Spencer Lanoue
Ever sent out a bunch of resumes, only to hear crickets? You're not alone. If you're hoping to grab a recruiter's attention, your resume needs to first pass through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). These systems screen resumes before they even reach human eyes. In this post, I'll guide you through the process of crafting an ATS-friendly resume, ensuring that your application doesn't just survive the initial screening but thrives in it.
What Exactly Is an ATS?
Let's start with the basics. An ATS is essentially software used by recruiters and employers to scan resumes and applications. It helps them quickly sift through hundreds of applications to find candidates that best match the job description. Think of it like a bouncer at a club. Deciding who gets in and who doesn't. Understanding how it works can help you tailor your resume to make it past this digital gatekeeper.
Most ATS software scans for keywords, formats, and relevance. If your resume doesn't align with these criteria, it might not even reach the recruiter. So, what can you do? It's all about optimizing content and format.
Keywords: The Secret Sauce
Keywords are to resumes what salt is to cooking. Without them, things can fall flat. Keywords are specific words or phrases that are relevant to the job. They can be skills, qualifications, or job titles. To find the right ones, grab the job description and highlight words that frequently pop up. These are likely the keywords the ATS will be scanning for.
For instance, if you're applying for a marketing position and the job description mentions "SEO" and "content strategy" multiple times, those are your keywords. Incorporate them naturally into your resume.
Here's how it might look:
Summary:
Experienced marketing professional with a focus on SEO and content strategy. Proven track record of increasing web traffic through targeted campaigns.
Just remember, stuffing your resume with keywords won't do you any favors. Use them strategically and ensure they fit naturally within your experience.
Formatting: Keep It Simple
When it comes to ATS, simplicity is your friend. Fancy fonts, graphics, and intricate layouts might look great to the human eye. But they can confuse an ATS. Opt for a clean, straightforward format. Use standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman, and avoid images or tables.
Here's a quick formatting checklist:
- Use standard fonts and sizes (10-12 pt).
- Stick to a single column format.
- Avoid graphics, images, and tables.
- Use bullet points for clarity.
For example, a simple layout should look something like this:
John Doe
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Experience:
- Content Strategist at XYZ Company
[Dates of Employment]
- Developed and executed SEO strategies that increased web traffic by 30%.
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in Marketing
[Your University]
[Graduation Date]
Keeping it straightforward ensures that the ATS can easily read and interpret your information.
Tailor Your Resume for Each Application
One-size-fits-all doesn't work here. Tailoring your resume for each job application is crucial. This doesn't mean rewriting your resume from scratch every time, but making thoughtful tweaks to align with the job description.
Focus on the job title, the skills section, and your summary. These are prime areas where tailoring can make a big difference. If a job emphasizes teamwork, ensure that you illustrate your collaborative experiences and achievements.
Here's a tailored example for a job emphasizing teamwork:
Summary:
Collaborative marketing specialist with 5 years of experience leading cross-functional teams to develop successful campaigns.
By doing this, you align your resume with the job's requirements, increasing your chances of making it through ATS screening.
Use Standard Headings
ATS systems often look for standard headings to categorize information. Using unconventional or creative headings might seem like a good way to stand out. But it can actually hinder the ATS from understanding your resume.
Stick with common headings like:
- Summary
- Experience
- Education
- Skills
- Certifications
By using these, you help the ATS categorize your information correctly, which can enhance your resume's chances of getting through.
Spelling and Grammar: No Room for Error
Make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors. These can be more than just embarrassing. They might cause the ATS to misinterpret your resume. After you've written your resume, take a break and then review it with fresh eyes. Better yet, ask a friend to proofread it for you.
Interestingly enough, Spell can assist with editing, catching those pesky errors that might slip through. With AI, it can provide suggestions and corrections, ensuring your resume is polished and professional.
Quantify Your Achievements
Numbers speak louder than words. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements. Instead of saying "improved sales," say "improved sales by 20%." This not only makes your achievements more tangible but also makes them easier for the ATS to pick up on as significant accomplishments.
Here's how to quantify achievements:
- Increased customer satisfaction scores by 15% through improved service strategies.
- Successfully managed a team of 10 sales representatives, leading to a 30% increase in revenue.
These specifics can make a difference in how your resume is perceived both by the ATS and by human recruiters.
Keep Your Skills Section Relevant
The skills section is gold. It's often one of the first places the ATS scans for relevant keywords. Make sure it's packed with job-specific skills that match the job description. Don't just list skills for the sake of it; ensure they're relevant and reflect your actual capabilities.
For instance, if you're applying for a tech position, include both technical skills (like coding languages) and soft skills (like project management) if they're mentioned in the job description.
Here's a skills section example for a tech job:
Skills:
- Proficient in Python, Java, and C++
- Experienced in project management and agile methodologies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
This approach highlights your relevant skills, making it easier for the ATS to recognize your fit for the position.
Use a Consistent Format
Consistency is key. Pick a format and stick with it throughout your resume. This not only makes it easier for the ATS to scan but also presents a more professional appearance to human recruiters.
Here's a simple format structure to follow:
- Use the same font and size throughout.
- Align all text to the left for easy reading.
- Use bullet points consistently to list job responsibilities and achievements.
- Ensure spacing is uniform between sections.
By maintaining consistency, you make your resume easier to read and navigate, both for the ATS and for human eyes.
Include Contact Information Clearly
You'd be surprised how often people forget to include or incorrectly format their contact information. Make sure your phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile are easy to find and formatted correctly.
Here's a simple contact information template:
John Doe
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your LinkedIn Profile]
By making this information clear and accessible, you ensure that once you pass the ATS, recruiters can easily reach out to you.
Final Thoughts
Creating an ATS-friendly resume is all about balance. Incorporating the right keywords, using a clean format, and tailoring your content for each job application. With the right approach, you can make sure your resume not only passes the ATS screening but also stands out to human recruiters. Tools like Spell can help streamline this process, providing assistance with formatting, grammar checking, and much more. So, give it a try and see how it can enhance your resume writing process.
