Applying for jobs can feel like a big task, and it’s easy to miss important details when you’re getting your resume ready. But did you know that many companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to screen resumes before they ever get seen by a recruiter? To make sure your resume doesn’t get lost in the ATS filter, it’s important to do a quick ATS resume test before submitting it. Here’s a handy checklist to help you make sure your resume is ATS-friendly and ready to pass the system’s scrutiny.
1. Use Standard Resume Formatting
ATS systems are designed to read simple, clean resumes. Fancy fonts, columns, or complicated layouts can confuse the ATS and cause it to miss key details in your resume.
- What to do:
- Use a simple, standard format with clear section headings (like Work Experience, Skills, Education).
- Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
- Avoid images, tables, or graphics that ATS can’t read.
- Use a simple, standard format with clear section headings (like Work Experience, Skills, Education).
2. Optimize for Keywords
ATS scans your resume for keywords that match the job description. If your resume doesn’t include the right keywords, it might be rejected—even if you’re perfectly qualified.
- What to do:
- Review the job description and identify key terms like skills, experience, and certifications.
- Incorporate keywords naturally into your Work Experience, Skills, and Summary sections.
- Avoid keyword stuffing—use the keywords where they make sense.
- Review the job description and identify key terms like skills, experience, and certifications.
3. Use Standard Section Headings
ATS relies on standard headings to categorize and identify the sections of your resume. If your headings are too creative or non-standard, the ATS might skip important sections.
- What to do:
- Use traditional headings like Work Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications.
- Avoid headings like “My Skills” or “Career Path”—stick to common terms that ATS can easily identify.
- Use traditional headings like Work Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications.
4. Ensure Simple Contact Information
Sometimes, contact information placed in headers or footers can be missed by ATS systems. Make sure your contact details are clearly visible in the body of your resume.
- What to do:
- Place your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL (if applicable) in the main body of the resume.
- Don’t put these details in the header or footer to avoid ATS overlooking them.
- Place your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL (if applicable) in the main body of the resume.
5. Test Your Resume with ATS Tools
Before submitting your resume, it’s a good idea to test it using an ATS resume checker. These tools give you feedback on how well your resume would perform in an ATS scan.
- What to do:
- Use free tools like Jobscan or Resumake to see how well your resume matches the job description.
- The ATS checker will show you where to make improvements, like adding keywords or adjusting your formatting.
- Use free tools like Jobscan or Resumake to see how well your resume matches the job description.
6. Keep It Simple and Clean
While your resume may look great in a modern design, ATS systems don’t care about flashy visuals—they care about the content. Avoid using unnecessary design elements.
- What to do:
- Stick to simple formatting with bullet points and clear, consistent headings.
- Avoid colored fonts or unusual layouts that could confuse the ATS.
- Stick to simple formatting with bullet points and clear, consistent headings.
7. Make Sure Your Resume is Readable
ATS reads resumes as text, so if the content is too dense or disorganized, it might miss key information. Make sure your resume is easy to read and well-organized.
- What to do:
- Use bullet points for key achievements and responsibilities.
- Keep your experience and skills sections neat and clear, and avoid overcrowding your resume with unnecessary details.
- Use bullet points for key achievements and responsibilities.
8. Include Relevant Education and Certifications
If the job description asks for specific certifications or educational qualifications, make sure they’re easy to spot in your resume. ATS often filters resumes based on these requirements.
- What to do:
- Create a separate section for Education and Certifications.
- List degree names and institutions clearly, and include any relevant certifications mentioned in the job description.
- Create a separate section for Education and Certifications.
9. Check for Spelling and Grammar Errors
While spelling and grammar might seem like small details, ATS can’t always recognize misspelled words or formatting mistakes, and it could reject your resume because of it.
- What to do:
- Double-check your resume for spelling and grammar errors.
- Use a tool like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor to ensure your resume is polished.
- Double-check your resume for spelling and grammar errors.
10. Test the File Type
ATS systems can have trouble reading certain file types. Most ATS systems prefer .docx or .pdf files, but some might have issues with documents like .jpg or .png.
- What to do:
- Save your resume as either .docx or .pdf to make sure it’s readable by most ATS systems.
- Double-check the job listing to see if there are any file format requirements before uploading.
- Save your resume as either .docx or .pdf to make sure it’s readable by most ATS systems.
Conclusion
Before applying for a job, testing your resume with an ATS scanner is a crucial step to ensure it gets seen by a recruiter. By following this ATS resume checklist, you can improve your chances of passing the ATS screening and moving forward in the hiring process. Focus on using clear, standard headings, incorporating the right keywords, and ensuring that your resume is simple, clean, and easy to read. With a few adjustments, your resume will be ATS-friendly and ready to make a great impression!