Hiring teams often skim resumes in 6–10 seconds, and many companies filter applications through an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) first. The good news: small, intentional edits can dramatically improve both readability and match rate.

1) Start with a job-targeted summary (not an objective)

A strong summary is a 3–4 line snapshot that mirrors the role.

• Lead with your title + years (or level) and core domain
• Include 2–3 role-specific strengths (tools, industries, scope)
• Add 1 proof point (impact, scale, or metric)

Example: “Data Analyst with 4+ years in fintech, specializing in SQL, Looker, and experimentation. Improved retention reporting accuracy by 30% through automated dashboards.”

2) Use ATS-friendly formatting (clean and predictable)

ATS systems struggle with columns, text boxes, and graphics.

• Stick to single-column layouts
• Use standard headings: Summary, Experience, Skills, Education
• Save as PDF only if the application allows; otherwise submit a .docx

3) Upgrade bullet points with a simple formula

If your bullets read like a task list, you’re underselling yourself. Try: Action verb + What you did + How + Result

• “Managed projects” → “Led 6 cross-functional launches using Jira, delivering features 2 weeks faster on average.”
• “Responsible for reporting” → “Built automated KPI reporting in Tableau, reducing weekly manual work by 8 hours.”

4) Put keywords where ATS looks first

Keywords matter most in:

• Experience bullets (highest weight)
• Skills section (quick scanning)
• Summary (context + alignment)

Tip: pull 8–12 keywords directly from the job description (tools, methods, certifications, role competencies) and incorporate them naturally.

5) Create a skills section that’s scannable (and honest)

Avoid long comma lists. Use grouped categories:

• Tools: Excel, SQL, Power BI
• Methods: A/B testing, forecasting, stakeholder management
• Domain: SaaS metrics, churn analysis

Only list skills you can defend in an interview.

6) Show impact even when metrics aren’t available

No numbers? Use proxies:

• “Supported 50+ weekly tickets”
• “Reduced turnaround time”
• “Improved accuracy/quality”
• “Standardized process across 3 teams”

7) Do a 60-second “skim test” before you submit

Ask: Can someone identify your target role, top skills, and best win without reading every line?

• If not, tighten the summary, reorder bullets, and bold (sparingly) key results.

Your turn: What part of your resume feels hardest to improve right now—summary, bullet points, or keywords/ATS formatting—and why?