Creating an ATS-friendly resume is one of the smartest steps a job seeker can take in today’s highly competitive job market.
Why? The reality is that even the best-written resumes often never make it into a hiring manager’s hands.
Before a recruiter reviews your application, it is usually screened by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), software that scans, ranks, and filters resumes. In fact, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that 98% of all Fortune 500 companies use them to screen job applications. Understanding how these systems work and how to create an ATS-friendly resume an make the difference between getting an interview and getting overlooked.
If you have been applying for jobs and not hearing back, it may not be your experience that is holding you back. It could be the formatting of your resume, the keywords you have used, or even the file type you uploaded.
The good news? With a few small changes, you can make sure your resume passes the scan and reaches real recruiters.
In this blog, we will walk you through what ATS is, how it works, and tips on how to create an ATS-friendly resume that highlights your skills, uses the right keywords, and gets seen by the people who matter most.
Think of an Applicant Tracking System like a digital gatekeeper that helps employers manage hundreds of applications.
It reads your resume, searches for keywords that match the job posting, and then ranks your application. The higher your score, the more likely your resume moves forward to a human recruiter.
In other words, when your resume includes the same language employers use in their job descriptions, such as specific job titles, relevant certifications, and technical skills, it is more likely to pass through to the next stage.
But using the same language is only part of building an ATS resume.
While creative designs look appealing, ATS software prefers simplicity and consistency. This is because the goal of an ATS is to ensure the details of your background are read and categorized accurately. For this reason, your resume layout should prioritize structure, not creativity. That means avoiding unnecessary graphics or complex templates that confuse ATS scanners.
For example, the U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop explains that clear section headings such as “Work Experience,” “Education,” “Skills” and straightforward formatting improve readability and increase your odds of success.
Here are other practical tips that help your resume perform well in both automated scans and human reviews. These are small, repeatable changes you can make today, and they hold up across industries.
Often, you can test your resume before applying by uploading it to a free ATS checker that can review your document to ensure it parses correctly in common hiring systems.
If the results display strange characters or missing data, make adjustments before you hit submit.
Once your resume passes the formatting test, the next step is ensuring it includes the right keywords—the language the ATS is searching for.
Important ATS keywords often come from the “Required Skills” or “Preferred Qualifications” sections of a job posting. Strong resumes balance hard skills you can measure and soft skills that show how you work with others.
Examples of hard skills that frequently appear in job descriptions include:
Examples of soft skills that show up in job descriptions include:
To make these skills count, write them into results-oriented bullets rather than listing them in isolation.
For example: Led a five-member team to complete a customer data-migration project two weeks ahead of schedule using Salesforce.
Your resume summary, sometimes called a professional profile, sits at the top of your document.
It is a brief paragraph that tells hiring managers who you are, what you bring, and why they should keep reading.
This is also a smart place to include high-value ATS keywords that match your target roles.
Here are a few examples you can adapt:
Entry-Level Example
Motivated recent graduate with strong organizational and communication skills. Experienced in customer service and digital scheduling tools. Seeking an administrative assistant role where attention to detail and teamwork contribute to office efficiency.
Career-Change Example
Former educator with a passion for helping others learn and succeed. Experienced in curriculum planning, performance tracking, and technology integration. Transitioning to corporate training and development.
Experienced Professional Example
Project coordinator with five years of experience managing logistics and client communications. Proficient in Microsoft Office and CRM systems, with a consistent record of meeting deadlines under pressure.
Each example uses targeted language (“administrative assistant,” “corporate training,” “project coordinator”) that an ATS can recognize.
Not every employer requires a cover letter, but including one can give you an edge.
Many ATS platforms store cover letters with resumes, and recruiters still review them during later stages. A strong letter demonstrates initiative, professionalism, and communication skills.
Use this simple structure across industries. It keeps your message focused while allowing space to show fit.
Example
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am excited to apply for the Customer Service Representative position listed on your website. With three years of experience assisting clients and managing CRM software, I have developed a strong foundation in communication and problem-solving that aligns with your company’s goals.
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my background can contribute to your team’s success. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Free resume builders and AI resume makers are common, but not all produce ATS-friendly results. Some templates rely on columns, graphics, or custom formatting that may look great visually but confuse scanners. The right tool keeps the design simple and the text easy to parse.
If you are using a free online resume builder, look for these features. They reduce parsing errors and make editing faster.
AI resume tools can help you generate ideas or bullet points, but they require careful editing.
They may suggest generic phrasing that lacks the specificity ATS algorithms prefer. Always personalize the output to reflect your real experience.
An ATS-friendly resume is about clarity, relevance, and strategy. By using the right structure, choosing industry-specific keywords, and maintaining a professional format, you make it easier for technology and people to recognize your strengths.
Pair that approach with the job seeker resources offered by CareerSource Tampa Bay, and you can turn an automated rejection into a genuine opportunity.
Whether you are re-entering the workforce, changing careers, or applying for your first job, support is available. It starts with understanding how modern hiring systems work.
CareerSource Tampa Bay is dedicated to keeping our Tampa Bay residents up-to-date with all of the resources necessary to find their career.
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