What Is an ATS Resume?
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software tools that employers use to quickly sort through large volumes of resumes. Sources from around the web estimate that more than 70% of companies use an ATS of some kind, particularly larger employers. If you’re applying for a job—especially with a big company—it’s very likely that the first person to look at your resume isn’t a person at all.
Typically, an ATS scans an applicant’s resume looking for relevant qualifications and keywords matching the job description. Some systems assign resumes a ‘score’ based on match quality, while others operate more like a pass/fail test and simply rank qualified applicants based on when they applied. Other companies have recently incorporated AI into their ATS which theoretically allows the system to infer qualifications based on candidate experience rather than relying on the more simplistic keyword matching.
What does this mean for job seekers? Well, unless you’ve got inside sources at the HR department, there’s no way to know if a potential employer is using an ATS and, if so, which kind. Therefore, it’s best practice to assume you’re facing an ATS—and an old, unsophisticated one, at that.
ATS notoriously have difficulty scanning images, colors, irregular formatting—basically anything that you’ve added to your resume to give it that extra pop. If your resume is not ATS-friendly, the system may miss key details, and your application might never reach a hiring manager.
Dos for an ATS Resume
- Use standard fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
- Keep the format simple: one column, consistent headings, bullet points
- Use standard section titles like Experience, Education, and Skills
- Begin bullets with action verbs (e.g., “Led,” “Organized,” “Developed”)
- Add keywords from the job description naturally into your bullets
- Incorporate your proficiencies directly into your bullet points, rather than listing them at the end of your resume, particularly if they match the job requirements
- Save as a Word document (.docx) or PDF (check employer instructions)
Don’ts for an ATS Resume
- Don’t use tables, columns, text boxes, or graphics (the ATS may skip them)
- Don’t add photos, icons, or logos
- Don’t use unusual fonts or colors—stick to black text on a white background
- Don’t rely only on abbreviations—spell out acronyms the first time
- Don’t leave out job titles or dates—the ATS uses them to read your work history
You might end up with a resume that looks as bland as a tax return, but that’s what you want to get through the ATS portion of recruitment. This even goes for those applying for creative fields, where you might want to showcase your design skills. Save that for your online portfolio—which a hiring manager will look at once your resume gets through the ATS.