8 Tips to Optimize Your Resume for ATS: Get More Interviews Today

Have You Updated Your Resume But Still Haven’t Landed Interviews? Here’s Why!

If you’ve been applying to hundreds of jobs without receiving interviews, your resume may be getting lost in the shuffle. With companies increasingly using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), it’s essential to optimize your resume so that it passes through the initial filters. By following these 8 tips to optimize your resume for ATS, you’ll improve your chances of landing interviews and getting one step closer to your dream job.

What Is an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) ?

Let’s begin by briefly explaining how an ATS works before we dive into the tips. ATS software helps employers streamline the hiring process by scanning resumes for specific keywords and formats, filtering out those that don’t meet the criteria. Shockingly, up to 75% of resumes never reach a human recruiter because they fail to pass the ATS scan.

In fact, up to 75% of resumes never make it to a human recruiter because they don’t pass the ATS test.

Don’t Want to Be Part of This Statistic? Read On!

8 Tips to Optimize Your Resume for ATS

🔹 Use Standard Resume Formatting

ATS systems rely on predictable, clean formatting. Avoid fancy designs, tables, or graphics that can confuse the software. Stick to a traditional layout with sections like “Work Experience,” “Skills,” and “Education.”

💡Pro Tip: Always use a .docx or PDF file unless otherwise specified.

Learn more about standard resume formatting and how it impacts your job search.

🔹 Incorporate Relevant Keywords

The most important part of optimizing your resume for ATS is to include relevant keywords. These keywords should be retrieved from the job description. Tailor your resume for every application by using industry-specific terms.

💎 Example: If the job description mentions “project management,” make sure that phrase appears in both the “Skills” and “Work Experience” sections of your resume.

🔹Stick to Common Headings

Use simple, ATS-friendly headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” “Skills,” and “Certifications.” ATS systems are built to recognize common headers, so avoid creative alternatives like “My Career Path” or “About Me.”

🔹Avoid Headers and Footers

Many ATS systems cannot read information placed in headers and footers. Keep all essential information, like contact details, out of these areas to ensure it’s accurately scanned.

For more resume tips, check our comprehensive ATS resume guide.

🔹Use Bullet Points to Highlight Achievements

Bullet points make your resume easier to read and help the ATS systems parse information correctly. Focus on quantifiable achievements to showcase your value.

💎 Example: If the job description mentions “project management,” make sure that phrase appears in both the “Skills” and “Work Experience” sections of your resume.

Learn how to write an effective resume? Click Here.

🔹Don’t Overload with Fancy Fonts

Simple, professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Tahoma are ideal for ATS scanning. Overly decorative fonts may not be recognized, meaning important information could be missed.

Need help choosing the right font? Check out the font selection guide for resumes.

🔹Include a Skills Section

ATS systems often use keyword matching to evaluate candidates. A dedicated “Skills” section is ideal for listing both hard and soft skills that match the job description.

💡ProTip: Use both abbreviations and full-length terms (e.g., “SEO” and “Search Engine Optimization”) to increase your resume’s chances of ranking higher in ATS scans.

Explore Key Skills That Could be Added to Your Resume

🔹Don’t Forget to Customize for Job Applications

While it may seem easier to send the same resume to every employer, customizing your resume for each job application dramatically increases your chances of passing ATS filters. This ensures your resume is packed with the precise keywords that align with specific roles.

Take Control of Your Job Search with an ATS-Friendly Resume

If you have applied to multiple jobs without a callback, the issue might be how your resume parses through ATS software.The solution is a resume revamp to match over 80% of requirements employers place on job postings.