Most job applications today pass through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before a human ever sees them. Studies show that up to 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS software before reaching a recruiter. Here are 10 proven tips to make sure yours gets through.

1. Use a Clean, Simple Format

ATS software reads your resume like a document, not an image. Avoid tables, text boxes, headers/footers, and multi-column layouts. Stick to a single-column format with clear section headings.

2. Choose the Right File Type

Submit your resume as a .docx or .pdf file unless the job posting specifies otherwise. These formats are the most universally parsed by ATS platforms.

3. Use Standard Section Headings

Label your sections with conventional names that ATS systems recognise:

Work Experience (not "Where I've Been")
Education (not "Academic Journey")
Skills (not "What I'm Good At")
Professional Summary (not "About Me")

4. Mirror Keywords from the Job Description

The single most important thing you can do is match the language of the job posting. If the role asks for "project management," use that exact phrase — not "managing projects" or "PM."

Read the job description carefully and incorporate relevant keywords naturally throughout your resume, especially in your skills section and work experience bullet points.

5. Spell Out Acronyms

Write "Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)" the first time you use it. ATS systems might search for the full phrase or the abbreviation — cover both.

6. Don't Stuff Your Resume with Keywords

Keyword stuffing (hiding white text, repeating phrases unnaturally) will get you flagged or rejected. Modern ATS tools detect this. Use keywords naturally within context.

7. Use Standard Fonts

Stick to widely supported fonts like Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Helvetica. Decorative or custom fonts can cause parsing errors.

8. Include Hard Skills in a Dedicated Section

Create a clear Skills section listing technical competencies, tools, and certifications. ATS systems often scan this section first for quick keyword matching.

Examples:

Python, JavaScript, React
Google Analytics, HubSpot
PMP Certified, AWS Solutions Architect

9. Quantify Your Achievements

Wherever possible, use numbers to demonstrate impact:

"Increased sales by 35% in Q3 2025"
"Managed a team of 12 engineers"
"Reduced customer churn by 20% through improved onboarding"

Numbers are easy for both ATS and humans to scan and evaluate.

10. Test Your Resume Before Submitting

Before sending your resume, run it through an ATS-friendly builder like AceCV that automatically formats your content for maximum compatibility. Our templates are designed to parse correctly across all major ATS platforms.

Final Thoughts

Getting past the ATS is the first hurdle in your job search. By following these tips, you ensure your resume reaches the people who matter — the hiring managers. Focus on clean formatting, relevant keywords, and measurable achievements, and you'll dramatically increase your interview rate.

10 ATS-Friendly Resume Tips That Actually Work