ATS Resume — How to Pass Applicant Tracking Systems and Get Seen by Recruiters

You’ve spent hours perfecting your resume, but if it’s not formatted for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), it might never be seen by a human recruiter. Many companies — especially medium to large employers — rely on ATS software to scan and filter resumes before they reach a hiring manager.

If your resume doesn’t pass the ATS scan, your application could be rejected automatically — even if you’re the perfect fit. The good news? Creating an ATS-friendly resume is easier than you think. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to optimise your resume so it passes ATS checks, gets into the right hands, and still impresses the recruiter who reads it.

1. Use a Simple, Clean Format

ATS software struggles with complex designs. Avoid templates with multiple columns, graphics, or unusual fonts — they may look great to humans but can confuse the system and cause your information to be misread or skipped.

Instead:
- Use a single-column layout so text flows logically.
- Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
- Use font sizes between 10 and 12 points for readability.
- Avoid images, text boxes, and decorative lines for key information.

Remember: your goal is not to ‘wow’ with design, but to ensure every detail is accurately scanned and passed on to the recruiter.

2. Include Relevant Keywords

ATS scans for keywords that match the job description. If those words aren’t in your resume, you could be filtered out.

Here’s how to find and use them:
- Read the job posting carefully and highlight skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
- Use those exact phrases naturally in your resume — especially in your work experience and skills sections.
- Don’t ‘stuff’ keywords; ensure they fit naturally within sentences.

Example: If the ad requires 'data analysis,' make sure this phrase appears where you genuinely have experience, such as: 'Conducted in-depth data analysis to identify sales trends and inform marketing strategy.'

3. Use Standard Headings

ATS software recognises common section headings like 'Work Experience,' 'Education,' and 'Skills.'

Avoid creative alternatives like 'Career Highlights' or 'Things I’m Good At' — while they might sound unique, they could prevent the ATS from categorising your information correctly.

4. Avoid Abbreviations Without Context

ATS may not recognise industry abbreviations unless they’re paired with the full term. For example:
- Instead of writing only 'SEO,' write 'Search Engine Optimisation (SEO).'
- Instead of 'PMP certified,' write 'Project Management Professional (PMP) certified.'

This ensures both the ATS and the recruiter understand your qualifications.

5. Save Your Resume in the Right Format

Most ATS systems work best with Word documents (.doc or .docx). Some also accept PDFs, but formatting issues can occur.

Always follow the instructions in the job posting. If the employer specifies a format, use it — failing to do so can lead to automatic rejection.

6. Optimise for Both ATS and Humans

Passing the ATS is only step one — your resume still needs to impress a recruiter. Use bullet points to make achievements easy to scan, focus on measurable results, and keep your language clear and professional.

Example of a weak bullet point:
- Responsible for managing social media.

Example of a strong bullet point:
- Managed social media campaigns that increased engagement by 45% and generated 500+ new leads in six months.

7. Avoid Common ATS Mistakes

Some mistakes can cause your resume to be rejected before it’s even reviewed:
- Using headers/footers for important information — ATS often can’t read these.
- Uploading scanned images of resumes — ATS cannot read image text.
- Leaving out contact details or placing them in an image or graphic.

Make sure your name, phone number, and email address are in the main body text at the top.

8. Keep Updating Your Resume for ATS Trends

ATS technology changes over time. Regularly update your resume format and keyword strategy to align with industry trends.

You can test your resume’s ATS compatibility by uploading it to free online tools or applying to a few lower-stakes job postings to see if you get through the first round.

Create an ATS Resume That Gets Interviews

If you want to save time and ensure your resume passes ATS checks, download the Skilled Job Starter Kit. It’s the free resource that’s helped hundreds of migrants and international students land interviews faster.

Inside, you’ll get:
- An ATS-friendly resume template
- A cover letter template that gets noticed
- A LinkedIn checklist to boost recruiter trust
- Interview strategies to turn offers into jobs

Get it free: https://www.theaho.co/free 

FAQs

How do I know if my resume is ATS-friendly?

You can test it by copying and pasting the content into a plain text document. If it displays correctly without missing information, it’s likely ATS-compatible.

Are PDFs bad for ATS?

Some ATS systems can read PDFs, but many work better with Word documents. Always follow the employer’s instructions.

Do ATS systems check cover letters?

Some do, but most focus on resumes. Still, including relevant keywords in your cover letter is a good idea.

How many keywords should I use in my resume?

There’s no fixed number, but aim to naturally include all the essential skills and qualifications mentioned in the job description without keyword stuffing.