ATS Resume Optimization Guide
Learn how to optimize your resume to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and land more interviews.
What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by employers to collect, scan, and rank job applications. Over 98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS, and they screen an estimated 75% of resumes before they ever reach a human recruiter.
Understanding how ATS works is crucial because even the most qualified candidate can be rejected if their resume isn't ATS-friendly.
🎨 Formatting for ATS Success
✓ Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
✓ Avoid headers and footers - ATS may not read them
✓ Do not use tables or text boxes
✓ Save as .docx or PDF (check job posting for preferred format)
✓ Use standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills)
✓ Stick to simple formatting - no special characters or symbols
🔑 Keyword Optimization
ATS systems scan for specific keywords that match the job description. Here's how to optimize for keywords:
✓ Mirror keywords from the job description
✓ Include both acronyms and full terms (e.g., "SEO" and "Search Engine Optimization")
✓ Use industry-specific terminology
✓ Include relevant skills and technologies
✓ Add professional certifications
📋 Resume Structure
ATS systems look for specific sections in your resume. Use these standard section headings:
✓ Start with contact information at the top
✓ Use clear section headings
✓ List experience in reverse chronological order
✓ Include company name, job title, and dates for each position
✓ Use bullet points for responsibilities and achievements
✍️ Content Best Practices
✓ Use action verbs to start bullet points
✓ Quantify achievements with numbers and percentages
✓ Focus on accomplishments, not just duties
✓ Tailor your CV to each job application
✓ Keep it concise (1-2 pages for most positions)
❌ Common ATS Mistakes to Avoid
- Using tables or text boxes - ATS can't read them properly
- Fancy fonts or design elements - Stick to simple, standard fonts
- Headers and footers - Important information may be skipped
- Images or graphics - ATS can't parse visual elements
- Abbreviations without full terms - Always include both (e.g., "SEO (Search Engine Optimization)")
- Uncommon section headings - Stick to standard names like "Experience" not "My Journey"
- Saving as image or unsupported format - Use .docx or PDF (check job posting)
📄 File Format Recommendations
✓ DOCX (Recommended)
Most ATS-friendly format. Easy to parse, compatible with all systems. Use for simple, text-based resumes.
✓ PDF (Conditional)
Good for preserving formatting, but check if employer accepts PDFs. Some older ATS struggle with PDFs.
Test Your Resume for ATS
Upload your resume to our free translator tool to get an instant ATS optimization score and recommendations.
Check Your Resume Now →✅ ATS Optimization Checklist
- □ Used standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
- □ Avoided headers, footers, tables, and text boxes
- □ Used standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills)
- □ Included keywords from job description
- □ Listed both acronyms and full terms
- □ Started bullet points with action verbs
- □ Included quantifiable achievements
- □ Contact information at top of page
- □ Saved as .docx or PDF (check employer preference)
- □ Kept formatting simple and clean