Create an ATS-compliant resume with these 6 tips

In today's modern digital world, applicant tracking systems (ATS) have become an integral part of the job application process. These automated systems help employers efficiently manage large volumes of resumes by scanning and filtering them based on specific criteria. Therefore, it is crucial to create an ATS user-friendly resume to increase your chances of getting noticed and securing job opportunities. Here's why it matters:

1. Overcome Screening Hurdles: ATS systems use algorithms to scan resumes for keywords, qualifications, and relevant experience. By crafting an ATS user-friendly resume, you can ensure that your qualifications align with the job requirements, increasing the likelihood of passing the initial screening stage.
2. Enhance Visibility: ATS systems rank and prioritize resumes based on their relevance to the job description. By incorporating targeted keywords and clear section headings, you improve the visibility of your resume within the system. This improves your chances of being shortlisted for further consideration by recruiters.
3. Stand Out from the Competition: With numerous applicants vying for the same position, it's crucial to make your resume stand out. An ATS user-friendly resume ensures that your qualifications and achievements are effectively communicated to the system and subsequently to the hiring manager, setting you apart from other candidates.
4. Save Time and Effort: By adhering to ATS guidelines, you save time and effort for both yourself and recruiters. An ATS user-friendly resume allows the system to accurately extract and organize your information, reducing the chances of human error during the screening process. This streamlines the hiring process and increases efficiency for all parties involved.
5. Adapt to Changing Recruitment Practices: As technology continues to evolve, ATS systems are becoming increasingly prevalent. Adapting to these changing recruitment practices by creating an ATS user-friendly resume demonstrates your ability to navigate modern hiring processes and showcases your tech-savviness to potential employers.

How to create an ATS-friendly resume:

1. Use an ATS resume template designed to be compatible with applicant tracking systems. These templates have minimal designs and formatting to ensure that important information is correctly identified and parsed by the system.
2. Clearly label resume sections such as "Professional Experience," "Education," and "Skills" to help the ATS recognize and extract relevant information.
3. Avoid headers, columns, tables, and graphics in your resume, as many ATS can only read plain text and may skip over such elements.
4. Choose an ATS-friendly font like Arial, Calibri, or Garamond, and use a font size between 10 and 12 points.
5. Optimize your resume with keywords from the job description. Identify specific terms that are mentioned multiple times or listed as required qualifications and include them in your resume. Avoid overstuffing your resume with keywords and maintain a natural and error-free writing style.
6. Check the acceptable file formats for the ATS you're applying through. While PDF is generally a good option for preserving file integrity, not all ATS accept it. If PDF is not listed as a viable option, submit a .doc or .docx version of your resume instead.

Following these tips can help increase the chances of your resume getting past the ATS screening process and reaching human recruiters.

If you need assistance with your resume, please reach out to Jovana. Follow Lula Group for more recruitment tips!