How to Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly (and Actually Get Seen)

If you've ever applied to a job online and never heard back, you’re not alone. Your resume might be getting lost in an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) — before a human even sees it.

Let’s break down how to make your resume ATS-friendly and stand out in today’s competitive job market.

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🤖 What is an ATS?

An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is software that employers use to automatically scan, filter, and rank resumes based on relevance. If your resume isn’t properly formatted or keyword-optimized, it may never make it to a recruiter.

Over 95% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS software. If your resume isn’t compatible, you're invisible.

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✅ Tips for an ATS-Friendly Resume

1. Use a Clean, Simple Format

• Stick to standard sections: Experience, Skills, Education
• Avoid tables, text boxes, or fancy columns
• Use a common font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman

2. Optimize for Keywords

• Read the job description carefully
• Mirror the language used (e.g., "project management" vs. "managing projects")
• Include both acronyms and full forms (e.g., SEO and “Search Engine Optimization”)

3. Use Standard Headings

Avoid creative section names like "Career Odyssey" or "My Journey." Stick to:

• Professional Summary
• Work Experience
• Education
• Skills

4. Submit as a PDF (Usually)

PDF is generally safe unless the job posting specifically asks for Word format. Always double-check.

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🧠 Pro Tip

Don’t keyword-stuff your resume — ATS systems are getting smarter. Make sure the content reads naturally for both the bot and the human.

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🚀 Ready to Check Your Resume?

Want to see if your resume is ATS-friendly? Upload it to ApplyBoost and get instant feedback on:

• Formatting issues
• Keyword gaps
• Readability
• Overall structure

👉 Try ApplyBoost for free — and stop wondering why your resume got ghosted.

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📚 Bonus: Common ATS Software to Know

Here are some of the most widely used ATS platforms today:

ATS Platform	Companies Using It
Workday	Amazon, Netflix, Target
Greenhouse	Spotify, Airbnb, DoorDash
Lever	Shopify, Medium, Reddit
Taleo	Oracle, Nestle, Boeing