What Is the ATS, and How to Maximize Your Resume for It

Written By Evan Pressman

You’ve polished your resume, triple-checked your experience, and hit submit. Then… silence. If this sounds familiar, the reason might be something you didn’t even realize you were up against: the Applicant Tracking System.

Let’s break it down and help you get more eyes on you! Now, before we begin… let me preface this information:

Having a good ATS score or being ATS-optimized; is maybe 10% of a resume. You want this to be good, but it will NOT get you a job. ATS will simply get more eyes on you, get you to the top of more recruiter applicant piles, and make reading your resume better. This is NOT a supplement for bad experience points, lack of program knowledge, or lack of skill. Do not think a PERFECTLY aligned ATS resume will get you a job. Let me just summarize:

I have seen amazing resumes that were not ATS optimized, and I have seen complete s*** resumes that were 100% ATS optimized

What Is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

An Applicant Tracking System is software companies use to manage and streamline the hiring process. When you apply online, your resume likely enters one of these systems before a human even sees it. The ATS stores, sorts, and ranks applications, helping recruiters quickly identify top candidates.

And it’s not just big companies using them. Over 97.8% of Fortune 500 companies rely on an ATS. But even beyond the corporate giants, 60% of small businesses (with 1–50 employees) and 80% of large organizations (1,001+ employees) now use ATS technology.

Translation: if you’re applying online, you’re writing for a machine first.

How ATS Works: The Three-Step Process

1. Data Collection and Storage

Once you submit your resume, the ATS pulls your info, like your contact details, job titles, education, skills, etc. and stores it in a searchable database.

2. Keyword Scanning and Parsing

Next, the system scans your resume to find keywords that match the job description: specific skills, qualifications, years of experience, and relevant job titles.

3. Ranking and Filtering

If your resume matches enough of the required criteria, you’ll be ranked higher. If not, you’re filtered out, often without a recruiter ever knowing you applied.

And with an average of 250 applications per job posting, this automated filtering is essential for hiring teams. Only 4–6 applicants typically make it to the interview stage.

Popular ATS Platforms

Knowing which systems are widely used can help you anticipate how your resume will be read. Here are some of the most common:

We can see that the larger the company; the more likely they are to us an ATS. We can also see that the market share of these systems is fairly even and diverse; so there is absolutely no ‘1 perfect ATS’. There are best practices, but no one company does this the same.

The Impact of ATS on Job Seekers

The good news? These systems can help your resume stand out, if you know how they work.

The bad news? Many qualified candidates are getting filtered out for avoidable reasons. Some eye-opening stats:

  • 75% of qualified applicants are rejected due to formatting or keyword issues.

  • Only 15% of resumes make it past the ATS to a human.

  • 88% of employers say they miss great candidates because of poor keyword usage.

  • Still, 94% of recruiters say ATS improves their hiring process overall.

How to Maximize Your Resume for ATS

1. Strategic Keyword Optimization

This is the heart of ATS optimization. If your resume doesn’t include the right keywords, it’s not getting seen no matter how qualified you are.

  • Use the Exact Job Title
    The title at the top of your resume should match the title in the job posting exactly. This signals strong alignment to the ATS.

  • Mirror Language from the Job Description
    Go line by line through the job posting. If it mentions “budget forecasting,” don’t use “financial planning”, use their terms. Keywords can include tools, platforms, methodologies, responsibilities, and even cultural values (e.g., “cross-functional collaboration”).

  • Cover Hard and Soft Skills
    List hard skills like "Python," "Agile," or "data visualization," and soft skills like "communication," "team leadership," and "adaptability", especially if they appear in the job listing.

  • Include Acronyms + Full Phrases
    You never know which version the ATS is scanning for, so include both: “Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP),” “Customer Relationship Management (CRM),” “Search Engine Optimization (SEO),” etc.

  • Sprinkle, Don’t Stuff
    Repeating keywords unnaturally can hurt readability. Use keywords naturally in your experience bullets, summary, and skills section.

  • Strategic Placement Matters
    ATS often weights keywords in the “Work Experience” section more heavily than in a standalone “Skills” list. Use both, but prioritize contextually relevant placements.

2. ATS-Friendly Formatting

A beautiful resume is useless if the ATS can't read it. Stick to these formatting guidelines:

  • Stick to One Column
    Multi-column resumes can confuse parsing systems. Stick to a single-column layout for maximum compatibility.

  • Avoid Header and Footer Sections
    Don’t hide contact info or section titles in the header or footer. They may be invisible to the ATS.

  • Use Clear, Traditional Fonts
    Stick to fonts like Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, or Times New Roman in sizes between 10–12pt. Avoid custom or stylized fonts.

  • Consistent Date Formatting
    Pick a format (e.g., Jan 2021–Dec 2023 or 01/2021–12/2023) and use it throughout. Inconsistent formatting can confuse the system or make dates unreadable.

  • Use Standard Headings
    Stick to classic section names: “Summary,” “Work Experience,” “Education,” “Skills,” “Certifications.” Avoid creative substitutes like “My Journey” or “Highlights.”

3. Elements to Avoid

Many common design elements just don’t translate well to ATS systems:

  • No Graphics or Logos
    They can cause parsing errors or simply get skipped.

  • Avoid Tables, Charts, Columns
    These are often misread or ignored entirely. That impressive visual timeline? It may render as gibberish.

  • Don’t Use Special Characters
    Stick to standard bullets (•). Avoid arrows (→), emojis, stars, or icons.

  • Keep it in the Body
    All essential information, especially contact details, should live in the main body of the document, not in sidebars or headers.

  • No Hyper-Stylized Templates
    Canva and other design tools offer slick templates, but many don’t play well with ATS parsing. If you’re unsure, test it (see next section).

4. File Format Considerations

The format you choose can affect whether your resume is readable at all.

  • Best Bet: .docx (Microsoft Word)
    This is the most universally accepted and safest choice for ATS.

  • PDF: Usually Okay, But Not Always
    Most modern systems can handle PDFs, but some older ATS setups still struggle. If the job posting requests .docx, follow instructions.

  • Avoid Image Formats and Nonstandard Files
    Don’t use .jpg, .png, .odt, or .pages files. These often aren’t even accepted by job portals.

5. Content Optimization Strategies

Formatting and keywords help you pass the software filter, but your content is what gets you the interview.

  • Tailor Every Resume
    A generic resume sent to 50 jobs is less effective than 5 tailored ones. Highlight the exact skills and experience that match each job.

  • Start Each Bullet Point with a Strong Action Verb
    “Led,” “Launched,” “Developed,” “Streamlined”, these verbs show initiative and impact. Avoid vague or passive language like “responsible for.”

  • Quantify Your Achievements
    Numbers draw attention and provide proof. Try: “Improved conversion rate by 23%,” “Managed a $400K annual budget,” or “Trained a team of 12 analysts.”

  • Prioritize Relevant Experience
    ATS and recruiters both value relevance. Cut fluff and focus on what aligns with the job you want now.

  • Keep Human Eyes in Mind
    ATS is the first filter, not the final judge. Make sure your resume reads well, has good white space, and presents a clear, compelling career story.

Testing Your ATS-Optimized Resume

Want to know if your resume will survive the scan? Try these tools:

Best Practices for ATS Success

  • Research the company’s ATS, if possible. Some tools are more advanced than others.

  • Proofread carefully. A single typo in a keyword can cost you.

  • Stick to recent, relevant experience. No need to include that summer job from 2009.

  • Use a professional email address. It’s one of the first things ATS pulls in.

The Future of ATS Technology

This space is moving fast. The global ATS market is expected to jump from $17.22 billion in 2025 to $30.51 billion by 2032. And with 20% of companies planning to integrate AI into their systems, expect ATS to get even more sophisticated.

That means staying flexible, staying informed, and staying ready to adapt.

Key Takeaways

Getting past an ATS isn’t about tricks; it’s about clarity. Your goal is to communicate your qualifications in a format both systems and humans can understand.

Here’s what matters most:

  • Tailor your resume to each job

  • Use exact keywords from the posting

  • Keep formatting simple and consistent

  • Include acronyms and full terms

  • Run an ATS test before you apply

  • Proofread like your job depends on it, because it might

In a job market where automation decides who gets seen, understanding the rules gives you the edge. Optimize smartly, and give yourself the best shot at making it to the final round.

Ready to Rework Your Resume?

If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve got you!


🎯 Click here to get professional help that will help you go from 0 interviews to dream job in no time — let’s make your amazing experience sound like the powerhouse it is.

Evan Pressman
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