How to Make an ATS-Friendly Resume That Gets Shortlisted

Introduction

Have you ever applied for several jobs but received very few interview calls? Your qualifications may be suitable for the positions, but your resume might not be communicating your information effectively.

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to manage incoming applications. These systems help recruiters organise resumes, search for relevant qualifications and identify candidates who match job requirements.

That is why creating an ATS friendly resume has become an important part of modern job searching.

An ATS-friendly resume is designed to make your professional information easy for recruitment software and human recruiters to understand.

What Makes a Resume ATS-Friendly?

An ATS-friendly resume uses a straightforward layout, readable text, standard section headings and relevant keywords.

It helps ensure that important information such as your experience, education and skills can be extracted correctly.

However, having an ATS-friendly format does not guarantee that you will be shortlisted. Recruiters also consider qualifications, experience, job requirements and other selection criteria.

1. Select a Simple Resume Layout

The design of your resume can affect how accurately recruitment software reads its contents.

Follow these practices:

• Use a simple single-column layout.
• Choose readable fonts such as Arial or Calibri.
• Use standard headings.
• Avoid unnecessary graphics and decorative elements.

Keep information in a logical order.

A visually attractive resume is useful, but readability should be your priority.

2. Use Standard Resume Headings

Recruitment software is generally designed to identify common resume sections.

Use headings such as:

• Professional Summary
• Work Experience
• Education
• Technical Skills
• Certifications
• Projects
• Achievements

Avoid creative headings that may make important information harder to identify.

3. Include Relevant Keywords From the Job Description

Keywords are among the most important elements of resume optimisation.

Suppose you are applying for a Digital Marketing Specialist position. The job description mentions:

• SEO
• Google Ads
• Meta Ads
• Content Marketing
• Google Analytics

If you genuinely possess these skills, include them in your resume.

Do not repeat keywords unnaturally or add skills you do not have. Your resume should accurately represent your professional capabilities.

4. Present Your Work Experience Clearly

For each previous position, mention your designation, company, employment period and important responsibilities.

Use action-oriented language such as:

• Managed
• Developed
• Analysed
• Implemented
• Improved
• Coordinated

Whenever possible, include measurable achievements supported by actual results.

For example: "Managed SEO activities and improved organic search visibility through keyword research and on-page optimisation."

5. Avoid ATS Formatting Problems

Some formatting choices can make resume information difficult to extract.

Be careful with:

• Complex tables and multiple columns.
• Text placed inside images.
• Excessive icons and graphics.
• Unusual fonts.

Important information placed in headers or footers.

Inconsistent section structures.

Use a commonly accepted file format requested by the employer. PDF and DOCX are both widely used, but the employer's instructions should always take priority.

6. Optimise Your Resume for Every Job

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is using the same resume for every application.

Read the job description and identify the required skills, qualifications and responsibilities.

Then update your professional summary, skills and experience descriptions to reflect the requirements accurately.

This makes your application more relevant without misrepresenting your background.

7. Check Your Resume With an ATS Score Checker

Before submitting your application, review your resume for formatting problems, missing keywords and incomplete sections.

An ATS Score Checker can help you identify potential weaknesses and improve the document.

Remember that different recruitment systems use different screening methods. No single score can guarantee shortlisting.

Improve Your Resume With Recrui8

Recrui8 provides job seekers with useful career tools, including an ATS Score Checker designed to help candidates review their resumes.

You can use this functionality to evaluate your resume, identify improvement opportunities and prepare a more organised job application.

Recrui8 also offers AI interview preparation and job-related resources to help candidates throughout their job search.

Conclusion

Creating an ATS friendly resume is about making your qualifications understandable, relevant and easy to review.

Use simple formatting, standard headings, relevant keywords and accurate professional information. Before applying, check your resume with Recrui8's ATS Score Checker and make the necessary improvements.

A well-prepared resume can help you present your strengths more effectively and improve your job application process.