Are you in the process of writing or updating your resume? If you’re looking to get ahead in the job market and land the best position, an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) friendly resume can make all the difference.
What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and why is it used?
An ATS is a software program used by many employers to help manage and filter resumes. This software is designed to quickly scan and identify the best candidates based on keywords and phrases. It is important to make sure your resume is ATS friendly in order to pass through the software and get noticed by hiring managers.
What is an ATS friendly CV ?
An ATS friendly CV is simply a resume that you write for the ATS. It means you have to use fonts, formatting, whitespaces to make it easier for ATS to read the your resume. Also, you need to include keywords related to the job you are applying to. This will allow the ATS to categorize and rank your resume to the right jobs.
Why should you make an ATS compliant resume?
Having an ATS compliant resume is essential in today’s job market. ATS friendly resumes are more likely to appear in search results and be seen by employers. Without an ATS friendly resume, your resume could be overlooked, and you could miss out on great opportunities that you are suited for.
Remember – the kind of opportunities that you interview for is directly linked with the offer you will get.
And that ultimately creates the difference between a 10% hike and a 60% hike !
So, here are 10 things you can do to make sure your resume is ATS compatible:
10 Tips to make your ATS friendly resume
1. Use Relevant Keywords:
ATS scanning software looks for specific keywords and phrases. Make sure to include appropriate keywords related to the job you are applying for in your resume. You need to study your Job Description deeply to do so.
2. Use a Simple Format:
ATS scanners have difficulty reading resumes with complicated formatting such as tables, columns, or graphics. Keep the format simple and easy to read.
I always advise my clients to make a simple resume that most softwares can read easily.
3. Stick to a Standard Font:
Avoid using any font that is not common. Select a standard font such as Arial or Times New Roman and make sure the size of the font is consistent throughout the resume. The sizes used also give an idea of your resume structure. This helps the Applicant Tracking System understand various elements of your resume better.
Remember – while writing this blog, I have an option of marking a portion as a heading or a paragraph.
In a resume, on the other hand,font styles and sizes make the structure. So, it is important to have a consistent font format.
4. Stick to a Standard File Format:
Make sure to save your resume as a .doc file (not .pdf or .docx). This will make it easier for ATS to read and process your resume.
PDFs contain non-standardized file formats, and frequently confuse an ATS with unrecognisable symbols.
5. Avoid Abbreviations:
Abbreviations can confuse an ATS scan, so avoid using any that are not standardized industry terms. For example, it is always better to write Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) instead of just CAC the first time ever. This can be helpful even for the human readers.
6. Check for Typos and Grammatical Errors:
ATS resume scanners can pick up typos and grammatical errors, so make sure to proofread your resume several times before submitting it.
Grammatical errors also show insincerity and a casual approach towards a job. Besides, it signals a lot about your detail orientation. So, ensure you proofread your resume multiple times before submitting it.
7. Don’t Use Pictures:
ATS scanners are not able to process pictures or graphics, so avoid adding any to your resume. Pictures in resume are unnecessary and are sometimes even considered discriminatory. Use a Linkedin profile link in your resume instead in your resume for such additional details.
8. Use a Template for ATS Resume:
Using a simple, ATS friendly template can help ensure your resume is easy to read and organized properly.
9. Use an ATS Resume Checker:
An ATS resume checker can help you identify any ATS incompatibilities on your resume.
You can try our Free ATS Scanner . It will help you optmize your resume for keywords, specifics, signalled skills, JD match. It even can tell you questions based on your resume and JD that can be asked in your interview.
10. Consider Professional Resume Writing Services:
If you’re having difficulty making your resume ATS friendly, consider investing in professional resume writing services that specialize in ATS-friendly resumes.
You can try Mentorrd Resume Writing Services for such help. We help top professionals build their resumes, align their career goals, make awesome job shifts through interaction with top consultants.
If you are unsure about how to chose a resume writing service, or if it is even a worth investment, you can clarify your doubts in this post : Are resume writing services worth it?
By following these 10 tips, you can make sure that your resume is ATS compatible and stands out from the competition.
I wish you all the best for your job search.
Let me know if you have any other questions in the comments.
