In today’s highly competitive job market, making a strong first impression with your resume is essential. With many companies relying on applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes, it’s important to understand how to make your resume ATS-friendly. An ATS-approved resume is not only more likely to make it past the initial screening process, but it also presents you in the best light to hiring managers. This blog, “The Insider’s Guide to Crafting an ATS-Approved Resume,” will provide you with the information and tips you need to create a resume that will pass the test of any ATS system and impress potential employers. From the format and layout to the keywords and phrases you use, we’ll show you how to optimize your resume to make it ATS-friendly and increase your chances of landing an interview.
Here are some of the tips to write an ATS-friendly resume:
Use a simple, clean format
When it comes to creating an ATS-friendly resume, simplicity is key. It’s best to avoid using graphics, images, or overly intricate formatting as these elements can confuse the ATS system and potentially result in your resume being overlooked. Instead, opt for a simple, clean format that is easy for the ATS to read and process. Stick to standard fonts and bullet points, and use clear headings and subheadings to organize your information. By using a simple and straightforward format, you can ensure that your resume is accurately processed by the ATS and gets in front of the right hiring manager.
Keyword Optimization
Keyword optimization is an important aspect of creating an ATS-friendly resume. It’s essential to include keywords that are relevant to the job you’re applying for, as this can greatly increase your chances of passing the initial ATS screening. Keywords can come from the job description, such as specific skills or technologies required for the role. By including these keywords in your resume, you signal to the ATS and the hiring manager that you have the relevant experience and qualifications for the job. However, be sure to use keywords in a natural and organic way, and avoid keyword stuffing, as this can have the opposite effect and hurt your chances of being considered for the role.
Keep it concise
When it comes to creating an ATS-friendly resume, keeping it concise is crucial. It’s important to stick to a one-page format and avoid using long paragraphs or lengthy sentences. This not only makes it easier for the ATS to process your information, but it also makes it easier for hiring managers to quickly review your information and see that you have the relevant experience and qualifications for the role. To keep your resume concise and easily readable, use bullet points instead of long paragraphs to present your information. This allows you to highlight your most important achievements and skills in a clear and concise manner, while making it easier for the ATS and hiring managers to quickly process and understand your information.
Use standard headings
Using standard headings is another important aspect of creating an ATS-friendly resume. The headings should include common sections such as “Summary,” “Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” By using these standard headings, you make it easier for the ATS to parse your information and categorize it correctly. This not only helps to ensure that your resume is accurately processed by the ATS, but it also makes it easier for hiring managers to quickly review your information and see that you have the relevant experience and qualifications for the role. When organizing your information, be sure to use clear and concise language, and to highlight your most relevant achievements and skills.
Include your contact information
Including your contact information is an important aspect of creating an ATS-friendly resume. Your name, phone number, and email address should be prominently displayed at the top of your resume, making it easy for hiring managers to reach out to you if they are interested in your application. This information is often the first thing that hiring managers see when reviewing your resume, so it’s important to make a positive impression. Additionally, including your contact information can help ensure that your resume is accurately processed by the ATS, as some systems use this information to identify and categorize your resume. When providing your contact information, be sure to use a professional email address and keep your voicemail message clear and professional.
Choosing correct file type
It’s important to note that while PDF is a great way to maintain the integrity of a document, it may not be compatible with all applicant tracking systems (ATS). Some ATS software may not support PDFs, so it’s important to check the acceptable file formats before uploading your resume. If PDF isn’t an option, it’s best to upload a .doc or .docx version of your ATS-friendly resume instead.
Tailor your resume for each job application
Tailoring your resume for each job application is an important step in creating an ATS-friendly resume. Customizing your resume by including keywords and phrases from the job description can help increase your chances of passing the initial ATS screening and getting in front of the right hiring manager. This shows that you have a strong understanding of the role and the skills and qualifications required, and that you have taken the time to tailor your application to the specific job. When tailoring your resume, be sure to focus on the most relevant achievements and skills, and to highlight how they align with the requirements of the role. This will help to demonstrate that you are the right candidate for the job and increase your chances of getting an interview.
Sample resume format
[HEADING] Peter Parker | (123) 456-7890 | peterparker@email.com
Summary or Objective:
Highly skilled .Net developer with over 5 years of experience in developing and deploying robust, scalable applications. Proficient in C#, ASP.NET, and SQL Server. Excellent problem-solving and communication skills with a strong focus on meeting project deadlines.
Experience:
[ROLE] .Net Developer
[COMPANY OR CLIENT] ABC Company, Anytown, USA
[DURATION] January 2018 – Present
[DETAILED FUNCTION OF ROLE]
Developed and maintained high-performance applications using C#, ASP.NET, and SQL Server
Implemented advanced features such as multithreading and caching to optimize application performance
Designed and implemented database models and optimized SQL queries to improve data access and retrieval times
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, prioritize tasks, and provide status updates
Troubleshot and resolved production issues in a timely manner
[ROLE] .Net Developer
[COMPANY OR CLIENT] XYZ Company, Anytown, USA
[DURATION] June 2015 – December 2017
[DETAILED FUNCTION OF ROLE]
Designed and developed custom solutions using ASP.NET and C# to meet business requirements
Utilized AngularJS to create dynamic user interfaces and improve user experience
Wrote complex SQL queries and optimized database performance using indexing and partitioning
Participated in code reviews and collaborated with team members to ensure code quality and maintainability
Trained junior developers on .Net development best practices and helped with code debugging
Education:
[TITLE OF DEGREE/DIPLOMA] Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
[SCHOOL NAME] University of Technology, Anytown, USA
[DURATION] September 2011 – June 2015
[LIST OF SKILLS/TECHNOLOGIES] Skills:
C#
ASP.NET
SQL Server
AngularJS
Object-Oriented Programming
MVC Architecture
Web Services (REST and SOAP)
Agile Methodology
[LIST OF CERTIFICATIONS] Certifications:
AZ-900 Azure Data fundamentals