10 Essential Resume Tips to Get Past ATS and Impress Recruiters
1. Tailor your resume for each job application
The most important tip is to customize your resume for each job you apply to. Match your skills and experience with the keywords found in the job description. Our AI tool makes this process quick and easy by automatically analyzing job descriptions and suggesting relevant modifications to your resume.
2. Use ATS-friendly formatting
Keep your formatting simple and clean. Use standard section headings like "Experience," "Education," and "Skills." Avoid tables, headers, footers, text boxes, and complex graphical elements that ATS software may not process correctly. Stick to common fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
3. Include relevant keywords
ATS systems scan for specific keywords related to the job. Include industry terminology, hard skills, soft skills, and certifications mentioned in the job posting. Our AI tool helps identify these keywords and suggests where to incorporate them naturally in your resume.
4. Quantify your achievements
Use numbers and percentages to showcase your accomplishments. Instead of saying "Increased sales," say "Increased sales by 35% over 6 months." Quantifiable achievements catch recruiters' attention and provide concrete evidence of your contributions.
5. Focus on recent and relevant experience
Emphasize your most recent and relevant experiences. While you shouldn't exclude older positions, give more detail to roles that directly relate to the job you're applying for. Our AI tool helps identify which experiences are most relevant for each specific job description.
6. Keep your resume concise
Aim for a 1-2 page resume. Be selective about what you include and prioritize information that directly supports your candidacy for the specific role. Recruiters typically spend just 6-7 seconds scanning a resume initially, so make every word count.
7. Use an appropriate file format
Submit your resume as a .docx or .pdf file unless otherwise specified. These formats are generally ATS-compatible, though .docx is often preferred for better parsing by ATS systems. Our tool allows you to download your tailored resume in multiple formats.
8. Include a strong professional summary
Start with a compelling professional summary that highlights your years of experience, key skills, and biggest achievements. This section is often the first thing a recruiter reads, so make it impactful and relevant to the position you're applying for.
9. Skip the objective statement
Instead of an objective statement that focuses on what you want, use a professional summary that emphasizes what you can offer the employer. This shift in perspective shows employers how you can add value to their organization.
10. Proofread carefully
Spelling and grammar errors can immediately disqualify your resume. Proofread thoroughly and consider asking someone else to review it as well. Small mistakes can signal a lack of attention to detail to potential employers.