An ATS resume is a resume specifically designed to be compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), the software used by employers to screen job applications.
ATS software scans resumes for keywords, formatting, and relevance to the job description before a human recruiter ever sees them.
If your resume isn’t optimized for ATS, it risks being rejected before it reaches a hiring manager.
Traditional resumes often fail in ATS systems because they rely on creative designs, graphics, or unconventional formatting.
For example, a resume with tables, columns, or infographics might look impressive to a human but confuse an ATS scanner.
An ATS-friendly resume uses simple, clean formatting and includes keywords from the job description.
For instance, if you’re applying for a marketing role, terms like “SEO,” “campaign management,” and “ROI analysis” should appear naturally in your resume.
ATS systems also prioritize standard section headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.”
Using non-standard headings like “Where I’ve Worked” or “My Background” can cause the system to miss critical information.
To ensure your resume passes ATS screening, avoid using headers, footers, or unusual fonts.
Stick to common fonts like Arial or Times New Roman, and save your file in a compatible format like .docx or .pdf.
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Example of an ATS friendly resume (left) and a non-ATS friendly resume (right)
By optimizing your resume for ATS, you increase your chances of making it through the initial screening and landing an interview.
An ATS resume checker is a tool designed to evaluate how well your resume aligns with the requirements of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Here’s a quick snapshot of Resumatic’s resume grading system. Your resume is scored in 5 key areas: Content, Format, Optimization, Best Practices, and Application Ready.
These tools simulate the way ATS software scans and processes resumes, identifying potential issues that could cause your application to be rejected.