7 ATS-Friendly Resume Hacks to Boost Your Chances in 2024

What is an ATS and how does it impact resumes?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by recruiters to automate the screening and sorting of job applications. It scans resumes for specific keywords and criteria mentioned in the job description, helping recruiters identify the most suitable candidates quickly and efficiently.

As an ATS relies heavily on keywords, your resume must align with the job requirements to increase your chances of getting shortlisted. Including industry-specific jargon, technical terms, and quantifiable accomplishments can significantly improve your resume’s compatibility with ATS.

Example: If a job posting mentions “proficient in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript,” including these keywords in your resume’s Skills section will increase its chances of being detected by the ATS.

How can I identify the relevant keywords in a job description?

Carefully review the job description and note the specific skills, qualifications, and experience required for the role. Look for keywords that describe your expertise and match your skillset.

Additionally, analyze the company’s website, LinkedIn profile, and industry-related articles to gather more insights into the relevant keywords and industry jargon.

Example: If a job description for a Marketing Manager mentions “digital marketing,” “social media management,” and “SEO optimization,” these keywords should be prominently featured in your resume.

What is the best format for an ATS-friendly resume?

An ATS-friendly resume typically follows a structured and standardized format. Here are some key elements to consider:

• Use a simple and clean font: Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, and Georgia are commonly recognized by ATS. Avoid using fancy or decorative fonts.
• Maintain a consistent font size: Use a font size between 11 and 12 points throughout your resume.
• Opt for a single-column layout: This format is easier for ATS to parse and scan compared to multi-column layouts.
• Use clear section headings: Label each section of your resume with descriptive headings, such as “Experience,” “Skills,” “Education,” etc.
• Include white space: Leave ample white space between sections and lines to improve readability and make it easier for ATS to identify the information.

How do I quantify my accomplishments to make them stand out?

Quantifying your accomplishments adds credibility and impact to your resume. Use specific numbers and metrics to demonstrate the results of your work.

Example: Instead of saying “Managed social media campaigns,” quantify your accomplishment by stating “Managed social media campaigns that increased website traffic by 25% and generated over 10,000 leads.”

Focus on highlighting quantifiable results that align with the job requirements. Use action verbs and strong numbers to make your accomplishments more noticeable.

What are the common mistakes to avoid when creating an ATS-compliant resume?

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when crafting an ATS-compliant resume:

• Using excessive graphics or images: ATS systems struggle to process graphics and images, so it’s best to avoid using them excessively.
• Including irrelevant information: Focus on including only relevant information that aligns with the job requirements. Avoid unnecessary personal details or unrelated experiences.
• Using jargon or technical terms: While using industry-specific keywords is beneficial, avoid excessive jargon or technical terms that may confuse the ATS.
• Making the resume too long: Generally, a one-page resume is recommended for ATS-friendly applications. Keep your resume concise and focused.
• Not proofreading carefully: Proofread your resume thoroughly to eliminate any errors in grammar, spelling, or formatting that could hinder the ATS’s ability to parse the information.

How can I proofread and finalize my resume for the best results?

Carefully proofread your resume multiple times to ensure accuracy and quality. Here are some tips for effective proofreading:

• Check for typos and grammatical errors: Use spell-checking tools and grammar checkers to identify and correct any errors.
• Read your resume aloud: This can help you catch any awkward phrasing or sentences that don’t flow well.
• Ask a friend or colleague to review your resume: A fresh pair of eyes can often spot errors or provide valuable feedback.
• Use an ATS scanner tool: Online tools like JobScan can scan your resume against specific job descriptions to identify areas for improvement.
• Save your resume in the correct format: Use PDF or Word doc formats, as they are widely supported by ATS systems.

What are additional tips for improving my chances with ATS?

In addition to the aforementioned strategies, here are a few more tips to increase your chances of success with ATS:

• Use a professional resume builder: Tools like ResumeGemini offer ATS-friendly templates and guidance to help you create a resume that aligns with industry standards.
• Customize your resume for each job: Tailor your resume specifically to each job you apply for, highlighting the skills and experience most relevant to the role.
• Use strong action verbs: Start your bullet points with verbs that convey action and achievement, such as “managed,” “developed,” “implemented,” etc.
• Highlight your skills section: Clearly list your skills and abilities, using a combination of hard and soft skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• Consider using a cover letter: While not all ATS systems can parse cover letters, they can provide additional context and demonstrate your interest in the role.