Welcome to my blog, where we’ll be discussing how to format your resume to get it past those pesky ATS bots and into the hands of a human recruiter.

Let’s start by discussing what ATS is. An applicant tracking system (ATS) is a software designed to handle recruitment needs. It does this by sorting and analyzing resumes submitted by candidates.

So without further ado, let’s dive into the world of resume formatting for ATS.

Use clear formatting and consistent layouts 💻

One important aspect to get your resume past the bots is to make sure it is clear and easy to read. Choose a simple font and stick to it throughout the document.

Keep the text size in the range of 10-12pt, and don’t get too fancy with the formatting. Keep headers and sub-headers clear by using bold or underlined text, and use bullet points to break up large blocks of text.

A computer screen with a clear and organized resume that can be easily read.

Use relevant keywords 🔎

ATS bots comb through resumes looking for specific keywords related to the job opening. So to increase your chances, make sure your resume contains the relevant keywords.

This doesn’t mean creating a huge list of keywords. Rather, it means tailoring your resume to the job opening by using the same keywords and phrases the job description uses.

A laptop on a desk with a resume and a job description nearby, with relevant keywords highlighted.

Avoid using tables, images, and charts 📊

While you may be tempted to showcase your creativity by using tables, images, and charts, these elements may not scan well with the ATS bots.

To avoid getting disqualified, stick to plain text. However, if an image or chart is necessary to display your work, link to it in an online portfolio or provide a link to the relevant webpage.

An image of a resume with tables and charts that can't be read by the ATS bot.

Save your resume as a PDF 📄

It’s always a good idea to save your resume as a PDF. This ensures that the formatting and layout stay the same on all devices and platforms.

Note that some ATS systems do not accept PDFs. In such cases, save your resume as a Word document and ensure that the formatting is consistent.

A smartphone displaying a resume saved as a PDF with clear formatting and layout.

Customize your resume for each job application 🤝

Each job application is unique, and you should tailor your resume to match the requirements of the job opening.

Customizing your resume not only ensures that it matches the job description, but it also shows the recruiter that you’ve taken the time to understand the job requirements and are committed to the position.

A desk with multiple job descriptions and resumes, with one resume highlighted as an example of customizing to the job opening.

Conclusion 🎉

There you have it, folks - a few tips to get your resume past the bots and into the hands of the recruiters. Keep these points in mind, and you’ll be increasing your chances of landing an interview.

Remember, the goal of a resume is to summarize your work history and showcase your skills. By optimizing your resume for ATS, you’re making it easier for recruiters to see your potential.

A group of people interviewing a candidate who followed the tips for optimizing their resume for ATS.