Hiring managers often see your resume only after an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) decides it’s worth passing along. The good news? Most “mysterious” rejections come down to a few fixable issues.

1) Use a clean, ATS-friendly layout

ATS tools don’t “read” resumes like humans do. Keep the structure simple:

• One column (avoid sidebars)
• Standard section headers: Summary, Experience, Skills, Education
• No tables, text boxes, or graphics for core content
• Save as PDF or .docx (follow the job posting—some ATS prefer .docx)

2) Make your first 10 seconds count

Recruiters skim. Your top third should quickly answer: Who are you, what do you do, and what impact do you drive?

• Add a 2–3 line summary tailored to the role
• Place your most relevant skills/keywords near the top
• Include your target title (aligned to the posting)

3) Write bullet points that prove impact

A job description lists responsibilities. A great resume shows outcomes. Try this formula: Action + Scope + Result

• Reduced invoice processing time by 30% by automating approvals in SAP
• Led a 6-person team to deliver a new onboarding flow 2 weeks early

If you can’t quantify, use credible proof points: cycle time, quality, volume, stakeholders, complexity.

4) Match keywords—without keyword stuffing

ATS searches for job-relevant terms. The trick is to mirror language naturally.

• Pull keywords from the posting (tools, skills, certifications)
• Add them where true: Skills section + relevant experience bullets
• Use both acronyms and full names when helpful (e.g., Search Engine Optimization (SEO))

5) Tighten your Skills section

Avoid vague lists like “hardworking” or “team player.” Instead:

• Group skills by category (e.g., Tools, Analytics, Project Management)
• Prioritize 8–15 skills that match the role
• Keep it scannable (comma-separated or short columns—no tables)

6) Fix common formatting “silent killers”

These can break parsing or reduce readability:

• Fancy fonts, icons, or excessive styling
• Inconsistent dates (pick one format: MMM YYYY or YYYY)
• Long paragraphs (aim for 2–6 bullets per role)

7) Tailor faster with a simple checklist

Before you submit, check:

• Does my summary match the job’s top 3 requirements?
• Do I have proof (metrics) for my key claims?
• Are the most important keywords included truthfully?
• Would a recruiter understand my value in 15 seconds?

If you want, paste one bullet from your Experience section and the job title you’re targeting—others can help rewrite it for clarity and impact.

What’s the one part of your resume you struggle with most: summary, keywords/ATS, or experience bullets?