Resume Writing Hacks to Conquer the ATS Wall and Land More Interviews
Keith Lawrence Miller, M.A., NCRW, ECRE, PRC, PCC, BCC
Multi-Certified Executive Resume Writer ? M.A. Business Psychology @ Columbia University ? ICF & Board Certified Career Coach ? 6x Certified Recruiter ? 1,000+ 5-Star Recommendations ? LinkedIn Resume Writer Services
In today’s job market, applying for a job often means your resume will be scrutinized by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) before it ever reaches human eyes. ATS software, used by most companies, scans resumes for keywords, qualifications, and formatting to filter out unqualified candidates. Unfortunately, many resumes, even those of qualified candidates, get lost in this digital sieve due to simple mistakes or lack of optimization. If you want to break through the ATS wall, you need to understand how these systems work and optimize your resume accordingly.
Here are the top 5 strategies for crafting an ATS-friendly resume that will improve your chances of landing more interviews:
1. Use ATS-Friendly Keywords
ATS software looks for specific keywords that match the job description. These keywords include skills, qualifications, software, and certifications relevant to the position. Your job is to tailor your resume to reflect the exact language and terms used in the job listing.
How to Hack It:
Carefully analyze the job posting and identify core skills, technical tools, and job requirements mentioned repeatedly. Incorporate these keywords into your resume, especially in the summary, skills, and work experience sections. Don’t just stuff your resume with keywords—make sure they are naturally embedded in your accomplishments. If you see industry jargon or specific software in the job description, mention your expertise with it as well.
2. Avoid Fancy Formatting and Graphics
Creative resumes with flashy designs, images, and unconventional fonts may look great to humans, but ATS bots struggle with complex formatting. ATS software is designed to read simple text-based resumes, so using tables, graphics, or intricate designs can lead to parsing errors, causing your resume to get rejected.
How to Hack It:
Stick to clean, simple formatting. Use traditional fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri. Avoid tables, text boxes, charts, and headers/footers. Use standard resume sections like Experience, Education, and Skills to ensure the system can parse your information easily.
Opt for a chronological or hybrid resume format rather than a functional one, as ATS often has difficulty interpreting the latter.
3. Optimize for Different ATS Systems
Different ATS platforms may prioritize different elements, such as keyword density or exact phrasing. By creating multiple versions of your resume or tailoring it for each job application, you can ensure that you’re maximizing your chances of passing different systems.
How to Hack It:
Once you’ve identified your target job title, create a master resume with all relevant skills and experiences. For each job application, tweak your resume to emphasize specific keywords or qualifications mentioned in that listing. Some tools and websites allow you to run your resume through ATS-like software to give you a score or help you identify missing keywords. This proactive approach helps you tailor resumes for different systems while maintaining key elements that make your resume ATS-friendly.
4. Use Simple Section Headings
ATS software looks for standard resume section headings to categorize your information, so it’s essential to use terms it recognizes. Custom or unconventional section headings might confuse the system, causing important details to be skipped or miscategorized.
How to Hack It:
Use common headings like Work Experience, Professional Experience, Skills, Education, Certifications, and Contact Information. Refrain from using personalized titles such as “Career Highlights” or “What I Bring to the Table.” Keep it straightforward and clear to ensure that the ATS can quickly identify and categorize the sections of your resume.
5. Incorporate Both Acronyms and Full Terms
Many ATS systems are programmed to search for specific terms, but not all are smart enough to recognize both acronyms and full names of certifications, software, or skills. For example, if a company uses an ATS that recognizes only “Customer Relationship Management” but you wrote “CRM,” your resume may not be flagged for that skill.
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How to Hack It:
Double your chances of passing the ATS by listing both the full name and the acronym. For example, instead of just writing “SEO,” write “Search Engine Optimization (SEO).” Likewise, include “Bachelor of Science (BS)” or “Master of Business Administration (MBA)” to make sure both the full term and abbreviation are covered.
Bonus Tip: Send the Right File Type
Most ATS systems prefer resumes in Word (.doc or .docx) format, as they are easier to parse. While some systems may accept PDFs, others may not handle them well, which could lead to formatting errors or content being unreadable.
How to Hack It:
When applying online, unless explicitly stated otherwise, submit your resume as a Word document to minimize the risk of technical errors. Always read the job posting instructions to confirm the preferred file format.
Final Thoughts
Beating the ATS doesn’t have to be a mystery. By following these simple but effective hacks—tailoring keywords, using clean formatting, optimizing for different systems, using clear headings, and ensuring all terms are covered—you can significantly improve your chances of making it past the ATS filters and into the hands of hiring managers. Remember, the goal isn’t just to bypass the system, but to do so while presenting your qualifications in a professional and compelling manner.
With these ATS hacks, you can start turning more of your applications into interviews and move closer to landing your dream job!
Keith Lawrence Miller, MA, NCRW, PRC, BCC, PCC, ECRE
M.A. Columbia University | Business Psychology Practitioner?
#1 Recommended Executive Resume Writer on LinkedIn?
Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW)?
ICF Credentialed Coach (PCC) | Board Certified Coach (BCC)
AIRS Certified Professional Recruiter (PRC)
AIRS Elite Certified Recruitment Expert (ECRE)
Ivy League Resumes, LLC
(855) KEITH-MILLER / (855) 534-8464