Unlocking ATS: How the Right Keywords Can Get Your Resume Noticed

If you want to get your application in front of human eyes, you need a specially designed ATS resume. In this guide, you’ll learn how to create an ATS-friendly resume that increases your odds of landing an interview. We’ll touch on formatting tips, content optimization strategies, and a list of common mistakes to avoid.

Understanding ATS

An applicant tracking system is a type of software employers use to manage the recruitment process. A resume ATS checker automates the initial screening of job applications by collecting, scanning, and storing each resume.

The program reviews criteria such as keywords, skills, job titles, and experiences to evaluate and score applications. Leading applicant tracking systems can also analyze a cover letter and other application materials.

When you submit your resume through a job portal or company website, the applicant tracking system scans and parses the document. It extracts information like contact details, work experience, education, and skills, then evaluates the content based on:

• Keyword relevance
• Experience
• Skills matching
• Section labels

The platform will give you a score based on how well your ATS resume aligns with the job posting. Only the highest-scoring documents are forwarded to the hiring team for review.

Businesses use ATS technology to sort through applications quickly and narrow their focus to a handful of qualified applicants. Developing an ATS resume will give you the best chance of making it through this process and getting your documents in front of the hiring team.

Formatting your resume for ATS

When creating an ATS resume, it’s important to keep the following key points in mind:

Standard formatting practices

Simplicity wins when it comes to ATS resumes. Stick with a traditional layout to ensure that your resume is easy for the system to scan and interpret. You should:

• Use standard fonts, such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
• Maintain consistent font sizes
• Ensure ample white space for readability
• Align text to the left and use single-column formatting

Don’t overuse bold, italics, or underlines. A busy or cluttered document can be difficult for applicant tracking systems to assess.

Use of bullet points

Bullet points are great for listing your achievements and responsibilities. They help the ATS software and human recruiters scan your content quickly. Here are some tips for using bullet points effectively:

• Start with an action verb
• Keep points concise and to the point
• Quantify results where possible

For instance, if you helped your previous employer save money, state how much. Saying something like, “Reduced overtime costs by 25%” is much more impactful than using more generic phrasing.

Avoiding complex elements

Applicant tracking systems may struggle with non-standard elements, such as:

• Tables
• Text boxes
• Images and icons
• Charts and graphics
• Headers and footers

These elements may cause your content to become unreadable to the system. Stick to basic, text-based layouts to ensure that your resume can be parsed correctly.

Content optimization

Once you’ve covered the basics, it’s time to optimize your ATS resume. The idea is to beat the applicant tracking system by building your documents to your advantage.

Incorporate keywords

The best way to make it through the ATS is by matching your resume to the job description. Take a look at the job posting and make a list of important keywords. Identify any special talents you possess and use those words in your resume.

If the hiring team includes both a keyword and an acronym in the job posting, do the same in your documents.

Let’s say you’re applying for a job that requires SEO experience. You would want to use the acronym “SEO” and also spell out “search engine optimization” in the document to cover all your bases.

Craft effective job descriptions

When listing your work history, focus on what you’ve achieved and quantify it whenever possible. Use action words to showcase what you bring to the table; words like “led,” “developed,” and “implemented” are just a few examples. Hard numbers serve to back up the claims you make.

Highlight your skills and certifications

Use the skills section to list abilities you possess that match the job description. Divide them into hard and soft skills so the software can easily interpret your document.

Choose compatible fonts and designs

Keep your fonts professional and clean. Some of the best options include Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, Times New Roman, and Verdana.

Avoid script fonts or anything overly stylized. Remember, the applicant tracking system must be able to scan and interpret the text in your documents. Script fonts can be tough to read and could cause your resume to get scored low or be deemed “unscorable.”

Submit the right file type

Pay attention to the application instructions posted by the employer. They’ll typically ask for a specific file type or provide a list of acceptable formats. Most ATS platforms support both PDF and Word (.doc or docx) formats. However, older systems may only support Word documents.

If there aren’t any instructions provided, default to Word or reach out to the employer. You don’t want to miss out on your dream job because the ATS couldn’t read your qualifications.

Label each section correctly

Here are some of the standard labels you should use on your resume:

Check out some resume examples for inspiration on how to label and structure your document.

Common mistakes to avoid

Don’t fall victim to common mistakes that could cause your resume to get lost in the shuffle. Keep an eye out for these potential issues:

Overloading with keywords

While incorporating keywords from the job posting is important, adding too many in an unnatural way can make your resume unreadable and harm your chances of scoring an interview. Even if your document makes it to the hiring team, they may toss it out after seeing that it’s packed full of keywords.

Using uncommon fonts and formats

Fancy fonts and complex layouts can confuse ATS systems. Don’t use your resume font or format to show off your creativity; if you’re applying for a role where creativity is valued, provide a link to your portfolio or include work samples.

Using resume and cover letter templates can help ensure that your fonts and formatting are consistent across all documents. Choose complementary templates to speed up document creation and make your information easier for the ATS to process.

Neglecting proofreading

Even the most optimized resumes can fail the ATS evaluation if they’re full of errors. Watch out for:

• Typos and spelling errors
• Incorrect dates and job titles
• Grammar inconsistencies
• Mismatched verb tenses

Proofread carefully and use spelling- and grammar-checking tools to catch any mistakes. Remember, the hiring team is going to form its first impression of you based on the documents you submit.

Tools and resources

Here are a few resources you can use to put together a strong ATS resume:

Resume templates

An ATS resume template can promote readability and decrease the risk of compatibility problems. Choose a resume template that’s clean, crisp, and easy to read. Jobseeker offers professional templates that are customizable and fully optimized for applicant tracking systems.

Resume checking tools

Want to know how your resume will perform? Experiment with resume scanner tools to gather feedback about your document and identify opportunities to make it better. These tools help you adjust keywords, formatting, and layout before you hit “Apply.” Don’t forget to scan your cover letter, too.

Position yourself for success with Jobseeker

Creating an ATS-friendly resume is easier than ever, thanks to Jobseeker. With Jobseeker, creating engaging cover letters and resumes is a breeze. Our tools provide all the resources you need to stand out and get hired.

Take control of your job search

Before you can make a great first impression on the hiring team, you need a resume and cover letter that can make it past applicant tracking software. As you work to get hired in a software-driven job market, make it a point to do the following:

• Understand how ATS systems parse and score resumes
• Stick to standard formatting
• Optimize your content with job-relevant keywords
• Avoid complex design elements
• Use tools and templates to refine your documents

With the right strategy and tools, you can give yourself a competitive edge and land that critical first interview. Not sure where to begin? Explore our resume and cover letter examples today!

Sources:

(1) SelectSoftware Reviews: Applicant Tracking System Statistics (Updated for 2025)