How to Write an ATS-Friendly Resume

The Ultimate Guide to Crafting ATS-Friendly Resumes in 2025

In the current economy, getting a job requires so much effort hence one’s resume is the first admit card. Since more than 70% of employers employ the use of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to pre-screen resumes, it is paramount that applicants have ATS-friendly resumes. This post also explains about ATS, how your resume gets parsed by these systems, and some techniques to improve your chances of getting an interview.

Understanding Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

An ATS is a tool that helps to sort resumes based on keywords, relevant skills and experience without additional help of the employer. While these systems ease the process of recruiting, they also tend to dismiss any resume that is not properly formatted.

Why ATS Matters

  • Initial Screening: They are used before the resumes get to the human resource department of an organization.
  • Keyword Matching: Candidates’ resumes are then sorted according to how closely each resumes matches the keywords.
  • Efficiency: Reduces the time spent searching for the right candidate for the job by shortlisting them to a few from a pool of many.

Key Features of ATS-Friendly Resume Templates

provides a set of templates that are meant to help navigate ATS smoothly. These templates emphasize:

  • Simplicity: Clean layouts without complex graphics.
  • Standard Headings: Such specific blocks, such as “Work Experience” and “Education”.
  • Keyword Optimization: Space for putting in relevant industry term.

resume optimization

16 ATS-Friendly Resume Templates

  1. Basic Resume Template: A design that has flexibility to accommodate multiple industries.
  2. Minimalist Resume Template: Stress clarity using a two-column design.
  3. Traditional Resume Template: Classic design for conservative industries.
  4. Modern Resume Template: Razor sharp and informal for start-ups and tech jobs.
  5. IT Resume Template: Tailored for tech with focus on tech skills.
  6. Functional Resume Template: Stresses skills over the chronological history of working.
  7. Professional Resume Template: A well-balanced design using strategic application of colour.
  8. College Resume Template: Suitable for the recent graduates and less experienced candidates.
  9. Creative Resume Template: Appropriate for design and arts.
  10. Hybrid Resume Template: Merges elements of chronological and functional forms.
  11. Executive Resume Template: Designed for senior-level professionals.
  12. Freelancer Resume Template: Prioritizes project-based work and accomplishments.
  13. Internship Resume Template: Tailored for students seeking internships.
  14. Part-Time Resume Template: Emphasizes flexibility and relevant skills.
  15. Sales Resume Template: Highlights achievements and sales metrics.
  16. Marketing Resume Template: Consists of campaigns, analytics, and strategy.

Every template is designed to make it compatible with ATS, thus making it more likely for your resume to reach hiring managers.

7 Tips to Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly

To complement this, you may consider the following tips when it comes to ATS-friendly resume:

  1. Use a Simple Format: Do not use complicated schemes, tables, or graphics that can hardly be read by ATS.
  2. Use Standard Section Headings: Top titles such as “Work Experience” and “Education” will allow the ATS to know what it is looking at.
  3. Include Relevant Keywords: Incorporate words and phrases used in the job description always. Just be sure to integrate them naturally so that a human will be able to understand them in the context after the ATS has approved your resume.
  4. Stick to Professional Fonts: Choose easy-to-read fonts that are not in the top use fonts. We suggest a font such as Lora, Roboto, or Ubuntu.
  5. This means converting a document, image, video, etc., to the appropriate file format that enables it to navigate the different subheadings smoothly. In every case, submit your resume in the PDF format unless the job ad indicates otherwise.
  6. Spell Out Acronyms: It is also a good bet to include the full term and in addition its acronym in case the ATS catches it, e.g., Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
  7. Proofread Carefully: If your CV and cover letters are riddled with typos and misspellings, the ATS will fail to pick out valuable keywords from your resume.

Common ATS Formatting Mistakes to Avoid

To make your resume ATS friendly, avoid these common mistakes that are likely to trip up your resume:

  • Using Uncommon Fonts: Stick to the standard fonts such as Arial, calibri or time new roman.
  • Incorporating Graphics or Images: ATS may not be able to also read logos or pictures.
  • Using Tables or Columns: These confuses ATS parsing algorithms.
  • Using Headers or Footers: Data may not be read by the ATS if deposited in such sections.
  • Including Unnecessary Information: Do not include information such as age, marital status, or a photograph.

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Testing Your Resume for ATS Compatibility

When you prepare to send out your resume, it’s important to check if your resume is compatible with ATS. Here’s how:

  • Use ATS Resume Checkers: Other ATS-friendly tools such as the ATS Resume Checker from Novorésumé are able to examine the layout of your resume as well as keyword optimization.
  • Convert Your Text Application to a Plain Text: Copy and paste your resume text into a plain text editor to see as plain text.
  • Seek Feedback: Have a mentor or colleague check your resume for clarity and relevance.

The Importance of Tailoring Your Resume

One major way of getting past the ATS is to customize your resume for every job application. Here’s how:

  • Analyze the Job Description: Recognize major skills, qualifications and duties mentioned.
  • Incorporate Relevant Keywords: Use the same terms and phrases of the job description.
  • Highlight Relevant Experience: Highlight your experience and accomplishments that match what the job needs.

Customizing your resume not only gets your resume past the ATS, but it also shows hiring managers that you have taken the time to learn about the role and its demands.

Conclusion

In the modern job market, designing an ATS-friendly resume is essential. With a suitable template that pays attention to quotes, edited out some formatting errors in the content of your resume, you enhance the chances of your resume going through ATS and getting an interview.

Keep in mind that although ATS is a major part of hiring, your resume needs to attract the attention of human recruiters as well. The key to having a winning resume is to strike a balance between ATS optimization and human readability.

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