15-Point Checklist for ATS-Compatible Resumes

Want your resume to beat the bots and land on a human's desk? Here's your guide to creating an ATS-friendly resume:

Use Word docs (.doc or .docx), not PDFs
Include job description keywords
Keep formatting simple
Make it scannable with bullet points
Double-check for errors
Use standard section headers
Stick to basic fonts (10-12 point size)
Avoid graphics, images, or symbols
Use standard date formats (MM/YYYY)
Mirror job requirements in your qualifications
Use a reverse-chronological format
Maintain 1-inch margins
Use single spacing between text
Include a skills section
Save as .docx or PDF (check job listing)

Why does this matter? Because 75% of resumes never make it past ATS screening. But follow these steps, and you're not just another applicant. You're a standout ready to meet your future boss.

Do	Don't
Use simple layouts	Use headers or footers
Add relevant keywords naturally	Stuff keywords
Use standard fonts	Use fancy designs
Proofread carefully	Trust spell-check alone

Remember: Optimize for ATS, but write for humans. Your goal? An ATS score of 80% or higher. That's your ticket to the next round.

How ATS Works

Ever wonder how your resume gets sorted before a human sees it? Meet the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) - the digital bouncer of job applications.

Here's the scoop:

ATS software scans your resume for specific keywords and qualifications. It's not just word-matching; it's fit-finding.

ATS Basics

ATS is like a resume translator. It strips your fancy formatting to plain text, then hunts for:

Job titles
Skills
Education
Work experience

Here's the kicker: 75% of resumes never make it past this digital gatekeeper. Why? They don't match what the ATS wants.

The ATS scores each resume. Higher score? Better chance of human eyes seeing it.

Popular ATS Software

Not all ATS are equal. Here's a quick look at some big players:

ATS Software	Best For	Key Feature
Workable	Candidate tracking	Advanced people search
Greenhouse	Large companies	AI-powered communication
iCIMS	Fortune 500 companies	Cuts time-to-fill by up to 50%
Zoho Recruit	AI features	Built-in AI assistant

Greenhouse? Used by Airbnb and Squarespace. Known for AI-powered candidate communication.

iCIMS? The choice for 25% of Fortune 500 companies. It's all about speed, halving hiring time in some cases.

Each ATS has its quirks. But they all share one goal: finding the best match between your resume and the job description.

Want to beat the bots and get your resume in front of real eyes? That's what our 15-step checklist covers next. Stay tuned.

15 Steps for ATS-Friendly Resumes

Want your resume to beat the bots? Here's how to make it ATS-friendly:

1. Pick the Right Format

Ditch PDFs. Go for Word docs (.doc or .docx). Why? Some ATS can't read PDFs well. You could lose out before a human even sees your resume.

2. Use Job Description Keywords

ATS hunts for specific words. Here's the trick:

Grab 3-5 job descriptions for your target role
Use a word frequency tool to spot common keywords
Weave these words into your resume naturally

Don't keyword stuff. Show you're the right fit.

3. Keep Formatting Simple

Complex designs confuse ATS. Stick to:

Basic fonts (Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman)
10-12 point font size
Simple bullet points
Standard headers (like "Work Experience", "Education")

4. Make It Scannable

ATS likes structure. Help it out:

Use bullet points for achievements
Stick to standard date formats (MM/YYYY)
Skip graphics, images, or symbols

5. Double-Check Everything

One error can mean ATS rejection. Check:

Spelling and grammar
Consistent formatting
All fields in online applications

Do	Don't
Use simple layouts	Use headers or footers
Add relevant keywords naturally	Stuff keywords
Use standard fonts	Use fancy designs
Proofread carefully	Trust spell-check alone

75% of resumes never get past ATS. But follow these steps, and you're not just another applicant. You're a standout ready to meet your future boss.

"A resume not formatted for ATS can get a qualified candidate passed over – no matter their actual skills." - Amanda Augustine, Resume Expert

Don't let a bot decide your career. Make your resume ATS-friendly and let your skills shine through to the humans.

ScanResume.ai for ATS Checks

ScanResume.ai

ScanResume.ai is your pocket resume expert. It helps you make sure your resume can beat the bots and land on a real person's desk.

What ScanResume.ai Does

This tool isn't just a resume checker. It's your personal resume optimizer. Here's the rundown:

It matches your resume keywords with job descriptions
Checks if ATS software can read your resume format
Scores how well your resume fits the job
Spots skills you forgot to mention and ones you might need

Sarah, a software dev, said:

"ScanResume.ai bumped my ATS score from 65% to 88%. Got the interview, landed the job at a top tech firm."

ScanResume.ai Plans

Plan	Price	What You Get
Free	$0/month	Daily ATS check, unlimited edits
Premium	$7.99/month	Unlimited checks, automated job applications, unlimited tailored resumes

Job hunting? The Premium plan at $7.99/month lets you tailor your resume for each application.

Companies can use the Business plan to make hiring easier, with video interviews included.

Wrap-Up

Let's face it: ATS-compatible resumes are a must. Why? 75% of applications get tossed before a human even sees them. So, optimizing your resume isn't just nice—it's necessary.

Here's the quick and dirty on what you need to do:

1. Keep it simple

Clean layout. Standard fonts. No fancy stuff.

2. Use keywords

Match your resume to the job description. It's how you boost that ATS score.

3. File type matters

Stick to .docx or .pdf unless told otherwise.

4. Stay current

Update every 6-12 months or when you level up your skills.

5. No typos allowed

Errors confuse ATS. Double-check everything.

Your goal? An ATS score of 80% or higher. That's your ticket to the next round.

Here's what Angela Cullum, Senior Recruiter at The HT Group, says:

"Take the job description and make sure the qualifications and requirements are clearly reflected in the resume you're submitting."

But don't forget—humans matter too. Phil Rosenberg, Career Coach and President of reCareered, reminds us:

"Getting your resume through ATSs is only part of the problem. You've got to get your resume through at least two more visual reviews before you get even an initial interview."

So, optimize for ATS, but write for humans. Keep at it, and you'll crack the code.

FAQs

How do you write an ATS-compatible resume?

To create a resume that plays nice with ATS:

Study the job description like it's your favorite book
Make your qualifications mirror the job requirements
Sprinkle in keywords from the job posting
Keep it simple - no fancy graphics or images
Use boring (but effective) headings like "Work Experience" and "Education"
Save as a .docx or PDF (check what the job listing wants)

What resume format is best for ATS?

Reverse-chronological is the way to go. It's like a time machine for your career, starting with your most recent job and working backward. ATS loves it, and recruiters do too.

How do I make sure my resume is ATS-friendly?

Here's the secret sauce:

1-inch margins all around
Single spacing between text
Boring fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
Clear section headings
No tables, text boxes, or images
Include a skills section with job description keywords

What does ATS check in a resume?

ATS is like a picky eater. It looks for:

Keywords that match the job description
Relevant work experience
Education requirements
Specific skills or certifications
Proper formatting and readability

If your resume doesn't have the right ingredients, it might not make it to human eyes.

What is the ATS format for resumes?

There's no one-size-fits-all ATS format, but follow these rules:

Use reverse-chronological layout
Stick to single column design
Include standard section headers
Use a common font (11-12 point size)
Save as .docx or PDF
Sprinkle relevant keywords throughout