Introduction

Did you know that more than 75% of resumes never make it to a human recruiter’s hands because they fail to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)? In 2025, most medium to large companies use ATS software to filter applications before they even reach a hiring manager. If your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, it might get rejected automatically—no matter how qualified you are. This guide explains how to create a resume that gets past ATS filters and into the right hands.

What Is an ATS?

An Applicant Tracking System is a software tool employers use to streamline the hiring process. ATS scans resumes for keywords, formatting, and relevant information. If your resume doesn’t match the criteria, it gets filtered out.

For job seekers, this means your resume must be written not just for humans, but also for machines.

1. Use a Simple, Clean Layout

ATS software struggles with complicated designs. Avoid fancy templates with graphics, tables, or multiple columns.

Stick to a single-column layout.
Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
Keep section headers simple (e.g., 'Work Experience', 'Education').

Pro Tip: Save your resume as a Word document (.docx) or PDF (only if job posting accepts it). Some ATS can’t read PDFs properly.

2. Use Keywords Strategically

ATS scans resumes for keywords from the job description. If your resume doesn’t include the right words, you’ll be filtered out—even if you’re qualified.

Example: If the job description says “project management” and your resume only says “led teams,” you might miss the match.

Solution: Tailor your resume for each application. Use exact wording from the job post, naturally woven into your descriptions.

3. Avoid Images, Graphics, and Icons

ATS can’t read images or graphics. Logos, profile pictures, and skill charts won’t be recognized. Stick to text only.

4. Optimize Your Resume Sections

ATS looks for standard sections. Include these in your resume:

Contact Information: Name, phone, email, LinkedIn.
Professional Summary: A brief paragraph with job-specific keywords.
Work Experience: Chronological list with achievements.
Education: Degrees, certifications, relevant coursework.
Skills: Both hard and soft skills relevant to the role.

5. Use Standard Job Titles

ATS may not recognize creative job titles. Instead of writing 'Marketing Ninja,' use 'Digital Marketing Specialist.'

6. Quantify Achievements

ATS prioritizes resumes with measurable results because they’re easier to match to job requirements.

Weak: 'Responsible for managing campaigns.'

Strong: 'Increased campaign ROI by 35% in 6 months through data-driven strategies.'

7. Avoid Headers and Footers

Some ATS systems can’t read information placed in headers or footers. Keep all text in the main body of the document.

8. Choose the Right File Format

Unless the job post specifies otherwise, use a Word document (.docx). Some older ATS versions can’t parse PDFs correctly.

9. Use Bullet Points, Not Paragraphs

Bullet points are easier for ATS to scan. Keep sentences short and action-oriented.

Managed a $500k annual marketing budget.
Trained and mentored a team of 10 junior developers.
Reduced customer complaints by 25% within a year.

10. Avoid Special Characters

ATS struggles with unusual characters and symbols. Stick to plain text formatting.

11. Include Both Acronyms and Full Forms

If the job description mentions 'SEO,' include both 'Search Engine Optimization (SEO)' at least once. This ensures your resume matches both keyword variations.

12. Customize Each Resume

Generic resumes rarely pass ATS. Customize your resume for each application by adjusting keywords and relevant achievements.

13. Keep Work Experience Relevant

ATS gives weight to recent, relevant experience. Limit older jobs to a short summary.

Example: 'Previous roles in sales and customer service available upon request.'

14. Add Certifications and Training

ATS scans for certifications that match job requirements. Include certifications like 'PMP', 'AWS Certified Solutions Architect', or 'Google Analytics Certified.'

15. Proofread Before Submitting

Errors in spelling or formatting can confuse ATS. Always double-check before uploading.

Sample ATS-Friendly Resume Structure

John Doe | john.doe@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | linkedin.com/in/johndoe

Professional Summary:
Project Manager with 8+ years of experience
 leading Agile software development teams. Skilled in Scrum, stakeholder
 communication, and risk management.

Work Experience:
Project Manager, XYZ Corp (2018–2025)
- Led cross-functional teams of 15 members to deliver 10+ projects on time and under budget.
- Increased customer satisfaction by 30% through improved communication protocols.

Education:
B.S. in Computer Science, University of California

Skills:
Agile Project Management | Scrum | Risk Management | Stakeholder Communication

Certifications:
PMP, Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Conclusion

In 2025, creating an ATS-friendly resume is not optional—it’s essential. By keeping your format simple, using relevant keywords, and tailoring your resume for each application, you increase your chances of passing ATS filters and landing an interview. Remember: your resume must impress both machines and humans. With the strategies outlined above, you’ll ensure your resume gets seen by the right people.

How to Create an ATS-Friendly Resume in 2025