ATS Resume Guide: How to Beat Applicant Tracking Systems
Published July 7, 2026 · 15 min read
More than 75% of resumes submitted online are never seen by a human being. They are filtered out by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) — software that scans resumes for keywords, formatting, and relevance before a recruiter ever opens them. If your resume is not optimised for ATS, you could be highly qualified and still get rejected automatically.
This guide teaches you how to create a resume that passes ATS screening and reaches the hands of the hiring manager. Whether you are applying for internships, graduate programmes, or entry-level positions, understanding ATS is essential.
What Is an Applicant Tracking System?
An ATS is software used by employers to manage the recruitment process. When you submit a resume online, it goes into the ATS, which parses your information, scores your resume based on relevance to the job description, and ranks you against other candidates. Common ATS platforms include Workday, Taleo, Greenhouse, Lever, and iCIMS.
The ATS looks for: keywords that match the job description, standard section headings (Work Experience, Education, Skills), simple formatting that can be parsed correctly, and contact information in expected locations.
How to Format Your Resume for ATS
Use a Simple Layout
ATS software reads top to bottom, left to right. Complex layouts with columns, text boxes, tables, or graphics can confuse the parser. Use a single-column layout with clear section headings. Avoid headers and footers for important information — some ATS platforms cannot read them.
Choose the Right File Format
Unless the application specifically requests a PDF, submit a .docx file. Most ATS platforms parse .docx more reliably than PDF. If you submit a PDF, ensure it is text-based (not a scanned image) so the ATS can extract the text.
Use Standard Section Headings
The ATS looks for standard headings to categorise your information. Use "Work Experience" (not "Professional Journey"), "Education" (not "Academic Background"), and "Skills" (not "Areas of Expertise"). Creative headings may not be recognised by the parser.
Choose an ATS-Friendly Font
Use standard fonts: Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Helvetica. Avoid decorative fonts. Use 10-12pt for body text and 14-16pt for headings.
Keyword Optimisation: The Most Important Step
The ATS scores your resume based on how well it matches the job description. The single most important thing you can do is include the right keywords.
How to Find the Right Keywords
Read the job description carefully. Identify the hard skills (software, tools, certifications), soft skills (leadership, communication, problem-solving), and industry-specific terms that appear. These are your target keywords. Include them naturally in your resume — in your skills section, your work experience bullet points, and your summary.
Keyword Placement Strategy
Place the most important keywords in the first third of your resume, as some ATS platforms weight early content more heavily. Include keywords in context — "Python programming" is better than just listing "Python." Match the exact phrasing used in the job description: if they say "project management," do not write "managed projects."
Keyword Density
Include each keyword two to three times across your resume. Do not stuff keywords — modern ATS platforms can detect keyword stuffing and may flag your resume. The keywords should appear naturally in your descriptions of real experience.
What to Avoid in an ATS Resume
- Graphics, charts, and images. The ATS cannot read them.
- Tables and text boxes. They confuse the parser.
- Headers and footers. Some ATS platforms skip them.
- Fancy formatting. Bullet characters other than standard circles or squares may not parse correctly.
- Acronyms without full forms. Write "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)" the first time, then use the acronym.
- Dates in non-standard formats. Use "Month Year" or "MM/YYYY" consistently.
- Unusual section headings. The ATS needs to recognise your sections to categorise information correctly.
ATS Resume Template Structure
[Full Name]
[Email] | [Phone] | [City, Country] | [LinkedIn URL]
Professional Summary
[2-3 sentences with key qualifications and target keywords]
Skills
[List 8-12 relevant hard and soft skills, matching job description keywords]
Work Experience
[Job Title] | [Company] | [Month Year – Month Year]
- [Bullet point starting with action verb, including keyword and measurable outcome]
- [Bullet point with specific achievement]
- [Bullet point demonstrating relevant skill]
Education
[Degree] | [Institution] | [Graduation Date]
[GPA if above 3.5, honours, relevant coursework]
Certifications
[Certification Name] | [Issuing Organisation] | [Date]
ATS Resume Checklist
- Have I identified keywords from the job description?
- Are keywords included naturally throughout my resume?
- Is the layout single-column and simple?
- Are section headings standard and recognisable?
- Is the file in .docx or text-based PDF format?
- Have I removed all graphics, tables, and text boxes?
- Are dates in a consistent, standard format?
- Have I spelled out acronyms at least once?
- Does my resume include measurable achievements?
- Have I tested my resume by pasting the content into a plain text file to check parsing?