Crafting the Perfect ATS Resume

I have been on the hunt for a job now longer that I would like to admit and have have very little luck. As it turns out, the job market has changed and the method for finding jobs has changed BIG TIME. About 5-6 years ago, I was looking for a new job and less the a day after I posted my resume my phone began ringing off the hook. Many of the jobs were not the right fit, but it was exciting to have so many options. At that time, recruiters seem to be more responsive and gave more feed back.

Today, my job search is completely different. I apply to job after job on LinkedIn , Dice , and Monster and hear mostly crickets. When I do hear from recruiters now, the conversation fades into nothing without any feedback. It is incredibly discouraging.

I get a lot of messages on LinkedIn from people who want to sell ATS resume services. These service seem suspicious to me and to other LinkedIn users as well:

I have done a great deal of research and have final built a base resume that I can tailored for the job I am applying for and I an getting encouraging results! Tailoring your resume to a job description is crucial as it highlights relevant skills, aligns messaging with the employer's language, helps you stand out among competitors, shows genuine interest, and demonstrates flexibility, ultimately increasing your chances of landing an interview. There are many way to structure a resume depending on our industry, but I have found an essential framework that anyone can use to get set on a path to success.

Let's build an ATS friendly resume

The following is a very basic example the shows off all the key features of an ATS friendly resume

John Doe
City, State | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johndoe

Objective:
Highly motivated professional with over 5 years of experience in software development. Seeking to leverage proven skills in Java and C++ in a challenging software engineer role.

Skills:
- Programming Languages: Java, C++, Python
- Web Development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- Databases: SQL, MongoDB
- Tools: Git, Docker, Jenkins

Work Experience:

Software Engineer | ABC Company | City, State | June 2018 - Present
- Developed and maintained applications using Java and C++, improving system efficiency by 20%.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to define, design, and ship new features.
- Conducted code reviews, reducing code errors by 15%.

Junior Software Developer | XYZ Company | City, State | May 2016 - May 2018
- Assisted in the design, development, and testing of software solutions.
- Worked with senior developers to manage large, complex design projects for corporate clients.
- Participated in agile development teams.

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | University Name | City, State | Graduated May 2016
- Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Database Systems, Web Development

Certifications:
- Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate

References:
Available upon request
        

Resume Header

In your resume header, you should include the following information:

1. Your Name: This should be the largest text on the page to make it stand out.
2. Contact Information: This includes your professional email address and phone number. Make sure to use an email address that looks professional.
3. Location: Your city and state are typically sufficient. Including your full address is not necessary and can take up valuable space.
4. LinkedIn Profile: If you have a LinkedIn profile, include the URL. Make sure your profile is up-to-date and complements your resume.
5. Personal Website or Portfolio: If you have a personal website or online portfolio that showcases your work, include the URL.

Remember, the header is the first thing hiring managers see when they look at your resume. It should be clean, clear, and easy to read.

Common resume mistakes

Sure, here are some common resume formatting mistakes and how to fix them:

1. Inconsistent Formatting: This includes varying font sizes, bullet styles, or date formats. It’s important to keep your resume consistent. This not only helps with readability but also gives a professional appearance.
2. Long Paragraphs: Large blocks of text can be overwhelming and difficult to quickly scan for key information.
3. Too Much Text: Overloading your resume with information can make it difficult for hiring managers to find the most relevant details.
4. Incorrect Contact Information: This is a small but critical mistake. If your contact information is incorrect, potential employers won’t be able to reach you.
5. Spelling and Grammar Errors: These can give the impression that you lack attention to detail.
6. Unprofessional Email Address: An unprofessional email address can leave a poor first impression.
7. Not ATS-Friendly: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes. If your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, it might not ever be seen by a human.

Remember, your resume is often your first impression with a potential employer. It’s worth taking the time to make sure it’s polished and professional.

Fonts and format

The “best” font can depend on the context and purpose. However, for professional documents like resumes, cover letters, and reports, here are some commonly recommended fonts:

• Times New Roman: This is a classic choice that is both readable and formal.
• Arial: A sans-serif font that is clean and easy to read.
• Calibri: The default font for Microsoft Word and is a good choice for readability.
• Garamond: This is a good choice if you have a lot of text and need to fit it into a small space.
• Helvetica: Widely used in the graphic design industry, it’s known for its clean and modern look.

Remember, the key is to choose a font that is easy to read and appropriate for your document. It’s also important to keep your font size between 10 and 12 points for readability. If you’re creating a document that will be scanned by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), it’s best to stick with a simple, sans-serif font as these systems can sometimes struggle with more complex fonts or serifs.

Summary

1. Common Resume Mistakes: Inconsistent formatting, long paragraphs, too much text, incorrect contact information, spelling and grammar errors, unprofessional email address, and not being ATS-friendly.
2. Best Fonts: Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri, Garamond, and Helvetica. Choose a font that is easy to read and appropriate for your document.
3. Margins and Page Setup: Standard margin size is 1 inch on all sides. Keep your resume to 1-2 pages. Use portrait orientation and standard paper size (A4 or Letter).

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