ATS-Friendly Resume Builder
Build a resume that beats the bots. Analyze against job descriptions and export a file guaranteed to be readable by any Applicant Tracking System.
Build Your Resume
Not sure where to start?
Personal Details
Professional Summary
Skills
Separate skills with commas (e.g., Python, Project Management, SEO)
Work Experience
Education
Keyword Analyzer
Paste a job description below to see how well your resume matches.
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Your Name
your.email@example.com | (555) 123-4567
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yourprofile
Portfolio: yourportfolio.com
SUMMARY
Professional summary highlighting key skills and experience relevant to the job you are applying for. Tailor this section to match the job description's requirements.
SKILLS
Keyword, Another Keyword, Technical Skill, Soft Skill, Industry-Specific Tool
EXPERIENCE
Job Title
Company Name | City, State
Month YYYY - Present
- Accomplishment-driven bullet point describing your impact. - Use action verbs and quantify your results whenever possible. - Example: Increased team efficiency by 20% by implementing a new project management system.
EDUCATION
University Name
Degree or Certificate, Field of Study
Graduated: Month YYYY
The Ultimate Guide to Beating the Resume Robots (ATS)
In today's job market, your first hurdle isn't a person—it's a machine. Over 98% of Fortune 500 companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. If your resume isn't formatted correctly, it gets rejected before a human ever sees it. This guide explains how to build a resume that sails through the ATS and lands on the hiring manager's desk.
What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?
An ATS is software that acts as an electronic gatekeeper for recruiters. It scans resumes for keywords, skills, and experience, then ranks candidates based on how well they match the job description. Think of it as a search engine for resumes. Your job is to make your resume as search-friendly as possible.
Why a Simple, Plain Text Resume is Your Secret Weapon
Fancy graphics, columns, tables, and custom fonts look great to the human eye, but they confuse an ATS. The software can't parse the information correctly, leading to jumbled data or a complete rejection. A plain text (.txt) resume, like the one our builder exports, is the gold standard for compatibility. It strips away all formatting, presenting your information in a clean, linear way that every ATS can understand perfectly.
How to Write an ATS-Optimized Resume, Section by Section
- Contact Information: Keep it simple. Include your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL. Avoid putting this information in a header or footer, as some ATS can't read those areas.
- Keywords are Everything: This is the most critical part. Scour the job description for essential skills, software, and qualifications. Use the exact phrasing in your 'Skills' and 'Experience' sections. Our Keyword Analyzer tool can help you with this!
- Use Standard Section Headings: Don't get creative. Stick to universally recognized headings like "Summary," "Skills," "Work Experience," and "Education." This is what the ATS is programmed to look for.
- Write Strong, Accomplishment-Driven Bullet Points: Under each job, use bullet points that start with an action verb and include quantifiable results. This shows your impact and value to potential employers.
- Use a Clean, Simple Format: Use standard fonts. Avoid columns, text boxes, images, and tables. Use standard bullet points (circles or squares).
Advanced Strategies & Content Expansion
Common ATS Formatting Mistakes to Avoid
- Headers & Footers: Information in these areas can be ignored by an ATS. Place all contact info in the main body.
- Tables & Columns: ATS software reads from left to right, top to bottom. Columns can jumble your text into nonsense.
- Images & Graphics: Logos, photos, and skill rating bars are invisible to an ATS and can cause parsing errors.
- Uncommon Fonts: Stick to universal fonts like Arial, Helvetica, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
Action Verb & Keyword Library for Top Industries
Use these powerful words to describe your accomplishments and match what recruiters are searching for.
For Tech Roles
Architected, Developed, Engineered, Deployed, Automated, Integrated, Debugged, Optimized, Scaled, API, Python, Java, AWS, React, SQL
For Marketing Roles
Generated, Converted, Optimized, Launched, Spearheaded, Captured, Analyzed, SEO, SEM, Content Marketing, Google Analytics, HubSpot
For Management Roles
Orchestrated, Led, Mentored, Budgeted, Managed, Directed, Oversaw, Implemented, Strategic Planning, P&L, Project Management
ATS in Action: Before & After
See how a few changes can make a world of difference for the resume bots.
BEFORE (Likely to Fail)
Experience:
Was in charge of the company's online marketing efforts and social media presence.
AFTER (ATS-Optimized)
Experience:
- Managed digital marketing campaigns and utilized SEO strategies to increase organic traffic by 40%.
The 'AFTER' version uses specific keywords ("digital marketing," "SEO") and quantifies the achievement, making it highly valuable to both ATS and human readers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an ATS-friendly resume?
An ATS-friendly resume is a resume formatted in a simple, clean way that allows Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to easily read and parse the information. It avoids complex formatting like tables, columns, images, and fancy fonts, focusing instead on standard headings and clear, keyword-rich text. The goal is to ensure the software accurately understands your qualifications.
Why is a .txt file format good for ATS?
The plain text (.txt) format is the ultimate 'safe' format for an ATS. It contains no hidden formatting, scripts, or complex structures, guaranteeing that any ATS can read it without errors. While modern ATS can handle PDFs well, a .txt version is a foolproof way to ensure your information gets through the initial screening, which is why our tool provides a direct .txt export.
How do I add keywords to my resume?
To add keywords, carefully read the job description for the role you're targeting. Identify the key skills, technologies, and qualifications the employer is looking for. Naturally weave these exact keywords and phrases into your 'Skills' section and your 'Work Experience' descriptions. Our Keyword Analyzer can help you identify which keywords are missing.
Should I use a creative or a simple resume format?
For most online applications, a simple, ATS-friendly format is far more effective than a creative one. Creative formats with graphics and unique layouts often fail ATS scans. Save your beautifully designed resume for networking events or direct emails. When applying through a portal, always prioritize clarity and scannability.
