Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) filter out approximately 75% of job applications before a human ever reads them. Most candidates never know their resume was rejected — they simply never hear back. These 15 ATS resume tips are based on how the most widely-used ATS platforms (Workday, Greenhouse, Lever, iCIMS, Taleo) actually parse and score resumes.
What Is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?
ATS software is used by over 98% of Fortune 500 companies and the majority of mid-size businesses to manage job applications. The software parses resumes into structured data, scores candidates against the job description, and ranks applicants for review.
If your resume scores below a threshold (usually 70–80% keyword match), it is automatically filtered out. Here is how to ensure yours always passes.
The 15 ATS Resume Tips
1. Match keywords from the job description
ATS systems score your resume by matching keywords from the job posting. Read the job description carefully and include exact phrases — not just synonyms. If the job says "project management," use that phrase, not "managing projects."
Pro tip: Use our free ATS checker to see your exact keyword match score before applying.
2. Use standard section headings
ATS parsers look for specific section labels to correctly categorize your content. Use these exact headings:
- Work Experience (not "My Career" or "Professional Journey")
- Education (not "Academic Background")
- Skills (not "Core Competencies" or "What I Bring")
- Certifications (not "Credentials")
3. Avoid tables, columns, and text boxes
Multi-column layouts, tables, and text boxes are the top cause of ATS parse failures. The text inside is either scrambled or completely ignored. Use a clean, single-column layout for all content.
4. Do not put contact information in headers or footers
Many ATS systems do not parse content from Word document headers and footers. Put your name, email, phone, and location in the main body of your resume.
5. Use standard fonts
Stick to widely supported fonts: Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, Garamond, or Georgia. Exotic fonts may not render correctly in ATS, causing text to be misread.
6. Save as .docx or simple PDF
Most ATS platforms prefer .docx files. If submitting a PDF, use a simple, text-based PDF (not a scanned image). Avoid PDFs created from Canva or other design tools that embed text as images.
7. Spell out acronyms on first use
If the job description uses the full term, use both versions: "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)" or "Machine Learning (ML)." Some ATS systems do not equate acronyms with full terms.
8. Include a dedicated skills section
A dedicated Skills section improves keyword density and signals to ATS that your skills are explicitly stated. List 10–15 relevant skills, matching them to the job description.
9. Use action verbs on bullet points
Start every bullet with a strong action verb: "Led," "Built," "Increased," "Reduced," "Launched," "Managed." Passive constructions ("Was responsible for") score lower in ATS quality assessments.
10. Quantify achievements
Include numbers wherever possible: "Increased conversion rate by 23%," "Managed $2M budget," "Led team of 8 engineers." Quantified bullets both score higher in ATS and impress human reviewers.
11. Include your location
Many ATS systems filter by location. Include at minimum your city and state. If you are open to relocation, note it explicitly: "New York, NY (Open to Relocation)."
12. Match your job title to the posting
If you held the title "Growth Lead" but the job you're applying for says "Growth Manager," consider listing your title as "Growth Lead / Growth Manager" or mentioning the target title in your summary. ATS matches exact job titles.
13. Do not use graphics or images
Icons, logos, infographic elements, and photos are all ignored by ATS. They increase file size without contributing to your keyword score. Keep your resume text-only.
14. Tailor your resume for each application
One resume rarely achieves 80%+ keyword match across different job postings. Spend 10 minutes tailoring your resume for each application by adding the specific keywords from that posting.
15. Check your ATS score before submitting
Use our free ATS checker to see your keyword match percentage, identify missing terms, and catch formatting issues before submitting. A 10-minute review can be the difference between an interview and silence.
The Bottom Line on ATS Optimization
ATS systems are not trying to reject you — they are trying to match the best candidates to specific roles. By matching keywords, avoiding broken formatting, and structuring your resume correctly, you give yourself the best possible chance of making it to the human review stage.
The highest-impact change most people can make is simply tailoring their resume's keywords to each job description. A generic resume rarely passes ATS for any specific role.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of resumes are rejected by ATS?
Studies estimate that 70–75% of resumes are filtered out by ATS before a human reads them. This is especially high at large companies that receive hundreds of applications per role.
How do I know if my resume passes ATS?
Use a free ATS checker tool. Paste your resume and the job description to get a keyword match score and formatting analysis. Aim for 80%+ keyword match. The ResumeLynx ATS checker is free and requires no account.
Does formatting really matter for ATS?
Yes, significantly. Tables, columns, text boxes, and fancy formatting are among the top causes of ATS parse failures. Content that is not parsed correctly will not contribute to your keyword score, effectively reducing your chances of passing.
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