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What is an ATS and Why Should You Care?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by recruiters and employers to collect, sort, scan, and rank the job applications they receive. If your resume isn't "ATS-friendly," it might be automatically rejected before a human ever gets a chance to review it. The goal isn't to "trick" the system, but to format your resume in a way that the software can easily understand.

1. Keyword Optimization is Crucial

The primary function of an ATS is to scan for keywords that match the job description.

• Mirror the Job Description: Read the job description carefully and identify the key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities. Use the exact same phrasing in your resume where appropriate. If the description asks for "project management," use that phrase, not "managed projects."
• Include a "Skills" Section: A dedicated skills section with a simple list of your technical skills, software proficiency, and certifications is easily parsable by an ATS.
• Don't Go Overboard: While keyword optimization is important, avoid "keyword stuffing." Your resume still needs to be readable and make sense to a human.

2. Formatting Matters (A Lot)

Complex formatting is the number one enemy of an ATS.

• Use a Standard Font: Stick to universal fonts like Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, or Times New Roman.
• Avoid Tables and Columns: Many ATS systems read documents from left to right, top to bottom. Columns and tables can jumble the order of your information, turning your resume into nonsense. A single-column layout is the safest bet.
• Standard Section Headers: Use clear and standard headings like "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills." Avoid creative titles like "Where I've Been" or "My Superpowers."
• No Headers or Footers: Information in the header or footer of a Word or PDF document can sometimes be ignored by an ATS. Put your contact information directly in the main body of the document.
• Use Standard Bullet Points: Use solid circles or squares for bullet points. Avoid fancy symbols or arrows.

3. File Type and Submission

• PDF is Usually Best: Submit your resume as a PDF file unless the application portal specifically requests a .doc or .docx file. PDFs preserve your formatting, but some older ATS systems may struggle with them. If the application offers a choice, a .docx is a safe alternative.
• Avoid Scanned Documents or Images: Never submit your resume as a JPG, PNG, or a scanned document. The text will not be readable by the ATS.

How to Test Your Resume

You can get a good idea of how an ATS might "see" your resume by following a simple trick:

1. Save your resume as a plain text file (.txt). 2. Open the plain text file. 3. Review the content. Is all the information there? Is it in a logical order? Are there strange characters or jumbled sections?

If the plain text version is clean and readable, there's a very high chance your resume is ATS-compliant. Better yet, use a tool like CVBite, which has a built-in ATS checker to give you an estimated score and feedback!