Resume Formatting Hacks That Will Get You Past Applicant Tracking Systems Every Time!

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are software applications used by employers to manage and automate their recruitment process. These systems are designed to streamline the hiring process by quickly filtering through resumes and identifying the most qualified candidates for a position. 

However, if your resume is not properly formatted, it may not make it past the ATS filters and into the hands of a hiring manager. That’s why it’s important to understand the dos and don’ts of formatting your resume for ATS. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the best practices for formatting your resume to increase your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers. We’ll cover the dos and don’ts of formatting, additional tips for optimizing your resume for ATS, and the importance of tailoring your resume to each job application.

Dos of Formatting Your Resume for ATS

To increase the likelihood of your resume passing through ATS filters, it’s important to follow these dos of formatting:

Use A Simple, Easy-To-Read Font

Stick to standard fonts such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri. Avoid using fancy or decorative fonts as they may not be recognized by ATS.

Include relevant keywords throughout your resume: Use industry-specific keywords and phrases that match the job description. This will show the ATS that you have the skills and qualifications required for the position.

Use Standard Section Headings (e.g. “Experience,” “Education,” etc.)

Stick to the traditional section headings to help the ATS recognize and categorize the information on your resume.

Use bullet points to highlight your accomplishments and skills: Bullet points make it easy for the ATS to quickly scan and identify key information on your resume. Make sure to include measurable achievements and results.

Save Your Resume As A Plain Text File Or A Pdf With Searchable Text

Plain text files and PDFs with searchable text are the most ATS-friendly formats. Avoid using images, tables, or columns as they can confuse the ATS and make it difficult for it to parse your resume.

Don’ts of Formatting Your Resume for ATS

To avoid getting filtered out by an ATS, it’s important to avoid the following don’ts of formatting:

Don’t Use Graphics Or Images

ATS cannot read images, so avoid using them in your resume. This includes company logos, photos, or any other graphics.

Don’t Use Unconventional Fonts Or Formatting (E.G. Tables, Columns, Etc.)

Stick to a basic, easy-to-read format. Avoid using tables, columns, or any other unconventional formatting that may not be recognized by the ATS.

Don’t Include Irrelevant Information Or Fluff

Keep your resume concise and relevant. Avoid including irrelevant information, such as hobbies or personal interests, that may distract from your qualifications.

Don’t Use Acronyms Or Abbreviations That May Not Be Recognized By The Ats

Spell out any industry-specific acronyms or abbreviations that may not be familiar to the ATS. This will ensure that your qualifications are properly recognized by the system.

Additional Tips for Formatting Your Resume for ATS

In addition to the dos and don’ts of formatting your resume for ATS, here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

Tailor Your Resume To Each Job You Apply For

Customize your resume to include the skills, qualifications, and keywords that are most relevant to the job you are applying for. This will increase your chances of getting past the ATS and landing an interview.

Use Job Descriptions As A Guide For Including Relevant Keywords

Look at the job description and incorporate the same keywords and phrases into your resume. This will show the ATS that you are a good match for the job and increase your chances of getting past the system.

Use Online Tools To Check Your Resume’s Compatibility With Ats

There are several online tools available that can help you check your resume’s compatibility with ATS. These tools will analyze your resume and give you feedback on areas that need improvement.

Have A Human Proofread Your Resume To Ensure It Reads Well And Is Error-Free

While ATS can help automate the recruitment process, it’s important to remember that human beings will ultimately read your resume. Have someone else review your resume to ensure that it reads well, is free of errors, and effectively communicates your qualifications and experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, proper formatting is crucial for ensuring that your resume gets past the ATS filters and into the hands of a hiring manager. Here are the key takeaways from this article:

• Use a simple, easy-to-read font, include relevant keywords, use standard section headings, use bullet points, and save your resume as a plain text file or a searchable PDF.
• Avoid using graphics or images, unconventional fonts or formatting, irrelevant information, and acronyms or abbreviations that may not be recognized by the ATS.
• Tailor your resume to each job application, use job descriptions as a guide for including relevant keywords, use online tools to check your resume’s compatibility with ATS, and have a human proofread your resume.

By taking the time to properly format your resume, you increase your chances of getting past ATS filters and landing an interview. Remember to customize your resume for each job application and to prioritize readability and relevance. With these tips in mind, you can submit a polished, professional resume that stands out from the crowd.