Writing a Resume That Recruiters and ATS Can Read

Many organisations use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to manage applications. A clean, well-structured resume helps both the software and the recruiter.

Formatting

• Use standard section headings: Experience, Education, Skills
• Avoid tables, text boxes and images for important content
• Use a common font and save as PDF or DOCX unless told otherwise

Content

• Lead each bullet with an action verb
• Quantify impact where you can ("reduced report time by 40%")
• Mirror the language of the job description honestly – only list skills you have

Tailoring

Create a master resume, then tailor a version for each type of role. Small changes to your summary and skills section can make a big difference.

You can use our free ATS Resume Checker to compare your resume against a job description and spot missing keywords.