An applicant tracking system is software employers use to collect, store and search job applications.

Is a PDF or Word file better for an ATS?

Both usually work if the text is selectable. Avoid image-only PDFs and follow the instructions in the job advertisement.

Do all companies use an ATS?

Many mid-size and large employers do, small ones less often. A clean, keyword-relevant resume works well either way.

ATS-friendly resume tips

Many employers use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to collect and search resumes before a person reads them. An ATS can only use what it can read, so a resume that looks beautiful but is hard to parse can lose you the interview. These tips keep your resume readable by both software and people.

Keep the layout simple

Use one column, standard fonts and clear headings. Tables, text boxes, images and unusual layouts can scramble the order in which software reads your text. Avoid putting contact details inside headers or footers, where some systems skip them.

Use standard section headings

Headings such as Summary, Experience, Education, Projects and Skills are recognised everywhere. Creative names like "My Journey" can confuse parsers.

Match the job's keywords honestly

Recruiters often search by skill names and job titles. Use the exact terms from the job description where they truly describe you, and include both the full name and the abbreviation when relevant, for example "search engine optimisation (SEO)".

Choose a safe file type

Unless the advertisement says otherwise, a Word document or a text-based PDF is safe. A PDF made from a scanned image cannot be read as text. Name the file clearly, for example your-name-resume.pdf.

Show results, not just duties

Start bullets with a strong verb and finish with an outcome. Quantified results help the human reader after the software has passed you through.

Do not trick the system

Hidden white text and keyword stuffing are detected and can get an application rejected. Spend that effort on honest, relevant content instead.

Score your resume against the job

Upload your resume and paste the job description to get a match score, missing keywords and what to change. Free while we launch.

Try the free resume checker

Frequently asked questions

What is an ATS?: An applicant tracking system is software employers use to collect, store and search job applications.
Is a PDF or Word file better for an ATS?: Both usually work if the text is selectable. Avoid image-only PDFs and follow the instructions in the job advertisement.
Do all companies use an ATS?: Many mid-size and large employers do, small ones less often. A clean, keyword-relevant resume works well either way.