ATS-Friendly Resumes…Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

3 Quick and Easy to Implement Steps to Writing an ATS-Friendly Resume

Want to know how to make sure your resume is seen by a recruiter? I’ve got some secrets to share!

Ever feel like your resume and your skills are amazing, but you don’t hear back for jobs you apply to? Do you wonder what happens to your resume after you send it off in the application process? 

Hey there job seeker, let's talk about something that's critical to landing your dream job: writing an ATS-friendly resume. Now, you might be wondering, what is an ATS? Well, it stands for Applicant Tracking System, and it's used by most companies nowadays to sift through resumes and filter out the most qualified candidates.

If your resume doesn't make it past the ATS, chances are it will never be seen by a human recruiter, which is why it's crucial to optimize your resume ATS s systems. Here are 4 big reasons why:

Beat the competition:

When you apply for a job, you're not the only one. Chances are, dozens or even hundreds of other applicants are vying for the same position. That's why it's important to make sure your resume (and your amazingness!) stands out and that it's optimized for the ATS. This will give you a better chance of getting through to the next round and being considered for the job.

Save time:

Recruiters receive a lot of resumes for each job posting, and they don't have time to read through all of them. That's where the ATS comes in. It automatically scans resumes for keywords and qualifications that match the job description. If your resume is ATS-friendly, it will be easier for the system to find the relevant information and put you on the shortlist.

Highlight your skills:

An ATS-friendly resume is one that uses relevant keywords and phrases that align with the job requirements. By doing so, you not only make it easier for the ATS to identify you as a good candidate, but you also demonstrate that you have the skills and experience the employer is looking for. This can go a long way in helping you land an interview.

Future-proof your job search:

Applicant tracking systems are here to stay, and they're only going to become more sophisticated over time. By learning how to write an ATS-friendly resume now, you're setting yourself up for success in the future. Even if you don't get the job you're applying for right now, the skills you learn will be useful for future job searches.

So, how do you write an ATS-friendly resume? 

Here are a few basic tips for writing an ATS-friendly resume to get you started:

Use relevant keywords:

One of the most important things you can do to make your resume ATS-friendly is to use relevant keywords throughout the document. Read the job posting carefully and make a list of the keywords and phrases that appear most often. Incorporate these words into your resume in a way that makes sense and flows naturally.

Avoid graphics and fancy formatting:

While it might be tempting to include graphics, tables, or other fancy formatting in your resume, this can actually hurt your chances of making it through the ATS. These elements can confuse the system and cause it to overlook important information. Stick with a simple, clean layout and use a standard font like Arial or Times New Roman.

Tailor your resume for each job:

Finally, it's important to tailor your resume for each job you apply for. This means adjusting your keywords, skills, and experiences to align with the specific requirements of the job posting. While this may take a bit of extra time and effort, it can make a big difference in whether or not your resume gets noticed by the ATS and the recruiter.

An ATS-friendly resume is essential for anyone looking to land a job in today's competitive job market. By optimizing your resume for ATS, you can beat the competition, highlight your skills, and future-proof your job search. So, take some time to review the tips above and start crafting that perfect resume today!

I hope you’ve found this helpful and I wish you the best of luck in your writing process. If you are looking for more information, please visit my website- Higher & Hire. If I can be of assistance to you, please reach out to me here.

Many Thanks!

Valerie Palmer