How to Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly and Get More Job Interviews

If you’re applying for jobs and not hearing back, the issue might not be your qualifications—it could be your resume getting filtered out by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before a recruiter ever sees it.

Most companies use ATS software to scan, rank, and filter resumes before they reach hiring managers. If your resume isn’t ATS-optimized, it may never make it past the first round of screening.

The good news? There are simple adjustments you can make to ensure your resume gets noticed. Here’s how to create an ATS-friendly resume and improve your chances of landing an interview.

5 Ways to Optimize Your Resume for ATS

1. Use a Clean, ATS-Friendly Format

ATS software struggles with complex layouts, columns, and graphics. To make sure your resume is properly read and ranked:

• Use a single-column layout
• Choose standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
• Avoid tables, images, text boxes, and graphics
• Keep section headings simple and clear

A well-structured, easy-to-read resume increases your chances of getting past ATS and into the hands of a recruiter.

2. Include Job-Specific Keywords

Most ATS software scans resumes for keywords that match the job description. If your resume doesn’t contain the right terms, it might be filtered out. Here’s how to optimize it:

• Identify key skills, job titles, and qualifications in the job listing
• Naturally incorporate these keywords throughout your resume
• Use industry-specific terminology relevant to your field

Just be sure to use keywords naturally—stuffing them in unnaturally can hurt readability when a human recruiter reviews your resume.

3. Submit the Right File Format

Many ATS systems struggle to read PDFs, so unless the job posting specifically requests a PDF:

• Submit your resume as a .docx (Word document)
• Ensure the text is readable and not embedded in images or tables

Submitting the right file format ensures that all of your information is properly scanned and ranked by the ATS.

4. Use Standard Resume Headings

ATS software categorizes resumes by scanning section headings, so using the correct titles is important. Stick to common section headings such as:

• Work Experience
• Education
• Skills
• Certifications

Avoid using creative or vague section titles like “My Career Journey” or “What I Bring to the Table” since ATS systems may not recognize them.

5. Keep Formatting Simple

Overly complex formatting can cause misalignment and errors when your resume is scanned by an ATS. Keep it simple by:

• Using standard bullet points (•) instead of special symbols
• Avoiding bold, italics, and underlining excessively
• Keeping everything left-aligned for better readability

A resume that is easy to scan will improve its chances of making it through the ATS and being reviewed by a recruiter.

Get a Free, No-Obligation CV Review

Want to make sure your resume is ATS-friendly? Our expert consultants will analyze your CV and provide a detailed critique to help you improve it—completely free of charge.

Send your CV to us at: cv@cvwriter.com.sg and receive professional feedback on how to optimize it.

Prefer WhatsApp? Send us a message at +65 9681 2409, and we’ll help you improve your resume.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. If you found this helpful, don’t forget to share this guide with others who may need it.

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