10 Easy Steps to Create an ATS-Friendly Resume in 2024

Understanding ATS: How it Works and What it Looks for

An ATS is a software program that many companies use to sort and filter job applications. When you apply for a job, your resume will be scanned by the ATS, which will look for specific keywords and phrases that match the job description. If your resume contains the right keywords, you’ll be more likely to get a call for an interview.

Here’s what an ATS looks for in a resume:

• Keywords from the job description
• Industry-specific jargon
• Quantifiable results and accomplishments
• A clear and concise layout
• No typos or grammatical errors

Choosing the Right ATS-Friendly Resume Template

The first step in creating an ATS-friendly resume is to choose the right template. Your template should be simple and easy to read, with a clear hierarchy of information. You should also avoid using too much formatting or graphics, as these can make it difficult for the ATS to scan your resume.

ResumeGemini offers a variety of ATS-friendly resume templates to choose from. Our templates are designed to highlight your skills and experience in a way that is easy for the ATS to read. You can browse our selection of templates here.

Optimizing Your Resume’s Layout and Design for ATS

Once you’ve chosen a template, you need to optimize your resume’s layout and design for ATS. Here are a few tips:

• Use a simple and easy-to-read font.
• Format your resume consistently throughout.
• Use headings and subheadings to organize your information.
• Highlight your skills and experience with bullet points.
• Avoid using tables or graphics, as these can make it difficult for the ATS to parse your information.

Using ATS-Friendly Keywords and Phrases

Including relevant keywords and phrases throughout your resume will help you get noticed by the ATS. To find the right keywords, read the job description carefully and identify the skills and experience that the employer is looking for. Then, incorporate those keywords into your resume, making sure to use them in a natural way.

Example:

If the job description mentions “project management” and “agile methodology,” you could use the following phrase in your resume:
“Managed multiple projects using agile methodology, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced costs.”

Quantifying Your Accomplishments and Results

When describing your accomplishments, always try to quantify them whenever possible. This will help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate the impact of your work. For example, instead of saying “Managed a team of engineers,” you could say “Managed a team of engineers, resulting in a 25% increase in productivity.”

Tailoring Your Resume to Specific Job Descriptions

It’s important to tailor your resume to each job you apply for. This means including the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job description. You can also highlight projects or accomplishments that you’ve worked on that are similar to the ones that the employer is looking for.

Example:

If you’re applying for a marketing job, you would want to highlight your experience in developing and executing marketing campaigns. You could also mention any specific marketing software or tools that you’re familiar with.

Proofreading and Editing for Accuracy and Professionalism

Before you submit your resume, it’s important to proofread it carefully for any errors. Make sure that there are no typos or grammatical mistakes, and that all of your information is accurate. You should also ask a friend or family member to review your resume and provide feedback.

Saving Your Resume in ATS-Compatible Formats

When you’re saving your resume, be sure to save it in a format that is compatible with ATS. The most common ATS-compatible formats are PDF and DOCX. You can also save your resume in plain text format, but this is not as recommended because it can make it difficult for the ATS to parse your information.

Tips for Uploading Your Resume to Job Boards and Company Websites

When you’re uploading your resume to job boards or company websites, there are a few things you can do to make sure that it gets noticed by the ATS:

• Use a descriptive file name. Instead of saving your resume as “resume.doc,” save it as “first_name_last_name_resume.doc.” This will help the ATS identify your resume and distinguish it from other resumes that have been uploaded.
• Disable the “protected view” option. Some PDF viewers have a “protected view” option that can prevent the ATS from scanning your resume. Make sure that this option is disabled before you upload your resume.
• Upload your resume in a supported format. As mentioned earlier, the most common ATS-compatible formats are PDF and DOCX. Make sure that you upload your resume in one of these formats to ensure that it is compatible with the ATS.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating an ATS-Friendly Resume

Now that you know how to create an ATS-friendly resume, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Using too much formatting or graphics. As mentioned earlier, too much formatting or graphics can make it difficult for the ATS to scan your resume. Stick to a simple and easy-to-read layout.
• Including irrelevant information. Only include information that is relevant to the job you’re applying for. Don’t include personal information, such as your address or phone number, unless it’s specifically requested.
• Submitting a resume that is too long. Most ATSs have a page limit of one page. Make sure that your resume is concise and to the point.
• Making typos or grammatical errors. Typos and grammatical errors can make your resume look unprofessional and can hurt your chances of getting an interview. Proofread your resume carefully before you submit it to any job boards or company websites.
• Not using keywords from the job description. As mentioned earlier, including relevant keywords and phrases throughout your resume will help the ATS find your resume and match it with the job description. Make sure that you read the job description carefully and incorporate relevant keywords into your resume.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Next Step:

Now that you know how to create an ATS-friendly resume, it’s time to put your skills into practice. ResumeGemini offers a variety of ATS-friendly resume templates that you can use to create a resume that will stand out from the crowd. With ResumeGemini, you can easily create a resume that is tailored to the specific job you are applying for. So what are you waiting for? Create your ATS-friendly resume today and start your job search off on the right foot!