Every good resume should be accompanied by an ATS-friendly, or applicant tracking system-friendly, resume. The all-important ATS-friendly resume, if done right, can make the difference between finding a job that best suits you and being overlooked by employers. This article will provide you with all you need to know to craft an effective and ATS-friendly resume.
Components of a Resume
When it comes to writing a resume for a job, there are two main components that are necessary for a resume to be considered by the ATS. The two components, which must be included in every ATS-friendly resume, are your professional profile summary and targeted skills section.
Professional Profile Summary
The professional profile summary is a brief summary or highlight of your professional accomplishments. It should highlight the main area of your expertise and provide an overview of your career. This summary makes it easier for recruiters to quickly identify what you offer the organization while also helping the ATS pick up the right key words.
Targeted Skills Section
The targeted skills section is an essential part of an ATS-friendly resume. This section should focus on your skills that are most relevant for the job you are applying for. It is important to provide clear, concise, and specific information in this section to ensure that the ATS picks up the right skillsets.
Formatting Tips
Writing a resume is only half of the battle; it also needs to be properly formatted to be ATS-friendly. To format your resume in a way that maximizes its ATS-friendliness, follow these tips.
Keep It Simple
Keep the layout of your resume simple and uncluttered. Avoid fancy designs and layouts that can make it difficult for an ATS to scan your resume. This will help the ATS parse your resume more easily and accurately.
Include Keywords
Including relevant and specific keywords throughout your resume is essential for it to be ATS-friendly. Read the job description carefully to determine the skills and qualifications that the company is looking for, and ensure you include these in your resume.
Include Relevant Information
When creating your resume, focus on providing relevant and accurate information. Avoid using any unverifiable information or embellishments as this can lead to your resume being rejected.
People Also Ask
What Format Should a Resume Be For an ATS?
Ideally, an ATS-friendly resume should be formatted as a PDF or plain text document. Documents with complicated formatting and embedded images can be difficult for an ATS to parse and should be avoided.
How Long Should an ATS-Friendly Resume Be?
An ATS-friendly resume should be one to two pages in length, depending on your experience level. Be sure to limit your resume to the relevant information that is most applicable for the job you are applying for.
What Information Do I Need To Include in an ATS-Friendly Resume?
An ATS-friendly resume should include a professional profile summary, targeted skills section, and relevant keywords. Additionally, the information provided should be accurate and verifiable.
How Can I Make My Resume ATS-Friendly?
To make your resume ATS-friendly, focus on including relevant keywords and information, as well as formatting it in a simple and professional way. Avoid including unverifiable information or complex formatting to maximize your resume’s chances of being picked up by an ATS.
Final Words
Creating a resume that is both professional and ATS-friendly requires time and effort, but the rewards are worth it. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can create a resume that increases your chances of landing an interview and, eventually, your dream job.