What do you do if your resume needs to be ATS-friendly for better job prospects?

The easiest way to do this is to outsource the heavy lifting to AI or a website like JobScan.io. What I would do, and I actually do weekly for clients. 1. Copy and paste 30 - 50 job descriptions in the role you desire. 2. Ask AI or a website to tell you the most mentioned: a) Soft Skills | b) Hard Skills | c) Duties. 3. It will give you a complete list of what to focus on when it comes to keywords, skills, and programs you need to know. This way you can use YOUR time adding these terms; and let technology do all of the heavy lifting. You may be RICH and can buy anything; but we all have one opportunity cost in life - TIME. Do whatever you can to protect and expand your TIME, and you'll do great things.

Tailor your resume with relevant keywords related to the job description and industry. Use terms that are commonly used in the field to increase the likelihood of your resume being recognized and selected by ATS algorithms.

The more simple and clean the format, the better. Bullets and easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Verdana and Tahoma come through the best. Graphics, pictures, shading and fancy columns never show the way you want on the recruiter's end and should be avoided and they can be a distraction from what the reader really needs to focus on - your skills and experience.

Stick to a clean and straightforward format for your resume. Avoid using fancy fonts, graphics, or columns that may confuse the ATS software. Opt for standard fonts and bullet points to ensure clarity and readability.

Focus on including relevant information that aligns with the job requirements. Highlight your skills, experiences, and achievements that are directly related to the position you're applying for.

Include your full name, phone number, and a professional email address, avoiding headers or footers where an ATS might overlook them. Additionally, include active hyperlinks to relevant professional online profiles if available. This section is fundamental; it enables recruiters to easily reach out to you for potential interviews after passing through the initial ATS screening.

Spelling or grammatical errors could lead to rejection by less forgiving systems, preventing your resume from reaching human eyes. Utilize spellcheck tools and read your resume aloud to catch any overlooked mistakes. A polished, mistake-free resume not only demonstrates your attention to detail but also enhances your professionalism, appealing to both ATS algorithms and potential employers.

Use Standard Fonts: Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid fancy or decorative fonts that may not be recognized by ATS. Keep Formatting Simple: Use a clean, simple layout without tables, text boxes, or graphics. ATS may have trouble parsing complex formatting. Include Keywords: Tailor your resume to include keywords relevant to the job description. Use the same language and terminology found in the job posting. Use Standard Section Headings: Use standard headings like "Experience," "Education," and "Skills." This helps ATS categorize your resume correctly. Avoid Headers and Footers