How to Make Your Resume Pass the ATS (Applicant Tracking System)

Khay Cherniavski

Oct 9 • Tips & Hints

Did you know most companies use an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) to scan resumes before a human ever sees them?

These systems automatically filter out candidates based on keywords, formatting, and structure.

Here’s how to make sure your resume gets through the filter:

🧩 1. Use Keywords Strategically

Pull keywords directly from the job description like tools, technologies, frameworks, and skills.

⚠️ But don’t “keyword stuff”! Modern ATS tools are smart enough to detect unnatural or forced usage. Integrate them naturally in your titles, bullet points, and skills section.

🧩 2. Keep Formatting Simple

Avoid fancy templates, icons, or complex fonts.

ATS software can’t read graphics, and you might get filtered out for something as small as a nonstandard format.

✅ Stick with a clean layout and standard sections like Work Experience, Skills, and Education.

📄 File format tip: Use PDF, unless the job post says otherwise.

🧩 3. Stay Concise

Most recruiters spend seconds reviewing resumes.

Keep it under 2 pages, focused, and easy to skim.

🧩 4. Personalize Each Application

It’s tempting to send the same resume everywhere, but small tweaks to match each job description can make a big difference in passing the ATS filters and landing interviews.

💬 Question for everyone:

Have you ever had your resume rejected before the interview stage and later realized it was because of ATS filtering?

What’s one change you’ve made to your resume that improved your results?

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