10 ways to beat (ATS) Applicant Tracking System

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10 ways to beat (ATS) Applicant Tracking System

What Is an ATS?

An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is software used by employers to sort, filter, and rank job applications. In 2025, over 90% of medium to large employers rely on ATS to handle incoming resumes.

An ATS doesn’t read resumes like a human. It parses text, identifies key terms, and scores your resume based on how well it matches the job description.

If your resume doesn’t meet the algorithm's expectations, you get filtered — even if you’re highly qualified.

10 Ways to Beat the ATS in 2025

1. Use a Clean, One-Column Layout

  • Avoid tables, columns, text boxes, and graphics.
  • Use simple section headings like Work Experience, Education, and Skills.
  • Stick to standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman).

2. Match Keywords From the Job Description

  • Analyze the job ad and mirror important terms.
  • Prioritize job-specific tools, software, and skills.
  • Use exact wording: "Agile methodology" ≠ "worked in sprints".

3. Avoid Fancy Resume Templates

  • Online builders often include design elements that break ATS parsing.
  • Use a plain-text-friendly .docx or .pdf file.

4. Label Sections with Standard Titles

  • Don’t rename sections creatively.
  • Use: Skills, Experience, Education, Certifications, Projects.

5. List Skills Clearly

  • Create a dedicated Skills section.
  • Include both hard and soft skills, grouped by relevance.

Example:

Skills: JavaScript, Python, React, SQL, Agile, Public Speaking

6. Don’t Overload With Buzzwords

  • ATS penalizes keyword stuffing and irrelevant content.
  • Focus on quality, not quantity.

7. Include Job Titles & Dates Clearly

  • Format consistently: Job Title – Company – Dates
  • Avoid splitting this info across multiple lines.

8. Mention Certifications and Tools by Name

  • For example: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, not just “Cloud experience”.
  • Include commonly scanned acronyms (e.g., PMP, SEO, CRM).

9. Use Bullet Points With Action Verbs

  • Start each point with a verb: Built, Designed, Reduced, Led, etc.
  • Avoid vague descriptions.

Bad: "Worked on a web app"
Good: "Built a responsive React app used by 1,000+ users per week."

10. Test Your Resume With an ATS Tool

  • Upload your resume to ResumeAdapter.
  • You'll see:
    • Missing keywords
    • Formatting problems
    • Your ATS score

Common Mistakes That Trigger ATS Rejection

  • Using resume templates with columns or icons
  • Saving in unsupported formats (.odt, .pages)
  • Failing to customize for each job
  • Using inconsistent formatting (dates, punctuation)
  • Skipping a Skills section entirely

Bonus: ATS Compatibility Checklist

  • [ ] One-column layout
  • [ ] Standard fonts (no script or custom fonts)
  • [ ] Clear section labels (Skills, Experience, etc.)
  • [ ] Correct file type (.pdf or .docx)
  • [ ] Keyword-optimized based on job post
  • [ ] Action verbs + measurable results
  • [ ] No images, icons, or tables

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