How to Write an ATS Resume with 90% Score

Unlock the ATS-Friendly Resume

In today’s competitive job market, many companies rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline their hiring process. If your resume is not optimized for ATS, it may never reach a human recruiter. Understanding how ATS works and applying the right resume formatting techniques can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about ATS resumes, including formatting strategies, keyword optimization, and common mistakes to avoid. You’ll also find an ATS resume template and answers to frequently asked questions.

What is an ATS Resume?

An ATS resume is a resume formatted to be easily read by an Applicant Tracking System, a software used by employers to screen job applications. The system scans resumes for specific information, such as job titles, skills, and education, and ranks applicants based on how well they match the job description.

If a resume is not formatted correctly, it may fail to be properly parsed, causing key details to be overlooked. This could result in a strong candidate being automatically rejected before their resume even reaches a recruiter.

How Does Applicants Tracking System Work?

ATS software analyzes resumes by extracting essential information and comparing it against the job posting’s requirements. It looks for:

• Basic details: Contact information, work experience, education, and certifications.
• Keywords: Specific skills and qualifications mentioned in the job description.
• Resume structure: Proper section titles and formatting to ensure readability.

Resumes that meet the minimum criteria are forwarded to recruiters for review, while those that do not score high enough may be eliminated from the selection process.

How to Create ATS-Friendly Resumes

Many applicants fail to pass ATS scans due to formatting errors, improper keyword usage, or the use of incompatible file types. Below are six key steps to ensure your resume is ATS-friendly.

1. Use an ATS Resume Template

An ATS resume template is specifically designed to ensure that all key details are correctly extracted by ATS software. It follows a minimalist structure with clearly defined sections. The best templates avoid excessive design elements, tables, or graphics, ensuring that your resume remains readable by both ATS software and human recruiters.

When selecting a template, choose one that features:

• A single-column format
• Clearly labeled sections
• Minimal use of bold, italics, or underlining
• No tables, images, or graphics

2. Label Resume Sections Clearly

Applicant Tracking Systems rely on standardized section titles to correctly categorize your information. Use conventional headings such as:

• Professional Experience
• Education
• Skills
• Certifications

Avoid using creative or unconventional titles like “What I’ve Done” or “Technical Toolbox,” as ATS may not recognize them, potentially misplacing or ignoring key information.

3. Avoid Headers, Columns, Tables, and Graphics

One of the most common reasons resumes fail ATS scans is formatting complexity. Many ATS resume checkers cannot properly read content placed in tables, columns, images, or headers.

To ensure your resume is correctly parsed:

• Use a single-column format with left-aligned text.
• Avoid tables or multi-column layouts.
• Do not include images, logos, or icons.
• Do not use headers or footers for important information such as contact details.

By following a simple structure, you increase the likelihood that the ATS will successfully extract all relevant information.

4. Choose an ATS-Friendly Font

Some fonts may not be easily processed by ATS software, leading to errors in resume parsing. To avoid this, select a standard, ATS-compatible font such as Arial and Calibri. Font size should be between 10 and 12 points to maintain readability. Avoid decorative fonts, as they can interfere with text recognition.

5. Optimize Your Resume with Keywords

ATS ranks resumes based on keyword relevance. Employers program their ATS to search for specific keywords related to the job posting. If your resume does not contain these key terms, it may be filtered out.

To improve your resume’s keyword optimization:

• Carefully review the job description and identify frequently mentioned skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
• Incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your work experience, skills, and summary sections.
• Avoid keyword stuffing. Instead, use relevant terms in context to ensure the resume remains readable.
• Use both acronyms and full terms when applicable. For example, if the job posting mentions “MBA,” also include “Master of Business Administration.”

By aligning your resume with the employer’s expectations, you increase your chances of passing the ATS scan.

6. Use the Right Resume File Type

Not all file formats are compatible with ATS software. While PDFs preserve formatting, some older ATS versions struggle to read them properly. Check the job posting or employer guidelines for specific format preferences before submitting your application.

How to Check If Your Resume is ATS-Friendly

Before submitting your resume, it’s a good idea to test its ATS compatibility using a free ATS resume checker. These tools analyze your resume for keyword optimization, formatting issues, and structural problems that could prevent it from passing ATS scanners.

Optimizing your resume for ATS is just the first step in landing your dream job. Once your resume passes the ATS scan and reaches a recruiter, the next critical phase begins: the job interview. This is where AMA Interview transforms the hiring process. Our AI-powered platform ensures you’re not only seen by recruiters but also fully prepared to impress them in interviews.

With one-click question prediction for any LinkedIn job posting, AMA Interview instantly generates the most likely interview questions, ensuring your preparation is highly relevant. Found a tricky question online? Save it to your personal cheatsheet and practice with our AI-generated mock interviewer, designed to simulate real-life interview conditions. Our position-specific interview customization tailors every session to the job role, while AI-generated sample answers and performance reports provide actionable insights for improvement. Whether you're refining your resume for ATS compliance or mastering interview techniques, AMA Interview equips you with the tools to secure your next opportunity with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best ATS resume format?

The best ATS resume format is a simple, single-column layout with clearly labeled sections and minimal styling. Avoid tables, graphics, and complex design elements.

How do I know if my resume will pass an ATS scan?

You can use an ATS resume checker to analyze your resume for potential issues. Additionally, review job descriptions and ensure your resume includes relevant keywords.

Should I use a PDF or Word document for my ATS resume?

While PDFs maintain formatting, some ATS software may not parse them correctly. If unsure, use a .doc or .docx file, as these are widely accepted by ATS systems.

Do ATS resumes need a specific font?

Yes, it’s best to use ATS-friendly fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Georgia to ensure readability.

Can I include bullet points in my ATS resume?

Yes, but use simple round bullet points rather than special symbols or icons, which may not be processed correctly.

Make Your Resume Stand Out

Creating an ATS-friendly resume is essential in today’s job market. By using an ATS resume template, labeling sections clearly, optimizing for keywords, and choosing the right file format, you can significantly increase your chances of getting past ATS scans and landing an interview.

If you’re unsure whether your resume meets ATS requirements, try a free ATS resume checker to identify areas for improvement. With the right strategy, you can craft a resume that is both ATS-compliant and compelling to hiring managers.