ATS Resume Tips: Get Past Applicant Tracking Systems
Most companies use ATS to screen resumes. These tips help your resume get through so a human actually reads it. Our resume builder is built with ATS in mind.
Use keywords from the job description
ATS ranks resumes by keyword match. Copy important terms (skills, tools, job titles) from the posting and use them naturally in your summary, experience, and skills.
Stick to simple formatting
Use standard headings (Experience, Education, Skills), single columns, and common fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri). Avoid tables, text boxes, headers/footers, and graphics that ATS can't read.
Save as PDF or Word
Many ATS accept both. If the job says "upload resume," PDF is usually safe. When in doubt, use a clean Word (.docx) file. Our builder exports ATS-friendly PDFs.
Spell out acronyms once
Use "Applicant Tracking System (ATS)" or "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)" so the system matches both the full term and the acronym.
Use standard section names
Label sections clearly: "Work Experience," "Education," "Skills." Creative names like "Where I've Been" can confuse ATS.
Avoid images and complex layouts
Logos, charts, and multi-column layouts often break parsing. Keep the layout linear and text-based so ATS can extract your content correctly.
Build an ATS-optimized resume
howtobuildresume uses clean structure and standard sections so your resume parses correctly in ATS. Upload, paste LinkedIn, or start blank—then export a PDF ready to submit.
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