Did you know that 75% of resumes are rejected by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) before a human ever sees them? In 2025, understanding how to write an ATS-friendly resume isn't optional—it's essential for landing interviews.
"97.4% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS to screen candidates. If your resume isn't optimized, you're essentially invisible to recruiters."
— Jobscan Research, 2025
What is an ATS and Why Does It Matter?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that employers use to collect, sort, scan, and rank job applications. Before your resume reaches a human recruiter, it must first pass through this digital gatekeeper.
Modern ATS systems in 2025 are more sophisticated than ever. They use semantic analysis to understand context and meaning—not just exact keyword matches. However, they still have specific requirements for formatting and content that you must follow.
ATS-Friendly Resume Format
Use a Simple, Clean Layout
Avoid tables, text boxes, columns, headers/footers, and graphics. ATS systems often can't read these elements properly, causing your information to be scrambled or lost entirely.
Stick to Standard Section Headings
Use conventional headings like "Work Experience," "Education," "Skills," and "Summary." Creative alternatives like "Where I've Made an Impact" confuse ATS parsers.
Choose ATS-Compatible Fonts
Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Helvetica. Avoid decorative fonts that may not render correctly in the system.
Save in the Right Format
Submit your resume as a .docx or .pdf file (check the job posting for preferences). Some older ATS systems struggle with PDFs, so .docx is often the safest choice.
Use Standard Bullet Points
Stick to simple round or square bullets. Special characters and symbols may not parse correctly and could cause formatting issues.
Keyword Optimization Strategy
Keywords are the backbone of ATS optimization. According to Jobscan data, candidates who include the exact job title on their resume are 10.6 times more likely to get an interview.
Hard Skills Keywords
Include specific technical skills, software, certifications, and tools mentioned in the job description. Example: "Python," "Salesforce," "PMP Certification."
Job Title Keywords
Place the exact job title you're applying for near the top of your resume, ideally in your headline or summary section.
Industry Terms
Use industry-standard terminology. If the job says "project management," use that exact phrase rather than synonyms like "initiative coordination."
Common ATS Mistakes to Avoid
- Keyword stuffing: ATS systems can detect unnatural language patterns and may flag your resume as spam
- Using images for text: ATS cannot read text embedded in images, including logos or fancy headers
- Inconsistent formatting: Mixing date formats or using unusual abbreviations confuses the parser
- Missing contact information: Always include your email and phone number in plain text at the top
ATS Success Statistics
- Resumes with the job title are 10.6x more likely to get interviews
- 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before human review
- Properly formatted resumes have a 60% higher pass rate