How to Create a Resume That Will Get Noticed

In today’s competitive job market, standing out can feel harder than ever, especially with recruiters increasingly using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to sift through resumes. These systems use algorithms to scan and filter applications, often before a human ever lays eyes on them. For many job seekers, understanding how to craft a resume that can navigate this automated hurdle is key to landing an interview. This guide will help you create an ATS-friendly resume, ensuring your application gets past these digital gatekeepers and into an interview.

Why ATS Matters in Today’s Job Search

An ATS is any software that helps recruiters filter, organize, and prioritize resumes. As applications flood in, companies use ATS to save time and streamline the hiring process. If a resume isn’t formatted correctly or doesn’t include certain keywords, the ATS might misinterpret or discard it entirely. Learning how to create a resume that’s compatible with ATS can give you a significant advantage.

Step 1: Use a Simple and Clean Format

ATS systems are designed to read text but can struggle with complex formatting. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Avoid Graphics and Images: While visuals can look appealing, they may cause issues with ATS systems, which often can’t interpret images or graphs.
• Stick to Standard Fonts: Choose a simple, readable font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Fonts such as Script or decorative fonts can be difficult for an ATS to parse.
• Use Standard Section Headings: Headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” “Skills,” and “Certifications” are essential. ATS systems are designed to recognize standard headers, so avoid non-traditional terms like “My Career Story” or “Education & Learning.”
• Avoid Tables and Columns: Many ATS systems struggle to read text inside tables and columns. Stick to a single-column format to keep your content readable.

Step 2: Use Keywords Strategically

Keywords are essential in getting your resume past an ATS. Here’s how to make them work for you:

• Study the Job Description: Look for recurring terms and phrases in the job posting. Keywords can include job-specific skills, qualifications, and industry terms.
• Incorporate Keywords Naturally: Once you have a list of keywords, weave them naturally throughout your resume. Include them in sections like “Skills” and “Experience,” ensuring they match the job description but still make sense within the context of your resume.
• Use Both Acronyms and Full Terms: If a position requires experience with “Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems,” for instance, include both “CRM” and “Customer Relationship Management” on your resume.
• Prioritize Hard Skills: Skills like “data analysis,” “project management,” and “Java programming” are likely to be keywords that an ATS will look for. Soft skills are valuable but focus on hard skills when choosing keywords.

Step 3: Focus on Relevant Content

ATS software is programmed to look for relevant experience and skills.

• List Recent and Relevant Work Experience: If you’re applying for a project management role, emphasize your most recent experience that highlights project management responsibilities. Older, unrelated experiences can be omitted or de-emphasized.
• Emphasize Achievements Over Duties: Use bullet points highlighting accomplishments rather than listing job duties. Instead of writing “Responsible for managing client projects,” try “Managed over 20 client projects, achieving a 98% client satisfaction rate.”
• Quantify Results When Possible: Numbers stand out to both ATS and human readers. Use metrics like “increased sales by 25%,” “reduced costs by 10%,” or “handled 50+ customer inquiries daily” to add context and weight to your accomplishments.

Step 4: Optimize for Readability

ATS software needs to be able to interpret your resume clearly.

• Use Simple Bullet Points: Use standard round or square bullets instead of symbols, which might not render correctly.
• Avoid Headers and Footers: Some ATS can’t read information in headers and footers, so avoid placing important information like contact details in these sections.
• Check Your Spelling and Grammar: ATS can miss keywords if they’re misspelled. Proofread your resume, or use online tools to catch errors before submitting.

Step 5: Submit the Right File Type

The file format you choose to submit your resume can impact how the ATS reads it.

• Use PDF or DOCX Formats: Most ATS systems can read PDF and DOCX files, but it’s best to check the job listing to confirm the preferred format. When in doubt, DOCX is a safe choice, as it is universally readable by all ATS platforms.
• Avoid Uncommon File Types: Formats like JPG, PNG, or even TXT might cause issues. Stick to standard formats to ensure your resume is easily processed.

Step 6: Emphasize Core Competencies in a Skills Section

Including a skills section is a quick way to highlight your most relevant qualifications.

• List Both Hard and Soft Skills: Core competencies are the skills most relevant to the position, so make sure they’re clearly visible on your resume.
• Use a Bullet List Format: This is straightforward for both ATS and human readers. If you’re in marketing, for example, include skills like “Content Strategy,” “SEO,” and “Analytics” as separate bullet points.
• Don’t List Too Many Skills: Listing too many skills can dilute the impact of your resume and confuse the ATS. Aim to showcase your strongest qualifications by listing no more than 10 key skills.

Step 7: Tailor Your Resume for Each Application

Customizing your resume for each job application is crucial.

• Adjust Keywords and Skills: Every job description is unique, so ensure your resume includes the exact terms used in each listing. For example, if a job description uses “Client Success” over “Customer Service,” align your resume accordingly.
• Highlight Relevant Experience: Bring forward the experiences and achievements that most closely match the requirements of the job description.

Step 8: Test Your Resume with an ATS Checker

There are several online tools available that can help you see how ATS-friendly your resume is.

• Use Free ATS Scanners: Platforms like Jobscan, Resume Worded, and SkillSyncer allow you to upload your resume and test its ATS compatibility. These tools analyze keyword usage, format, and readability, helping you identify areas for improvement.
• Get Feedback and Make Adjustments: Use the feedback from these scanners to refine your resume. Keep tweaking until you reach an optimal ATS match rate for your target position.

Step 9: Pay Attention to Your Contact Information

Contact information might seem straightforward, but it’s worth a double-check.

• Use a Professional Email Address: Avoid emails with personal nicknames. Ideally, stick to your first and last name in your email address.
• Include a LinkedIn Profile: Many recruiters will want to review your LinkedIn as part of your application. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is updated and aligns with the information on your resume.

Creating a resume that navigates an ATS can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview. It’s all about balancing the technical aspects—keywords, formatting, and readability—with content that speaks to your unique skills and achievements. By following these steps and continually refining your resume for each job, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a resume that not only gets through the ATS but also catches the eye of recruiters. Remember, persistence and attention to detail will help you stand out in today’s tough job market.

If you need further assistance or want to dive deeper into personalizing, custom-tailoring, or refining your resume, I’m here to help! Schedule a one-on-one strategy session with me to review and craft your resume together, ensuring it aligns perfectly with your career goals.