How to Make a Professional Resume and Pass ATS for Your Dream Job

In today’s competitive job market, creating a resume that not only stands out to recruiters but also passes the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is essential. Many companies now rely on ATS to filter through resumes before a human ever sees them skillradar. If your resume isn’t optimized for these systems, it may never reach the hiring manager. Here’s how you can craft a professional resume that will pass ATS and help you land your dream job.

1. Understand How ATS Works

Before diving into resume writing, it’s important to know how ATS works. ATS software scans resumes for specific keywords and qualifications that match the job description. If your resume lacks these relevant terms, it’s likely to be filtered out. So, your goal is to create a resume that is both keyword-optimized and easy for ATS to parse.

2. Use a Simple, Clean Format

ATS software struggles with complex designs, images, or graphics. Stick to a clean and simple format with standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman. Use clear section headers (e.g., “Work Experience,” “Education,” etc.) and avoid using tables or columns, which ATS may have difficulty reading.

3. Optimize for Keywords

Keywords are the backbone of ATS filtering. Start by carefully reading the job description and identifying key skills, qualifications, and requirements mentioned. Include these exact terms and phrases in your resume where applicable, without overstuffing. Use both the spelled-out and abbreviated forms of titles or skills (e.g., “Search Engine Optimization (SEO)” and “SEO”).

4. Tailor Each Resume for the Job

Each job is different, and so should each version of your resume. Customize your resume for each job you apply for by tweaking the keywords and highlighting specific experiences or skills that match the job description. This tailored approach significantly increases your chances of passing the ATS and getting noticed.

5. Use Standard Job Titles and Sections

ATS systems look for common resume sections like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” Don’t use creative titles like “What I’ve Done” for the work experience section or “Academic Journey” for education. Keep it simple and straightforward. Similarly, use standard job titles that align with the industry norms.

6. Provide Detailed Job Descriptions

When listing your previous job roles, include detailed descriptions of your responsibilities and achievements. Focus on quantifiable results (e.g., “Increased sales by 20% in six months”) and incorporate relevant keywords. This not only impresses ATS but also showcases your impact to potential employers.

7. Avoid Fancy File Formats

Always submit your resume as a .docx or PDF file, unless the job posting specifically requests another format. Many ATS systems struggle to read other file types, like .jpg or .png, so it’s important to use a format that can be easily scanned and processed.

8. Include Contact Information and LinkedIn

Make sure your resume contains your current contact information, including your phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile URL. ATS may look for your LinkedIn to cross-check your qualifications, and recruiters will want to contact you directly.

9. Focus on Action Verbs and Achievements

Use strong action verbs such as “managed,” “led,” “developed,” and “achieved” to describe your accomplishments. This makes your resume more dynamic and appealing to both ATS and hiring managers. Always back up your claims with numbers or results where possible, as quantifiable achievements are highly valued.

10. Test Your Resume with ATS Tools

There are many online tools that allow you to test your resume against ATS algorithms. These tools simulate how ATS will scan your resume and offer suggestions for improvements. Running your resume through such software before applying can help you fine-tune it for maximum impact.