3 min read

In the landscape of digital recruitment, the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) plays a pivotal role in shaping the hiring process. It filters out resumes that fail to meet specific criteria, making it essential for job seekers to understand how to optimise their resume for ATS compatibility.

This guide aims to equip you with the knowledge to create an ATS-friendly resume that not only survives the filtering process but also captures the attention of human recruiters.

What is an ATS?

An ATS is software that employers use to manage job applications. It scans resumes for keywords, skills, previous employers, and educational background that match the job description, helping to identify the most promising candidates.

Key Strategies for an ATS-Friendly Resume

Simple and Professional Formatting

• Opt for traditional resume formats with clear headings for each section (e.g., Work Experience, Education).
• Utilise a clean, professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, keeping the font size between 10 to 12 points.
• Avoid using tables, charts, images, and text boxes, as these elements can confuse the ATS. Instead, if listing items, use bullet points to ensure clarity and readability.

Keyword Optimisation

• Analyse the job description carefully and incorporate relevant keywords throughout your resume, especially within the ‘Skills’ and ‘Work Experience’ sections.
• Match your job titles and skills precisely with those in the job posting, such as “Senior SEO Specialist,” if applicable.

Highlight Achievements with Quantifiable Results

• Showcase how you’ve positively impacted your previous roles, using specific metrics where possible, like “increased sales by 20% within the first quarter.”

Use Standard Resume Sections

• Adhere to standard headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” Creative headings may lead to important information being overlooked by the ATS.

File Type Considerations

• Submit your resume in an ATS-friendly format. A Word document (.docx) or a PDF is generally preferred to ensure proper parsing by the ATS.

Remember to Include Contact Information

• Ensure your contact information is prominent and up to date, positioned at the top of your resume.
• It’s crucial to include a professional email address.
• To prevent parsing errors, you may wish to exclude any contact information of your referees at this stage, and provide them only when the hiring team requests for them.

Crafting an ATS-friendly resume is a strategic endeavour that can significantly enhance your visibility to both automated systems and human recruiters.

Take the next step in your job search journey

We invite you to submit your resume or CV to us, and open a door to new career opportunities and professional insights tailored to your career aspirations.

We look forward to connecting with you soon!