Resume Optimization for ATS Systems: How to Get Past the Gatekeepers

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes before a human ever sees them. Optimizing for ATS increases the chance your resume reaches a recruiter. This guide covers practical, testable steps.

What is an ATS?

An ATS is software that parses resumes, extracts structured data (titles, skills, dates), and ranks candidates based on keywords, experience and other signals. Popular systems include Greenhouse, Lever, Taleo, iCIMS.

1. Use a Clean, ATS-Friendly Format

• Use simple layouts: single column, standard fonts (Arial, Calibri)
• Avoid headers/footers for critical info (ATS may ignore them)
• Use bullet lists for responsibilities and achievements
• Save as PDF or .docx depending on job posting instructions

2. Mirror the Job Description (Smart Keywording)

• Read the JD and match terminology exactly (e.g., "React" vs "React.js")
• Use keywords naturally in context (skills, projects, summary)
• Prioritize hard skills and role-specific tools

Example:

Job asks: "Experience with REST APIs, GraphQL, TypeScript"
Resume: "Built REST APIs using Node.js; integrated GraphQL endpoints; wrote TypeScript services"

3. Put Key Info Up Top

• Include a concise summary / headline
• Add a skills section with comma-separated keywords
• Place most relevant experience first

4. Quantify Achievements

• Use metrics: % improvement, revenue impact, time saved
• Example: "Reduced page load time by 45%, improving conversions by 12%"

5. Use Standard Section Headings

• Work Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications
• ATS looks for these labels; custom headings may be missed

6. Avoid Fancy Elements

• No images, charts, text boxes, or unusual symbols
• Avoid multi-column layouts

7. Dates and Titles

• Include month/year for roles
• Be consistent: use either MM/YYYY or YYYY
• Use clear job titles; include seniority (e.g., "Senior Software Engineer")

8. Test Your Resume

• Upload to free ATS simulators (jobscan.co or similar)
• Compare your resume against the job description
• Iterate: add missing keywords and re-test

9. Resume vs LinkedIn

• LinkedIn is searchable and should contain the same keywords
• Keep LinkedIn more narrative—resume should be concise and ATS-optimized

10. Common Mistakes

• Overstuffing keywords (keyword stuffing looks unnatural)
• Using PDF when JD asks for .docx (or vice versa)
• Hiding important info in headers/footers
• Using uncommon fonts or graphics

Quick Resume Checklist

• [ ] One-page (junior) / Two-page (senior)
• [ ] Simple layout, no images
• [ ] Keywords from JD present and contextual
• [ ] Measurable achievements included
• [ ] Dates and location present
• [ ] Skills section with core technical terms
• [ ] Exported to recommended file type

Final Tips

• Tailor your resume per application (3-5 minutes of tailoring boosts success)
• Use action verbs: "led", "designed", "implemented"
• Keep a master resume with all achievements; create targeted copies per role

Ready to optimize your resume with AI? Use ManyOffer's resume scanning feature to match your resume to job descriptions and get instant suggestions.