Your resume is the principal arm of a job hunt combat.
But what if your resume fails the initial screening tests? Fret not! ATS-friendly resumes will help avoid a situation like this.
In 2023, it is more important than ever to create a resume that can navigate the automated systems used by companies to manage job applications.
And here is another thing - creating an ATS-friendly resume does not mean sacrificing creativity or personalization.
The key to impressing employers across the United States is to strike the right balance between making your resume stand out and ensuring it can pass through the ATS.
We have gathered the latest tips and best practices for crafting an ATS-friendly resume that accentuates your skills and experiences while meeting the requirements of ATS software.
Here are some FAQs that we will discuss going ahead:
- What is ATS and how does it work?
- How do I convert my resume to ATS-friendly?
- What does an ATS-friendly resume template include?
- What should I avoid in my ATS resume?
How Does ATS Work and Why Does it Matter?
ATS, or Applicant Tracking Systems, have become increasingly prevalent in the hiring process across the United States.
Hirenest stated in 2022 that around 99% of Fortune 500 companies, 89% of large corporations, and 35% of SMEs utilize ATS or HRIS (Human Resource Information System) for recruiting.
Let’s understand why!
Companies are receiving a bulk of applications for each job opening, making it difficult for recruiters to manually screen each resume. Therefore, the adoption of ATS software is prioritized on a wider level to automatically filter and rank resumes based on specific criteria.
You can optimize your resume by incorporating the right keywords and phrases that will help you rank higher in the ATS. In turn, increasing your chances of an interview shortlist.
Also read: What are some of the employability skills to present in your resume?
What Are The Best Ways to Beat The ATS?
This is one of the frequent questions from job seekers that we come across: how can I make an ATS-compliant resume?
Check out these 4 tips to convert a regular resume into an ats resume that can easily and accurately clear the screening rounds:
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Incorporate relevant keywords: Extract keywords and phrases from the job description and your field to use them in your resume. These keywords will help ATS designate you as a strong match for the applied position.
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Stick to a simple resume format: Choose a format that is easy for the ATS to read. Avoid using tables, graphics, or images that may confuse the software or develop any misinterpretation.
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Use clear and concise headings: Utilize sectional headings to break your resume into education, work experience, etc. This helps ATS understand the different parts of your resume and evaluate them accordingly.
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Include relevant experience: Only include relevant work experience and achievements in your resume. Avoid including unnecessary information that might confuse ATS software.
Also read: What are the do's and don'ts of a resume?
Sample ATS-Friendly Resume Template
3 things to keep in mind for building an ats friendly resume are:
- Content
- Layout
- Design
We have already talked about how you can optimize your content and layout, so the last ingredient will be 'design'. A well-designed resume not only looks visually appealing but can also help ATS software parse your information more efficiently.
This resume sample by Hiration covers the key elements of an ATS-friendly resume design, such as the use of a clear and legible font, proper margins & spacing, and appropriate section headings.
Hiration’s AI-powered resume builder is designed to optimize your resume for ATS software, ensuring that your resume will get past the initial screening process and into the hands of a recruiter.
Also read: What are some of the ATS-approved resume samples from last year?
4 Common ATS-Friendly Resume Mistakes to Avoid
In addition to tracking applications, ATS acts as a filter by parsing every submitted resume and forwarding only the ones fulfilling the criteria.
Getting past the ATS is a lot easier than you might think. These are some primary don’ts that you need to keep in mind to create an ATS-friendly resume that will sail right through.
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Jargon & Abbreviations: It is important to avoid using uncommon abbreviations/acronyms or industry jargon that may not be understood by the ATS.
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Fancy Formatting: Do not go beyond bolding and italicizing as fancy formatting or including special characters can confuse ATS and cause it to reject your resume.
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Neglecting Proofread: Typos, spelling errors, and grammatical mistakes can signal to ATS software that your resume is unprofessional and may be rejected.
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Generic Resume: Using the same generic resume for every job application can cause your resume to get lost in the shuffle. Tailor your resume to each job application.
Also read: How to email your resume to a recruiter?
Key Takeaways From This Blog
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Understanding the importance of an ATS-friendly resume: With the increased use of ATS software in the hiring process, it is more important than ever to ensure that your resume is optimized for ATS software.
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Following best practices for creating an ATS-friendly resume: To make your resume ATS-friendly, follow best practices such as using appropriate keywords, including relevant work experience, and formatting your resume for readability.
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Designing an ATS-friendly resume: The layout and design of your resume also play a crucial role in making your resume ATS-friendly. Use clear and legible fonts, proper margins and spacing, and appropriate section headings to optimize your resume's design for ATS software.
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Avoiding common ATS-friendly resume mistakes: To increase your chances of getting past ATS software and into the hands of a human recruiter, avoid common ATS-friendly resume mistakes such as using uncommon abbreviations or industry jargon, neglecting to proofread your resume, and using a generic resume.
You can reach us at support@hiration.com for any concerns or queries.
