How to Check If Your Resume is ATS Friendly

What Is an ATS and Why Does It Matter?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by recruiters and HR departments to manage the recruitment process. It scans, parses, and ranks incoming resumes based on relevance and keywords before forwarding the best candidates to hiring managers. Since nearly 98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS, a resume that’s not ATS optimized risks being automatically rejected — no matter how qualified the applicant.

Knowing how to check if your resume is ATS friendly is essential to avoid your job application being overlooked. This means structuring your resume to be easily read by machines while still appealing to human recruiters.

Key Characteristics of an ATS Friendly Resume

1. Simple and Clean Formatting

Complex tables, graphics, unusual fonts, or headers and footers can confuse the ATS software. Stick to a straightforward layout with standard margins and consistent section headers like “Work Experience” and “Education.” Avoid columns and use clear bullet points to list accomplishments.

2. Standard File Format

Save your resume as a .docx or .pdf file depending on the job application system’s requirements. While .docx is safest for ATS readability, many systems are now compatible with well-formatted PDFs. Always check the job posting guidelines and upload accordingly.

3. Use of Relevant Keywords

ATS software scans your resume for specific keywords related to the job description. Use exact industry terminology, skills, certifications, and tools mentioned in the posting, naturally integrated into your resume content.

4. Avoid Headers, Footers, and Graphics

Details in headers and footers may be skipped by an ATS. Similarly, logos, images, and icons do not get parsed correctly and should be omitted.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Check If Your Resume is ATS Friendly

Step 1: Review Your Resume Layout and Formatting

Start by ensuring your resume does not use tables, text boxes, or columns. Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in sizes 10-12. Confirm that section headings are clearly labeled and consistent.

Step 2: Test Your Resume With Online ATS Scanners

There are several free and paid ATS resume scan tools available. Upload your resume to these platforms to see how it performs and get suggestions for improvement. Popular tools include Jobscan, ResumeWorded, and CV Owl’s ATS checkers. These tools analyze keyword match, formatting, and readability.

Step 3: Check Keyword Usage Against Job Descriptions

Compare your resume language against the job posting. Are you incorporating the critical skills and terminology? Replace vague phrases and buzzwords with clear keywords relevant to the role.

Step 4: Convert Your Resume to Plain Text

Copy and paste your resume into a plain text editor like Notepad. Assess how the text appears. If content becomes jumbled or unreadable, the ATS might struggle similarly. Ensure your contact information and key details remain clear and unbroken.

Step 5: Get Expert Feedback

Consult recruiters, career coaches, or professional resume writers experienced with ATS standards. They can pinpoint issues that automated tools might miss, especially in tailoring your resume for specific industries.

Common ATS Resume Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting resumes with graphics or images: These are invisible to ATS parsing.
• Using uncommon section titles: Instead of “Career Highlights,” use “Work Experience.”
• Overusing acronyms or abbreviations: Spell out terms on first use (e.g., “Search Engine Optimization (SEO)”).
• Failing to include relevant keywords: Generic resumes rarely pass ATS filters.
• Incorrect file format submission: Uploading unusual file types can cause ATS rejection.

Best Practices for ATS Optimized Resume Writing

Use Clear and Descriptive Headers

Label each section with common ATS-recognized headers: Summary, Work Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications, etc. Avoid creative labeling that may confuse the system.

Integrate Keywords Organically

Don’t just list keywords at the bottom. Instead, weave them naturally into your job descriptions, achievements, and summary to demonstrate expertise.

Quantify Achievements Where Possible

Use numbers to showcase impact (e.g., “Increased sales by 30% within six months”). ATS and humans alike favor quantifiable data.

Keep Design Minimal

Prioritize ATS readability over elaborate visual appeal. Clean structure will still look professional on screen and in print.

How to Validate Your ATS Compatibility With a Real Application

Besides using online tools, one of the best ways to check ATS compatibility is by submitting your resume to real job applications that use ATS and monitoring responses. You can:

• Apply to similar role listings on major job boards and company websites.
• Track whether you receive automated interview invitations or rejections promptly.
• Ask for feedback when possible.

This practical approach helps reveal if your resume passes ATS criteria beyond just simulation tools.

Additional Resources for ATS Friendly Resume Writing

For a deeper understanding of ATS and tips on creating resumes that pass screening software, visit CV Owl’s comprehensive blog: ATS Resume: Complete Guide to Pass Applicant Tracking System. This pillar article offers extensive guidance and examples to maximize your resume’s effectiveness.

FAQ: Common Questions About ATS Friendly Resumes

Q1: Can I use colors or graphics in an ATS resume?

It is best to avoid colors, graphics, or logos. ATS software often cannot read them and might discard your resume. Stick to simple black text on a white background.

Q2: Should I tailor my resume for each job application?

Yes. Customizing your resume’s keywords and phrases to align with each job posting significantly improves your chances of passing the ATS screening.

Q3: What’s the best file format to upload?

.docx (Microsoft Word) is typically the safest, but some ATS accept PDF if clearly formatted. Always review the job application instructions.

Q4: How do I know which keywords to include?

Extract keywords from job descriptions, industry jargon, required skills, certifications, and tools relevant to your experience and the role.

Conclusion: Ensuring Your Resume Passes ATS Screening

Checking if your resume is ATS friendly is a critical step in today’s digital hiring landscape. By understanding how applicant tracking systems parse resumes, and following best practices for formatting, keyword inclusion, and file type, you can greatly increase your chances of making it to the recruiter’s desk. Consistently test your resume with ATS tools, tailor it for each job, and keep it clean and straightforward. Remember, optimizing for ATS does not mean compromising on professionalism — it means making your qualifications clear and accessible to both machines and humans.

For more detailed insights on ATS resume optimization, consider exploring the CV Owl ATS Resume Guide. Investing time to perfect your resume today can unlock more interview opportunities tomorrow.