How to Write an ATS-Friendly Resume

Many employers use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to store applications and search them. Systems vary widely, and a person usually still makes the decision, so there is no secret formula. The aim is simple: make sure the software can read your resume correctly, and that it clearly matches the job.

Keep the structure simple

• A single-column layout is the safest, because some systems read columns in the wrong order.
• Use standard headings such as Experience, Education and Skills.
• Put your contact details in the main body, not only in a header or footer.
• Avoid putting important text inside images, text boxes or icons.
• Write dates consistently, such as Mar 2021 – Present.

Test what the software sees

Open your PDF and try to select and copy the text, then paste it into a plain text editor. If the order is jumbled or letters are missing, a parser may have the same trouble. If you can, export a plain version too, because some application forms ask for a Word file.

Use the job description's language honestly

Read the listing and note the skills and qualifications it names. If you have them, use the same wording, including the common abbreviation as well as the full term, such as "search engine optimisation (SEO)". Show each one in context rather than only listing it.

Do not add skills you do not have, or hide keywords in white text. Recruiters read resumes too, and hidden text often appears when a document is parsed.

Write achievements, not duties

Begin each point with a verb, and include a number where you honestly can:

• Weak: "Responsible for customer emails."
• Better: "Answered about 60 customer emails a day and reduced average reply time from 8 hours to 3."

Check the basics

Use the file type the listing asks for, keep to one or two pages for most roles, and proofread carefully. No template can promise that a particular employer's system will read your resume perfectly, but a clean structure gives you the best chance.