ATS Friendly Tips

Focus on the overall customization of your résumé for each position, ensuring it reflects the specific job requirements.

Many ATS rank résumés based on how well they match the job description. Tailor your résumé to highlight relevant skills and experiences for each application, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

If you are changing careers, convey your past experience in language that clearly communicates transferrable skills listed on the job description. 

ATS prioritize content over visuals. A creative résumé with charts, icons, or unusual fonts might look great to humans but could confuse ATS.

Use text-based bullet points and traditional layouts to ensure the system parses your information correctly.

Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri.

Avoid symbols like &, #, or /. Spell out words (such as, "and" instead of &).

Use industry-standard abbreviations, but pair them with full terms at least once (such as, "Certified Public Accountant (CPA)").

Save and submit your résumé as a Word document (.docx) or PDF (only if the job listing specifies PDF compatibility).

Some older ATS struggle with PDFs, so double-check the employer's preferred format (e.g., Google prefers applicants use Google Docs).

Use common headings like "Work Experience," "Skills," "Education," and "Certifications." Avoid unconventional headings like "My Journey" or "What I Bring to the Table."

ATS rely on these headings to categorize your information. Add the word "Experience" to section headers such as "Volunteer" or "Academic Projects" so the ATS will also read skills in those sections as "experience."

Include accurate job titles and employment dates (month and year). Some ATS score consistency in employment history, so ensure your LinkedIn profile matches your résumé. It is ok to rename a job title to reflect the language of the employer you are applying to (e.g., military transitions to civilian equivalent jobs)—just be honest and consistent. Refer to Career OneStop for guidance.

An ATS will calculate the years of experience you have for specific skills in the job description. Make sure required skills are listed in the Experience section to show the length of time you have used each skill they are seeking.

Many ATS rank résumés based on active verbs that convey specific hard and soft skills as well as results (e.g., "analyzed," "improved," "presented," “developed,” “managed,” “designed,” and “implemented”). If the verb is listed as a required skill on the job description, make sure it is mentioned  in your bullet points. 

Past-tense verbs are most appropriate. 

Soapbox moment: If you are using present-tense verbs, it may be an indication you are describing general tasks or job responsibilities rather than specific times you solved a problem, improved a process, or delivered a project / product. Your bullets should demonstrate specific outcomes that exemplify how well you execute your responsibilities.

Many ATS screen for specific skills as a priority. 

While some keywords might be normalized to include multiple variations, it is in your best interest to customize your résumé to match the language you see in the job description (e.g., “social media marketing” vs. “social media management”). This point is worth repeating.

Describe your experience in a way that explicitly shows the hard and soft skills that are listed in the job posting to improve your chances. The ATS cannot guess or interpret vague language.

While ATS are widespread, many jobs are filled through referrals. Networking with employees at the company can help ensure your résumé gets seen by a human, even if  you've submitted it via ATS.

Even a well-optimized résumé can slip through the cracks due to system glitches or poor ATS setups. Balance your focus on ATS with efforts to stand out through referrals, cover letters, or direct outreach.

While optimizing for ATS is important, remember that your ultimate audience is a real person. Write with authenticity and warmth—let your personality shine through in your accomplishments and summary. And don’t underestimate the power of networking. A referral or friendly conversation can often open doors that ATS bots can’t. 

Ensure your résumé matches your LinkedIn profile and other application materials.

Avoid keyword stuffing or exaggerating qualifications; ATS is only the first step, and humans will validate your claims.

After writing your résumé, test it by copying and pasting the text into a plain-text editor like Notepad. If it looks jumbled or unreadable, revise it to ensure proper parsing by ATS software.