How To Write an ATS Friendly Resume?

 A software programme called an applicant tracking system (ATS) searches resumes for pertinent keywords including abilities, job titles, and educational history. The likelihood that an employer will view your resume might significantly increase if your resume template complies with ATS standards. The layout, design, and keywords of ATS resume templates are carefully considered in order to pass scans.

In this article, we go through the importance of adapting your resume for applicant tracking systems, how to create your own ATS-friendly resume, and how to use our own template in an example.

What is an ATS-friendly resume template?

Templates for resumes that are ATS-friendly are made to facilitate application processes. Even if you follow best practises and include the right keywords on your resume, you could still fall short of the requirements imposed by the ATS. These programmes analyse the words in your resume and import useful data into a profile.

Tracking systems struggle to comprehend where the crucial information is because of irregular formatting or complex designs, which leads to incorrect categorization. When this happens, resumes are misinterpreted and sometimes even thrown away, never to be seen by an employer.

In order to work with applicant tracking systems, some templates are pre-formatted. Using the most popular terms, they group information into distinct categories that are easier for the ATS to comprehend as a whole.

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7 tips for creating your ATS-friendly resume template 

An ATS-compliant resume template considers a few of the potential errors that confuse tracking systems. Here are some tips:

1. Understand applicant tracking systems

Researching and fully comprehending what applicant tracking systems are and how they operate is the first and most crucial step. They are used to locate the best applicants for businesses as well as to simplify the application process by picking out key information from your resume. Their day is much shortened because they are only presented with the finest resumes.

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2. Avoid header and footer details

The majority of tracking systems struggle to correctly read and comprehend data in the header and footer. Candidates frequently include their contact information in these places. If an ATS doesn't read this data, it may lose your contact details and have no records for the employer. Put your name, phone number, and email address in other places on your resume template to avoid this.

3. Use appropriate keyword optimization

The ATS scans for particular keywords that the employer has defined during the scanning process. Without these words, resumes are frequently discarded. Reading the job description included in the listing is one of the greatest ways to decide what keywords to utilise. Search for words that are used frequently in the article that are role-specific. You should give a particular term greater weight in your resume the more popular it is. Use these keywords as needed throughout your resume, but don't overdo it.

4. Use specific details

If required, be detailed when describing past roles and responsibilities as well as in your objective. Some roles vary even within the same industry, or companies seek for different sets of keywords. Examine each job posting carefully, then revise your CV to make it the ideal choice for that particular position.

5. Use appropriate file formats

ATS may not always benefit from using PDFs, despite their exceptional ability to save file data without losing integrity. Tracking software comes in many different flavours, but not all of them accept PDFs. Make sure you review the provided list of acceptable file formats before uploading a resume. Upload an a.doc or.docx version of the file if PDF isn't listed as an acceptable choice.

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6. Use simple layouts or designs

Some employers favour resumes with personality and character depending on the sector. They learn more about each candidate thanks to it. However, some resumes and resume templates have jarring layouts and dramatic designs. ATS cannot read layouts with complex design. If it makes an attempt, there is a good probability that it will select the incorrect information for employers or will lower the resume entirely, possibly eliminating it.

7. Avoid graphics

Images, charts, and other graphics cannot be read by ATS. Some candidates use charts to display their competence levels in various areas. That information can only be recorded by an ATS if it is also written in another section. These should be avoided as much as possible while selecting or constructing an ATS resume template.

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ATS resume template

The following guidelines should be followed for optimum results while looking for or creating ATS-compliant resume templates:

Heading

Mention your name and position here. Put your contact details in a lower section if you do.]

Summary or objective

Although it's not the most popular location for contact information, ATS identify phone numbers and email addresses in resumes. If this information is separated out into its own section inside the resume's body, applicant tracking systems can quickly find it. If applicable, state your goal as well as your contact information below.]

Education or experience

Depending on whatever you think is more important for the position, this section could concentrate on either education or experience. Whichever comes first, be sure to include specifics and when necessary, relevant keywords. List any classes you took or specific projects you accomplished that have a direct bearing on the position in your education section. Add a sentence in which you use your chosen keywords to express what you took away from it. Include plugin keywords throughout your experience description and go into detail about each role's responsibilities. List the opposite section right after the one you choose to list first.]

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[Title of degree] [School name] [Graduation date]

• [Relevant classes]
• [Relevant projects]

or

[Job title] [Dates of employment] [Name of employer] [City and state of employer]

• [Detailed function of the role]

Skills, expertise, interests or other accomplishments

Your abilities, knowledge, and other accomplishments are listed in the final primary part. Instead of identifying specific skills, describe how and where you use them in a few brief phrases or words. Use here as a chance to add some of your keywords and improve the resume's SEO.]

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