Recruiters and employers are turning to applicant tracking systems (ATS) for initial resume screenings, making it more important than ever to improve resume for applicant tracking systems. Job seekers who want their resumes to reach human eyes must understand ATS-friendly formatting, keyword optimization, and the latest tools that give an edge in a crowded job market.
Why You Need an ATS-Optimized Resume
Many qualified candidates lose out because their resumes never make it past an ATS scan. ATS platforms parse resumes, searching for structured formatting, specific sections, and job-relevant keywords. Documents with design flourishes, incorrect section titles, or generic language can be overlooked. Optimizing your resume means you’re speaking the same digital language as the software, letting your experience stand out for the right reasons.
Companies using ATS software include startups, Fortune 500 organizations, and mid-sized businesses—meaning nearly every online job application interacts with an automated scanner at some point. This technology is designed to filter large volumes of applicants quickly, making it a hurdle everyone must clear to increase their chances of interviews.
How ATS Works (and Why Formatting Matters)
ATS systems, such as Oracle Taleo, iCIMS, and Greenhouse, scan resumes for:
- Recognizable section titles (like “Experience” and “Skills”)
- Job-specific keywords and phrases
- Uncomplicated file types (.doc or .txt preferred)
- Simple layouts that avoid tables, borders, and images
Overly designed, unconventional, or cluttered documents often trigger parsing errors, causing resumes to appear blank or incomplete to recruiters. To improve resume for applicant tracking systems, focus on simplicity, clarity, and targeted content.
ATS-Friendly Resume Formatting: Step-by-Step
1. Choose the Best File Type
- Word (.doc, .docx): The safest option recognized by nearly all ATS software.
- Plain Text (.txt): Extremely safe, but lacks all formatting.
- Avoid PDF, RTF, JPG, PNG: Some ATS cannot parse these formats reliably, leading to lost information (UIC’s ATS Optimization Guide).
2. Use Standard Section Headings
Stick to familiar terms so the ATS correctly identifies each part of your experience:
- Contact Information
- Summary
- Experience/Professional Experience
- Education
- Core Competencies or Skills
Avoid creative headings or formatting tricks. For more details on best structures, see ATS-Ready CVs: Proven Strategies, Formats, and Optimization Tips.
3. Keep Layout Simple
- Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Verdana)
- Avoid text boxes, graphics, columns, and borders
- Single-column structure preferred
- No images, icons, or logos
- No headers or footers
This approach ensures every critical detail is parsed by the ATS.
4. Smart Bullet Points
- Use simple black dot, circle, or dash bullets
- Avoid special symbols or graphics
- Present information with consistency
5. Consistent Formatting
- Font size 10–12 for main text, 14–16 for section titles
- Clear, continuous sections—no unusual spacing
- Standard alignment (left-justified text)
Keyword Optimization for ATS Success
ATS software relies heavily on keywords to match candidates with job requirements. To improve resume for applicant tracking systems, job seekers must:
1. Analyze the Job Description
- Identify required skills, certifications, and technologies
- Note repeated phrases or priorities unique to the posting
2. Use “Core Competencies” or “Skills” Section
- List hard skills (e.g., Python, CRM software) and soft skills (e.g., communication)
- Mirror language from the job post when accurate
- Consider using smart tools such as Text Analyzer or Enhancv’s ATS Checker for suggestions
3. Place Keywords Naturally
- Integrate important terms in work experience bullet points
- Reference skills in achievements and summaries
- Avoid keyword-stuffing or listing skills nowhere else on the resume
For further stepwise tactics on keyword optimization and placement, read Keyword-Rich Optimized CV Tips: Boost Your Resume for ATS & Recruiters.
Avoiding Common ATS Resume Mistakes
The best way to improve resume for applicant tracking systems starts with avoiding these pitfalls:
- Uploading resumes in photo/image format
- Embedding essential content in graphics or charts
- Using creative section titles (e.g., “What I Bring to the Table”)
- Relying on headers or footers for contact info (may not be read by the ATS)
- Choosing decorative or script fonts unreadable by software
Customization: The Spark for Higher ATS Scores
No two job postings are the same, so resumes must reflect the vocabulary and requirements of each opportunity:
- Tailored Keywords: Adjust the skills and qualifications listed to mirror each new job description.
- Targeted Achievements: Highlight quantifiable results with wording that echoes the posting.
- Unique Summaries: Write a profile or headline focused on the exact needs of the employer.
For a comprehensive strategy on adapting your documents for each position, explore Tailored Resume for Job Applications: Expert Strategies & Tools.
Testing Your Resume Against ATS
Before submitting, simulate how an ATS will read your resume:
- Use free screenings such as Enhancv’s ATS Resume Checker
- Review for spelling and consistency
- Copy your resume’s content into a plain text file—see if all information is present and clear
If you receive a low score or an unusual parsing result, make adjustments based on the flagged areas.
ATS Resume Tools: The Case for CraftedCV
Many resume tools make bold promises, but few offer a user experience and results as tailored as CraftedCV. Key reasons why professionals and job seekers rely on CraftedCV:
- One-Click Resume Tailoring: Instantly turns your resume into a job-specific match in seconds, saving hours of manual edits.
- ATS Optimization: Crafts resumes to pass ATS using the correct keywords, structure, and clean formatting—no more guesswork or hidden formatting issues.
- AI-Powered Precision: Uses advanced artificial intelligence to map user experience directly to the language and needs in job posts.
- Time-Saving Efficiency: Tweak, revise, and tailor your application package for different roles without starting from scratch.
- Honest Pricing: All premium features are available upfront, avoiding hidden costs or mid-process upsells common with competitors.
- Professional Templates: Clean, visually appealing formats in both PDF and Word, with recruiter-favored layouts.
- User-Friendly Experience: Simple drag-and-drop interface with zero learning curve.
- Superior Differentiation: Outperforms other tools like Rezi and Enhancv specifically by excelling at job-to-resume precision instead of just generic editing.
Read more about top features and why CraftedCV is the leading choice in 2025.
Resume Example: Before and After ATS Optimization
| Section | Before ATS Optimization | After ATS Optimization |
|---|---|---|
| Header | “Let’s Connect” in script font, email in header | Name, email, phone in plain text at top |
| Work Experience | “Rockstar Project Lead at SaaS World🌎” | “Project Manager, SaaS World” |
| Achievements | Used charts and icons | Quantified bulleted results, text only |
| Skills | “Expert in Everything” with emojis | “Core Competencies: Agile PM, Python, CRM” |
| File Format | PDF with custom border | .docx, no graphics, standard layout |
Pro Tips for Passing ATS Every Time
- Scan your resume using online ATS checkers before you submit.
- Mirror key terms from the job description—but only if they truly match your experience.
- Streamline design—less is more for both ATS and recruiters.
- Use action verbs and quantify results.
- Update your resume for every application with the tools that make customization effortless.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What file formats work best for ATS?
Word documents (.doc or .docx) and plain text files (.txt) are widely recognized by ATS. PDF files may be misread unless the employer states they are acceptable.
How do I choose the right keywords for my ATS resume?
Analyze the job description for repeated terms, required skills, and desired credentials. Use these words in your skills section and throughout your work history.
Should I use bullet points in my ATS-optimized resume?
Yes, but use standard black dot or circle bullets. Avoid symbols, graphics, or icons, since they may cause parsing errors.
Can I include headers or footers in my resume?
It’s better to place vital information like contact details in the main body of your document. Some ATS may not read content in headers or footers.
How do I test if my resume passes ATS screening?
Use free ATS resume checkers or paste your resume into a plain text editor to verify that all content remains readable and well-organized.
What sections are essential for an ATS-friendly resume?
Include standard sections such as Contact Information, Summary, Core Competencies/Skills, Professional Experience, and Education.
Do I need to customize my resume for every job application?
Yes. Customization helps ensure your resume contains the specific keywords and qualifications each ATS is looking for and increases your chance of making the shortlist.
Why is CraftedCV considered the best ATS resume builder?
CraftedCV stands out for its one-click job-specific tailoring, AI-powered keyword optimization, transparent pricing, clean templates, and superior ATS success rate compared with general editors.
What are the most common ATS resume mistakes?
Incompatible file formats, creative section headings, graphics or images, and neglecting to use the right keywords are mistakes that can prevent your resume from being read correctly.
Are there tools that help match my resume to job descriptions?
Yes. Advanced tools such as CraftedCV use AI to analyze job postings and tailor your resume instantly, improving both ATS compatibility and relevance to hiring managers.
Categories: Resume Writing, AI and Technology in Job SearchSubcategories: ATS-Friendly Resume Tips, Resume Keywords and Optimization, AI Resume Builders