Hiring teams may spend 6–10 seconds on an initial scan—and many resumes never even reach human eyes because an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) filters them out first. Here are 7 practical, high-impact fixes you can make today to improve clarity, credibility, and ATS performance.

1) Use a clean, ATS-readable structure

ATS tools work best with straightforward layouts.

• Stick to one column (especially if you’re applying online)
• Avoid text boxes, graphics, icons, and tables
• Use common headings: Summary, Experience, Skills, Education

2) Lead with a targeted, specific summary

A “Results-driven professional” summary blends in. Instead, make it match the role.

• Start with your role + years (if applicable)
• Add 2–3 core strengths aligned to the job
• Include a proof point (metric, scale, or domain)

Example:

Data Analyst with 4+ years in SaaS, specializing in SQL, dashboarding, and stakeholder reporting; improved churn insights by 18% through cohort analysis.

3) Make keywords natural (and measurable)

Recruiters want proof, not keyword stuffing.

• Pull 8–12 keywords from the job description (tools, skills, outcomes)
• Use them in context: “Built dashboards in Tableau,” not just “Tableau”
• Prioritize skills mentioned multiple times

4) Bullet points: turn tasks into impact

A strong bullet answers: What did you do, how, and what changed? Try this formula: Action + Scope + Tools + Result.

• Weak: “Responsible for reporting.”
• Strong: “Automated weekly KPI reporting in Excel/SQL, cutting manual prep time by 35%.”

5) Fix your skills section (fast wins)

Your skills section is a scanning hotspot.

• Create categories: Tools, Technical, Business
• Keep it honest (interviews expose exaggeration)
• Put your most relevant skills first

6) Tighten formatting for instant readability

Humans still judge the final product.

• Use 10–12 pt font; consistent spacing
• Aim for 1–2 pages (depending on experience)
• Keep bullets to 1–2 lines when possible

7) Don’t make ATS guess your job titles

If your title is nonstandard, translate it.

• Example: “Customer Hero” → Customer Success Specialist (Customer Hero)

Quick self-check (2 minutes)

Before you submit, ask:

• Can I understand what I do in 15 seconds?
• Do my bullets show results (metrics, speed, cost, quality)?
• Are my top 5 skills mirrored from the job post?

What’s the one resume section you struggle with most—Summary, Bullet Points, or Skills—and what role are you targeting right now?