolding and italics to highlight important information.

Tip #3: Use a Clean and Simple Font

As we mentioned before, ATSs prefer resumes that are easy to scan and read. One of the best ways to make your resume more readable is to use a clean and simple font. Sans-serif fonts like Arial, Calibri, and Helvetica are a good choice, as they’re easy to read on both computer screens and mobile devices.

Tip #4: Use a Standard Format

There are a few different resume formats that you can choose from: chronological, functional, and combination. However, it’s generally best to stick with a chronological format, as it’s the easiest for ATSs to read.

With a chronological resume, you list your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. For each job, include the job title, company name, dates of employment, and a brief description of your responsibilities.

Tip #5: Use a Professional Resume Builder

If you’re struggling to optimize your resume for ATS, you might want to consider using a professional resume builder. These tools can help you create a resume that is ATS-friendly, visually appealing, and error-free.

There are many different resume builders available, including ResumeGemini. ResumeGemini is a popular resume builder that offers a variety of features, including ATS optimization, resume templates, and a cover letter builder.

Conclusion

By following these ATS-friendly resume tips, you can make sure your resume gets noticed by recruiters and hiring managers. Remember to include relevant keywords, avoid common mistakes, use a clean and simple font, use a standard format, and consider using a professional resume builder.

With a little effort, you can create an ATS-friendly resume that will help you land the job you want.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Next Step:

Now that you know how to create an ATS-friendly resume, it’s time to take the next step and start your job search. With ResumeGemini, you can create an ATS-friendly resume in minutes. Sign up today and start your job search off on the right foot.