In today’s competitive job market, it’s not enough to just have a great resume. It also needs to be ATS-friendly, or applicant tracking system-friendly. ATSs are software programs that many companies use to screen resumes and identify the most qualified candidates.
If your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, it’s likely to be overlooked, even if you’re the perfect candidate for the job. That’s why it’s so important to take the time to make sure your resume is optimized for ATSs.
Tip 1: Use a clear and concise font
The font you use on your resume can make a big difference in how well it’s received by ATSs. Avoid using fonts that are too fancy or difficult to read. Instead, opt for a simple, sans-serif font like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica.
Tip 2: Use keywords throughout your resume
Keywords are words and phrases that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. ATSs use keywords to identify resumes that are a good match for the position. So, make sure to include relevant keywords throughout your resume, including in your resume summary, skills section, and work experience section.
Tip 3: Include relevant skills and experience
Of course, you should also include relevant skills and experience on your resume. But don’t just list your skills and experience; be sure to highlight how they’re relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, instead of simply saying “I have 5 years of experience in customer service,” you could say “I have 5 years of experience in customer service, including 2 years of experience in a call center environment.”
Tip 4: Use action verbs
Action verbs are verbs that describe what you did in your previous roles. They’re more powerful than passive verbs, so use them whenever possible. For example, instead of saying “I was responsible for customer service,” you could say “I provided customer service.”
Tip 5: Quantify your accomplishments
Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments on your resume. This will help ATSs to understand the impact of your work. For example, instead of saying “I increased sales,” you could say “I increased sales by 15%.”
Tip 6: Avoid using passive language
Passive language is language that avoids using the active voice. It can make your resume sound weak and unfocused. Instead of using passive language, use active language. For example, instead of saying “My responsibilities included customer service,” you could say “I provided customer service.”
Tip 7: Proofread carefully
Before you submit your resume, proofread it carefully for any errors. ATSs are very sensitive to errors, so even a small mistake could cause your resume to be rejected.
Tip 8: Use a consistent formatting style
Your resume should have a consistent formatting style throughout. This will make it easier for ATSs to read and understand your resume. Use the same font, font size, and margins throughout your resume.
Tip 9: Save your resume as a PDF
When you’re ready to submit your resume, save it as a PDF. PDFs are the most widely accepted file format for resumes, and they’re less likely to be corrupted than other file formats.
Tip 10: Test your resume on different ATS
Once you’ve created your resume, test it on different ATSs to make sure it’s ATS-friendly. There are a number of free online tools that you can use to test your resume, such as the ResumeLab ATS Checker.
By following these tips, you can create an ATS-friendly resume that will help you get noticed by employers.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What are applicant tracking systems (ATS)?
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are software programs that help employers manage the hiring process. They automate tasks such as screening resumes, scheduling interviews, and tracking candidates. ATS use algorithms to scan resumes for specific keywords and phrases that are related to the job description. If a resume contains the right keywords, it will be ranked higher in the ATS results and is more likely to be seen by a recruiter.
What are ATS keywords?
ATS keywords are the words and phrases that employers use to describe the skills and experience they are looking for in a candidate. These keywords can be found in the job description, and they should be included in your resume in order to make it more ATS-friendly. Some common ATS keywords include:
- Project management
- Customer service
- Leadership
- Communication
- Teamwork
How can I optimize my resume for ATS?
There are a few things you can do to optimize your resume for ATS, including:
- Use keywords throughout your resume, including in the headline, summary, and work experience sections.
- Use strong action verbs and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.
- Use a consistent font and font size throughout your resume.
- Avoid using graphics or images in your resume, as ATS cannot read them.
- Save your resume in a PDF format, as this is the most ATS-friendly file format.
How do I beat an ATS?
There is no surefire way to beat an ATS, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of getting your resume noticed:
- Tailor your resume to each job you apply for.
- Use a resume template that is ATS-friendly.
- Proofread your resume carefully for any errors.
- Use a professional email address and phone number on your resume.
- Follow up with the employer after you submit your resume.
How do I know if my resume is ATS-friendly?
There are a few ways to test if your resume is ATS-friendly:
- Use an ATS resume scanner to scan your resume.
- Ask a friend or family member to review your resume for ATS-friendliness.
- Submit your resume to a few job postings and see if you get any responses.
What is a good ATS score?
A good ATS score is typically between 70% and 80%. This means that your resume contains the right keywords and is formatted in a way that is easy for ATS to read.
What are some ATS writing tips?
Here are a few ATS writing tips:
- Use strong action verbs and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.
- Use a consistent font and font size throughout your resume.
- Avoid using graphics or images in your resume, as ATS cannot read them.
- Use a professional email address and phone number on your resume.
- Proofread your resume carefully for any errors.
Does ATS read cover letters?
Some ATS can read cover letters, but not all. If you are unsure whether or not the ATS will read your cover letter, it is best to err on the side of caution and include one. Your cover letter is a great opportunity to introduce yourself and highlight your skills and experience, so it is worth taking the time to write a good one.
Next Step:
Now that you know how to make your resume ATS-friendly, it’s time to put your new knowledge 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 competition. With ResumeGemini, you can also get feedback on your resume from our team of expert resume writers. So what are you waiting for? Create your ATS-friendly resume today and start landing more interviews!
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