In the evolving landscape of job applications, the term “ATS-friendly resume” has gained immense significance. 

As Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) become increasingly prevalent, optimizing your resume to align with their requirements is essential for ensuring your application isn’t lost in the digital shuffle. 

Here, we’ll delve into the intricacies of creating an ATS-friendly resume in 2023. We’ll guide you through the process and provide actionable tips to help your resume stand out while adhering to ATS guidelines.

Let’s get started.

What is an ATS?

ATS stands for “Applicant Tracking System.” It’s a software application used by employers and recruiters to manage and streamline the process of sourcing, tracking, and managing job applicants. ATS plays a crucial role in modern recruitment by automating and centralizing various tasks involved in the hiring process.

Key functions of an ATS include:

• Job Posting and Distribution: ATS allows employers to create job listings and distribute them across various job boards, company websites, and social media platforms.

• Resume Screening: ATS automatically scans and parses resumes submitted by applicants, extracting relevant information such as contact details, work experience, education, and skills.

• Application Management: The system organizes and stores all candidate applications in a centralized database, making it easier to track and manage the hiring process.

• Keyword Matching: ATS uses keywords and phrases to match applicant resumes with specific job descriptions, helping recruiters identify suitable candidates more efficiently.

• Candidate Tracking: ATS enables recruiters to track each candidate’s progress through the hiring process, from application submission to interviews and hiring decisions.

• Communication: ATS facilitates communication between recruiters and candidates by sending automated emails, notifications, and interview invitations.

• Interview Scheduling: The system often provides tools to schedule interviews, coordinate availability, and send automated reminders.

• Reporting and Analytics: ATS generates reports and analytics on various recruitment metrics, such as time-to-fill, source of applicants, and candidate demographics.

• Compliance and Equal Opportunity: ATS helps ensure fair and consistent hiring practices by tracking compliance with legal regulations and promoting equal opportunity in hiring.

• Collaboration: ATS allows multiple team members involved in the hiring process to collaborate, share feedback, and evaluate candidates within the system.

• Onboarding Integration: Some ATS platforms integrate with onboarding systems to seamlessly transition candidates from being hired to becoming employees.

What is an ATS-friendly Resume?

An ATS-friendly resume refers to a resume that is formatted and optimized to be easily parsed and understood by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). ATS-friendly resumes are designed to ensure that the automated systems used by employers and recruiters can accurately process and categorize the information presented in the resume. The goal of creating an ATS-friendly resume is to increase the chances of your resume being successfully screened and considered for further evaluation.

Here are some key characteristics of an ATS-friendly resume:

• Simple Formatting: Use a straightforward and clean layout. Avoid using complex formatting elements like tables, graphics, images, headers, or footers, as ATS systems may have difficulty parsing such elements.

• Standard Fonts: Stick to common fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. These fonts are easy to read and are more likely to be correctly interpreted by ATS systems.

• Clear Section Headings: Use clear and standard section headings such as “Summary,” “Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” This helps ATS systems categorize the information accurately.

• Bullet Points: Use bullet points to list your achievements, responsibilities, and skills. Bullet points enhance readability and make it easier for ATS to identify key information.

• Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description in your resume. ATS systems often use keyword matching to determine the relevance of your resume to the job.

• Text-Based: Avoid using images, logos, or graphics within your resume. ATS systems focus on text-based content, and images may not be properly processed.

• Standard Section Order: Follow a standard order for resume sections, starting with your contact information, followed by a summary, work experience, education, and skills.

• Use of Headers: Use standard text for section headings rather than using headers or footers. Some ATS systems may struggle to read information located in these areas.

• Consistent Date Formatting: Use a consistent date format (e.g., MM/YYYY) for your work experience and education sections.

• Save as Common File Format: Save your resume in a common and widely accepted file format, such as .docx (Microsoft Word) or .pdf (Portable Document Format).

• Avoid Special Characters: Avoid using special characters, symbols, or non-standard fonts that may not be recognized by ATS systems.

• Proofread: Ensure that your resume is error-free. Typos and spelling errors can confuse ATS systems and reflect poorly on your attention to detail.

• Tailor Content: Customize your resume for each application by emphasizing relevant skills and experiences that match the job description.

How to Build an ATS Friendly Resume in 2023?

Building an ATS-friendly resume in 2023 requires a strategic approach that balances content, formatting, and optimization for automated screening systems. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create an effective ATS-friendly resume:

Choose the Right Template

Start with an ATS-friendly resume template. Many online resume builders and templates are designed to meet ATS requirements.

Contact Information

Place your name, phone number, email address, and location at the top of your resume. Use a clear font and ensure this information is easily readable.

Resume Summary

Write a concise summary that highlights your skills, experience, and career goals. Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description.

Work Experience

List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. Include your job title, company name, location, dates of employment, and key responsibilities. Additionally, we recommend using bullet points to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities, incorporating relevant keywords.

Education

Include your educational background, starting with your most recent degree. Mention the name of the institution, degree earned, graduation date, and any honors or awards.

Skills

Create a separate “Skills” section to highlight your relevant technical, soft, and industry-specific skills. Use bullet points to list skills that are directly related to the job description.

Keywords

Analyze the job description and identify important keywords, skills, and phrases. Incorporate these keywords throughout your resume, especially in the summary, skills, and experience sections.

Formatting Guidelines

Stick to a simple and clean format with standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman). Use bold or italic formatting sparingly for emphasis. Avoid using headers, footers, graphics, images, or tables.

Bullet Points and Lists

Use bullet points to list accomplishments, responsibilities, and skills. Bullet points improve readability and keyword recognition.

Avoid Fancy Formatting

Steer clear of unusual fonts, colors, text boxes, and shading. ATS systems may struggle to interpret these elements.

PDF or Word

Save your resume in both PDF and Word formats. Some ATS systems prefer Word documents, while others are compatible with PDFs.

Test Your Resume

Use ATS-friendly tools or online parsers to test your resume’s compatibility with automated systems. Make necessary adjustments based on the feedback from these tools.

Customize for Each Job

Tailor your resume for each job application by adjusting keywords, skills, and experiences to match the specific role.

Proofread Carefully

Thoroughly proofread your resume for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors. Mistakes can affect both ATS and human evaluations.

Review for Clarity

Ensure your resume is clear and easy to understand. Avoid jargon or industry-specific terms that may not be recognized by all ATS systems.

Save and Share

Save your ATS-friendly resume in both formats (PDF and Word) and submit the appropriate version based on the application requirements.

Can AI Help in Building ATS Friendly Resumes?

Yes, AI can definitely assist in building ATS-friendly resumes. In fact, AI-powered tools can be highly effective in creating resumes that are not only visually appealing but also optimized for compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). 

Here’s how AI can help:

• Keyword Optimization: AI tools can analyze job descriptions and identify relevant keywords and phrases. They can then suggest where to incorporate these keywords in your resume to improve its alignment with ATS requirements.

• Customization: AI-powered resume builders can customize your resume for specific job applications. They can match your skills and experiences with the requirements of the job, ensuring that your resume is tailored to each application.

• Formatting Guidance: AI can provide formatting suggestions that adhere to ATS guidelines. It can recommend fonts, font sizes, section headings, and bullet points that are easily readable and parseable by ATS systems.

• Content Suggestions: AI can offer suggestions for expanding or refining the content of your resume. It can highlight accomplishments, responsibilities, and skills that are in line with the job description.

• Skills Matching: AI can identify skills you possess that match the skills listed in the job description. It can help you emphasize these skills in your resume.

• Avoiding Over-Optimization: While keywords are important, overusing them can lead to keyword stuffing, which is not favorable. AI tools can ensure that keywords are integrated naturally and in context.

• Real-time Feedback: Some AI-powered resume builders offer real-time feedback as you create or edit your resume. This ensures that you’re staying on track with ATS guidelines throughout the process.

• Testing Compatibility: AI tools can simulate how your resume will be parsed by different ATS systems. This allows you to identify potential issues and make necessary adjustments.

• Saving Time: AI-driven resume builders streamline the resume creation process. They provide guidance and suggestions, which can save you time and effort in crafting an effective ATS-friendly resume.

• Staying Updated: AI tools can keep you updated on the latest trends and best practices for ATS-friendly resumes. This is particularly useful as ATS requirements and algorithms can evolve over time.

You can see many AI resume builders available online like HyreSnap Online AI Resume Builder that you can use to craft your ats friendly resume in easy steps. 

The Verdict

In the competitive job market of 2023, creating an ATS-friendly resume is not just an option; it’s a necessity. By mastering the art of optimizing keywords, structuring content, and using ATS-friendly language, you can significantly enhance your chances of passing through the initial screening process. 

Incorporating the expertise of ATS-friendly resume builders and templates adds an extra layer of assurance, making sure your resume shines in both the digital and human realms. With a well-crafted ATS-friendly resume, you’re on the path to capturing the attention of hiring managers and securing your desired role in today’s fast-paced job market.

Author Bio:

Gaurav Sankhla is an accomplished content expert with over 6 years of experience in crafting compelling and engaging content across diverse niches. With a passion for storytelling and a knack for creating captivating web copies, Gaurav has established himself as a seasoned writer who brings a unique blend of creativity, precision, and industry expertise to his work.