How to Write an Applicant Tracking System-Friendly Resume in 4 Steps
- Frank Manfre
- Dec 18
- 3 min read
For job applicants, the goal is to create an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) resume that will also impress a human hiring manager. That means it should contain keywords (detailed below) and be a straightforward design. When your resume gets into the hands of the human hiring manager, you want them to be impressed by your skills and experience, not put off by your overzealous application of keywords. A Word of Caution: Never lie about your experience to get past the bots.
Follow these four steps to create an ATS-friendly resume:
Pick an easy-to-read resume template - Fancy fonts and design elements might confuse the ATS, which can send your resume to the wrong pile. Create a streamlined, resume that focuses on your experience and skills, not overly complicated charts, graphs or symbols. Also use the expected section headings, like Summary, Skills, and Work Experience, to help the system process your information correctly. H
Read through job listings for keywords - For every job you apply for, you need to create a customized resume with keywords that reflect the specific job listing. You should also have a sense about the range of keywords used for the types of positions you’re applying to. For example, that may mean knowledge of certain computer programs, or a specific degree or certification. It could also mean listing general skills and experience like time management or customer service. Reading a few different job listings with keywords in mind will give you a better sense of the keywords for your industry, experience level and position.
Zero in on a job description and write out some of the keywords you notice. When you are writing your resume, you should mirror the phrases and keywords exactly as mentioned in the job application. Humans might understand common synonyms and acronyms, but ATS don’t always pick up on those types of variations. The listing can be used as a style guide for the job, cluing you to the keywords to use in your resume. Instead of listing “and other technological skills” on your resume, mirror back the name of the program exactly. If a job listing notes Google Analytics as a qualification, it is helpful to list that specifically, not simply “analytics” or “SEO.” The same goes for various certifications and other types of software.
Update your resume, using keywords - Now is the time to update your resume, using the keywords you found. Read through your resume and search for synonyms or abbreviations. Replace those with keywords, wherever possible. Don’t go overboard but ensuring that the words in your resume match up with those in the job listing will help you get past the ATS. Focus on the action verbs, technical skills or software requirements, and other role-specific requirements used in the description. If you’re not sure exactly which keyword the ATS might be searching for, consider using a slash to incorporate both potential words, such as: proofread/edit, Search Engine Optimization/SEO, experience with Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets, etc. You should not do this too frequently, but if these terms fit in context, it can provide a bit of keyword insurance.
Customize Your Resume for Each Employer - Because ATS have become so widespread, it’s critical to write a resume that can get past the screening phase and straight to the hiring manager. That means creating a custom resume for every job you apply to, focusing on keywords and terms mentioned in each job application, and using a format that is easy to read by robotic eyes. The time and effort you put into creating a custom resume loaded with appropriate keywords from the job listing will likely pay off in the long run.
Frank Manfre
Job Search Sherpa
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