ATS-Friendly Resume: How to Pass ATS
Most companies use software to read resumes before a person does. If the software cannot read yours, nobody sees it. Here is how to make a resume that passes.
Build an ATS resume free →Already have a resume? Check its ATS score for free and see which keywords are missing.
What is an ATS?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that companies use to collect resumes, read the text, and rank people by how well they match the job. Naukri, LinkedIn, Workday and most company career pages use one.
ATS-friendly vs. not ATS-friendly
| ATS can read it | ATS may fail |
|---|---|
| One column | Two or three columns |
| Normal headings: Experience, Education, Skills | Creative headings: "My Journey", "What I Know" |
| Real text in a PDF or Word file | Resume made as an image or scanned photo |
| Simple fonts such as Calibri, Arial or Lato | Fancy or handwriting fonts |
| Skills written as words | Skill bars, stars and progress circles |
| Contact details in the main text | Contact details inside the page header or footer |
How to add the right keywords
- Open the job advert and underline every skill, tool and qualification.
- Use the same words in your Skills section and in your experience points. If it says "Accounts Payable", don't write only "AP".
- Put the job title from the advert under your name.
- Don't copy the whole advert. Only add skills you really have.
Tip: Points with numbers rank better and read better: "Handled 40+ client accounts" is stronger than "Handled client accounts".
Is there a 100% ATS score?
No tool can promise 100% for every job. Each company's ATS compares your resume with that job advert, so the score changes from job to job. A clean format gets you read correctly. Matching keywords and clear results get you shortlisted.
Frequently asked questions
Is PDF or Word better for ATS?
A text-based PDF works with most modern ATS. Use Word only if the job advert asks for it.
Can ATS read two-column resumes?
Many ATS read columns in the wrong order. A one-column layout is the safest choice.
Build your ATS resume free
Our free builder uses a one-column, ATS-safe layout with standard headings. It also shows a resume score with what is still missing.
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