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ATS Resume Guide: How to Set Yourself Up for Applicant Tracking System Success

If you’ve ever applied for a job online, your resume likely went through an ATS—short for Applicant Tracking System—before a recruiter even saw it. These systems are used by most major employers to help manage and organize the large volume of applications they receive every day. Here are some frequently asked questions about ATS' and how to best prepare your resume for submission.

What Is an ATS?

An Applicant Tracking System is a type of software that helps recruiters and hiring managers collect, sort, and evaluate job applications. Instead of manually reviewing every resume, the ATS scans each one for specific keywords, qualifications, and formatting that match the job description. If your resume doesn’t meet certain criteria, it may not make it to the next stage—even if you’re a strong candidate.

Why Do Employers Use ATS'?

Large organizations often receive thousands of applications across departments and roles. ATS platforms help streamline the hiring process by:

  • Sorting and ranking candidates based on relevance to the job
  • Filtering out resumes that don’t meet minimum qualifications
  • Tracking applicant progress through different stages of hiring
  • Ensuring compliance with hiring regulations and internal policies

This allows recruiters to focus their time on the most qualified applicants and move faster in filling roles. Some common platforms you might come across in your job search include SmartRecruiters, Workday, iCIMS, Greenhouse, and Oracle to name a few. Each has its own features, but they all follow similar principles when scanning resumes.

Applying to multiple jobs and using the same Applicant Tracking System (ATS) can be pretty frustrating. Imagine applying to five different roles at five different companies, only to find that each one requires you to re-enter your application details from scratch. Sound familiar? Here's why the ATS won't recognize your information to auto-populate fields from one application to another - the inconvenience stems from privacy regulations and the fact that employers aren't using a universal application. Consequently, the application form fields (like work history, education, and certifications) can vary widely between employers. Some ATS platforms require you to manually enter your information, while others can auto-fill details from your resume.

How to Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly

Here are some practical tips to help your resume pass through ATS filters and get noticed:

  1. Use a clean, simple format
    Avoid tables, graphics, columns, or unusual fonts. Stick to a straightforward layout that’s easy for software to read.
  2. Include keywords from the job description
    ATS platforms scan for specific terms. If the job posting mentions “financial analysis” or “customer relationship management,” include those exact phrases if they apply to your experience.
  3. Use standard section headings
    Stick with headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” “Skills,” and “Certifications.” ATS systems are trained to recognize these labels.
  4. Save your resume in the right file format
    Some ATS platforms prefer Word documents (.docx), and some accept PDFs. Always follow the instructions on the employer's application page.
  5. Avoid placing important info in headers or footers
    ATS systems may not scan content in these areas, so keep your contact information and key details in the main body of the document.
  6. Spell out acronyms and abbreviations
    For example, write “Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Finance” instead of just “B.S. in Finance.” This ensures the system picks up on both versions.
  7. Don’t try to “trick” the system
    Some candidates try to game the ATS by stuffing keywords or using invisible text. These tactics can backfire and may even disqualify your application.

Final Thoughts

An ATS-friendly resume helps ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. By following these tips, you’ll improve your chances of making it past the first digital gate and into the hands of a recruiter.

Whether you’re applying to a Fortune 500 company, a growing startup, or a nonprofit organization, understanding how ATS' work—and how to optimize your resume for them—can make a big difference in your job search success.

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