What is an ATS resume?
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software that employers use to collect applications. It reads your resume, sorts the text into fields such as jobs and skills, and lets recruiters search by keyword. An “ATS resume” is simply one that this software can read without mistakes.
Format it so the text can be read
- Use a single column and a simple layout.
- Use standard headings such as Work experience, Education and Skills.
- Submit a PDF with real, selectable text, not a scanned image. Every PDF from ResuMake has selectable text.
- Use common fonts and one consistent date format.
- If the employer asks for a Word file, follow their instruction.
Write it so it can be found
- Reuse key terms from the job posting, where they honestly describe you.
- Write out an abbreviation once, for example “search engine optimization (SEO)”.
- Put the job title and dates on every role.
Things that can cause problems
- Text inside images or icons
- Contact details placed in the page header or footer
- Skill ratings drawn as bars or stars
- Complex columns, tables and text boxes
Which ResuMake templates to choose
For online applications, pick the plain, photo-free layouts: Minimal, Compact or Executive. Sidebar, dark and decorative templates look great when you send a resume directly to a person, but their multi-column layouts are riskier for parsing. We cannot test every ATS, so keep the content simple whichever you choose.
Also see how to write a resume.