Most U.S. employers today use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter job applications, so an ATS-friendly resume is crucial for success. ATS software scans resumes for relevant resume keywords, standard section headings, and simple formatting to match candidates to job requirements. We've compiled guidance from federal sources (USAJOBS, Dept. of Labor) and major job sites (Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn) to help you beat the bots.
What is an ATS and How It Parses Resumes
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software many companies use to manage hiring. It scans each resume for keywords, job titles, skills, dates, and other structured data. Crucially, an ATS does not replace the human in hiring; it’s a gatekeeper that files your info correctly.
To pass ATS parsing, follow resume best practices. Use standard section headings (e.g. "Work Experience," "Education," "Skills"). Avoid uncommon labels like "My Journey". Keep a single-column layout without sidebars or tables. Do not embed important text in images or charts.
Official Government and Career Guidance
Official U.S. resources reinforce these tips. The USAJOBS Resume Builder advises resumes saved in "standard formats such as PDF". They recommend sans-serif fonts (e.g. Calibri, Helvetica, Arial) with 0.5" margins. It's important to use plain language and tailor your resume to the job qualifications.
The Dept. of Labor recommends using both long-form and acronym versions of keywords (e.g. "Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)"). It also explicitly says to use chronological format, avoid functional layouts, and avoid tables or columns.
Best Practices from Major Job Sites and Experts
- LinkedIn advice: Use standard headings and a single-column layout. Weave job-specific keywords in context, and emphasize reverse-chronological format.
- Glassdoor tips: Use relevant terms and action verbs, but avoid keyword stuffing. Keep the design simple: skip embedded charts, headshots, or custom bullet icons.
- Indeed guidance: Tailor each resume to the job using exact resume keywords from the posting. Include a dedicated Skills section to capture extra terms.
ATS-Friendly Formatting Tips: Fonts, Layout, and More
- Fonts: Use clean, widely-available fonts like Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, or Open Sans. Sizes around 10–12pt for body text.
- Layout: Stick to a single-column format. Multi-column layouts often confuse ATS parsing.
- Lists & Bullets: Use standard round or square bullet points. Start with a strong action verb.
- Contact Info: Place your full name and contact details at the top of the document. Do not put them in a header or footer.
Keyword Optimization Strategies
Keywords from the job description are the bridge between your resume and the ATS filters. Extract keywords carefully, use exact phrases, and integrate them contextually into your accomplishments. Avoid keyword stuffing at all costs. You can read more about salary negotiation strategies to prepare for when you land the interview.
ATS-Friendly Resume Template and Checklist
Here is a simple one-page checklist to ensure your resume is ATS-friendly:
- Use .docx or PDF (if allowed); ensure the file name is clear.
- Stick to standard fonts at 10–12pt.
- Keep 0.5"–1" margins on all sides.
- Employ bold and caps sparingly for section headers.
- Use clear section headings.
- Align text left; use simple bullet symbols.
Common Pitfalls and Testing Your Resume
Avoid fancy templates, nested tables, or multi-column designs. Do not place important text in headers or footers. To be safe, test your resume using an ATS simulator like Jobscan or ResyMatch before applying.