What is an ATS-Friendly Resume? And How to Build One
2025-07-30
If you're applying for jobs in 2025, you need to understand one thing: getting past the bots is half the battle.
Most companies today use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to sort and rank resumes before a human ever sees them.
That means even the most qualified candidate can be rejected automatically if their resume isn't optimized for ATS.
What Is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?
An ATS is software that helps recruiters filter through hundreds of resumes quickly.
It scans resumes for relevant keywords, checks formatting, and scores each application based on how well it matches the job posting.
In fact, over 90% of Fortune 500 companies rely on ATS tools to speed up the hiring process.
How ATS Reads Your Resume
ATS systems read resumes like a robot:
- They scan from top to bottom
- Look for keywords, such as job titles, skills, and tools
- Parse structure using headers like “Work Experience,” “Education,” etc.
- Rank resumes by keyword density and relevance
If you use the wrong format, fancy graphics, or unrecognized headings, your resume might become unreadable to the ATS.
How to Build an ATS-Friendly Resume
✅ Use the Right Format
Stick to .docx or .pdf (as long as it’s not image-based).
Avoid .jpg, .png, or online sharing links unless specifically asked.
✅ Avoid Graphics and Tables
They confuse parsing algorithms. Use simple bullet points and text.
✅ Use Standard Section Headings
Examples:
- Work Experience
- Skills
- Education
- Certifications
✅ Match Keywords
Mirror the exact phrasing from the job listing. For example, if the job asks for “Project Management,” don’t write “Handled Projects” — write Project Management.
✅ Keep It Simple
Use one font (e.g., Arial, Calibri), no more than 2 colors, and avoid multi-column layouts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using creative job titles (e.g., “Marketing Ninja”)
- Embedding text in images or PDFs
- Ignoring relevant keyword repetition
- Leaving out dates or locations
- Using headers like “What I’ve Done” instead of “Work Experience”
Tools to Help You
Manual formatting is tedious and risky. Tools like makemycv.ai help you create resumes that are:
- Automatically ATS-optimized
- Easy to update and export
- Designed for modern job markets
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I test if my resume is ATS-friendly?
A: Upload it to a free ATS checker or try parsing it through online tools.
Q: Can I still make my resume visually appealing?
A: Yes, but keep the styling minimal. Visuals should never compromise readability.
Q: Should I use bullet points?
A: Definitely. They’re the easiest format for ATS to process.
Final Thoughts
In today’s competitive job market, it’s not enough to just have a good resume — it needs to be readable by both humans and machines.
An ATS-friendly resume ensures you don’t get filtered out before the interview.
Want to skip the formatting headache?
👉 Use makemycv.ai and create an ATS-proof resume in minutes.
