ATS Resume Tips: Pass Applicant Tracking Systems

Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes before a human sees them. If your resume is not ATS-friendly, it may never reach a recruiter. These tips help you optimize your resume so it passes automated screening and gets you into the interview stage.

Use standard headings and formatting

ATS often looks for standard section headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” “Skills.” Use simple, common labels. Avoid graphics, tables, headers/footers, and multi-column layouts that can confuse parsers. Stick to a single column and standard fonts. Save as a .docx or a simple PDF so the system can read the text.

Match keywords from the job description

ATS and recruiters look for keywords that match the job. Use the exact phrases from the job posting where they fit naturally—skills, tools, certifications, job titles. Do not stuff keywords; use them in context. Our Resume Analyzer helps you identify gaps and improve your resume for both ATS and human readers.

Spell out acronyms once

Some ATS search for full terms. Use both the full term and the acronym at least once (e.g. “Search Engine Optimization (SEO)”). That way you match whether the system or recruiter searches for either form.

For more on resumes, interviews, and cover letters, see our Resume & Interview Guides hub.