Hiring teams often use ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to sort resumes before a human ever sees them. The good news: you don’t need to “game” the system—you just need clean structure, relevant keywords, and proof of impact.

1) Start with a clean, ATS-safe layout

ATS tools read text like a parser, not a designer.

• Use simple headings: Summary, Experience, Skills, Education
• Stick to one column (especially for online applications)
• Avoid text boxes, tables, icons, and heavy graphics (they can scramble your content)
• Choose common fonts (Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman) and keep body text 10–12 pt

Quick check: If you copy/paste your resume into a plain text editor and it becomes unreadable, the ATS may struggle too.

2) Write a Summary that matches the role (not your life story)

Your summary should answer: What do you do, at what level, and in what domain?

Example formula:

• Role + years/level + niche + 2–3 strengths + target outcomes

Data Analyst with 4+ years in fintech, specializing in SQL and dashboard automation to improve reporting accuracy and speed.

Keep it tight: 2–4 lines is plenty.

3) Use keywords strategically (and honestly)

Most ATS ranking comes down to keyword alignment.

• Pull skills, tools, and responsibilities from the job description
• Mirror wording when it’s accurate (e.g., “stakeholder management” vs. “partnering”)
• Add keywords in Skills and prove them in Experience

Tip: If the job asks for “Python” and you list it in Skills, also include a bullet that shows how you used Python.

4) Make your bullets measurable and outcome-driven

A strong bullet typically includes: Action + Scope + Result.

• Start with a verb: Led, built, improved, automated, reduced
• Add metrics where possible: %, $, time saved, volume handled
• Focus on outcomes, not tasks

Before: Responsible for weekly reporting.

After: Automated weekly KPI reporting in Excel/SQL, reducing prep time from 4 hours to 45 minutes and improving data consistency across teams.

5) Skills section: keep it scannable

Instead of a long list, group skills to help both ATS and humans.

• Technical: SQL, Python, Tableau, Excel
• Methods: A/B testing, forecasting, dashboarding
• Soft skills (selective): stakeholder communication, project coordination

Quick “ATS-ready” self-audit (2 minutes)

• Are your headings standard?
• Is your resume 1–2 pages (most roles)?
• Do your top skills match the job’s top requirements?
• Do your bullets show measurable impact?

What’s one resume section you’re most unsure about right now—Summary, Experience bullets, or Skills—and why?