How to Write an ATS-Friendly Resume That Gets Noticed

Ever applied for dozens of jobs and heard nothing back?

Wondering why your resume isn’t making it past the first stage?

The truth is, your resume might not even be reaching human eyes. Most companies today use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter and rank resumes before a recruiter ever sees them. If your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, it could be getting rejected—no matter how qualified you are.

As a professional resume writer, I’ve helped countless job seekers create resumes that not only pass ATS filters but also grab the attention of hiring managers. Here’s how you can do the same.

1. Use a Simple, Clean Format

ATS software struggles with fancy formatting. While it might be tempting to use unique fonts, tables, graphics, or multiple columns, these can confuse the system and cause your resume to be discarded.

? Stick to:

• Standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
• A single-column layout with clear section headings
• Bullet points instead of paragraphs for easy scanning

?? Avoid:

• Graphics, images, or charts
• Headers and footers (some ATS systems ignore them)
• Uncommon fonts or overly creative designs

2. Use Keywords from the Job Description

ATS scans resumes for keywords that match the job posting. If those words aren’t in your resume, you could be ranked lower—even if you’re a perfect fit.

? How to do it:

• Carefully read the job description and note important skills, qualifications, and industry terms.
• Naturally incorporate those keywords into your resume, especially in the skills and experience sections.
• Use both full terms and abbreviations (e.g., “Search Engine Optimization (SEO)”).

3. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job

One generic resume won’t work for every job. Customizing your resume increases your chances of passing ATS filters and catching a recruiter’s eye.

? How to tailor it:

• Match your job title to the one in the posting (if applicable).
• Highlight relevant skills and experience that directly relate to the job.
• Remove details that aren’t necessary for that specific role.

4. Optimize the Work Experience Section

ATS looks for structured job details, so be consistent in your formatting.

? Best format for work experience: Job Title | Company Name | Location | Dates (Month/Year - Month/Year)

• Achievement-focused bullet points
• Use numbers and data where possible ("Increased sales by 25%" instead of "Handled sales")

?? Avoid:

• Long paragraphs describing your responsibilities
• Listing jobs without descriptions or achievements

5. Save and Submit Your Resume Correctly

Some ATS software has trouble reading certain file formats. PDFs are great for humans but may not always be ATS-friendly.

? Best practice:

• Submit as a.docx file (unless the job posting specifies PDF).
• Use a simple file name, like YourName_Resume.docx.

Final Thoughts: Stand Out to Both ATS and Hiring Managers

Getting past the ATS is just the first step—your resume also needs to impress the recruiter. By using clean formatting, relevant keywords, and a tailored approach, you can increase your chances of landing interviews and securing the job you deserve.

If you’re unsure whether your resume is ATS-friendly, I can help! As a professional resume writer, I specialize in creating resumes that pass ATS scans and capture the attention of hiring managers.

Need a resume that gets noticed? Let’s work together to make it happen! Message me today.

For consultation and inquiries, You can contact me via wa.me/2348132136910 or DM

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