August 29, 2025
How to Make an ATS-Friendly Resume in 2025 (Beat the Bots & Get Noticed)
How to Make an ATS-Friendly Resume in 2025 (Beat the Bots & Get Noticed)
Introduction
If you are applying for jobs in 2025, your resume needs to do more than just impress a recruiter. it needs to pass through a digital gatekeeper first: the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
An ATS is software which employers use to filter, sort, and rank job applications. These systems scan your resume to match keywords and structure with the job description. If your resume is not formatted correctly or doesn’t include the right terms, it may never reach human eyes.
So, how do you get past the ATS and into the interview stage?
This article breaks down proven strategies to create an ATS-friendly resume that stands out in today’s tech-driven hiring landscape.
What Is an ATS and Why Is It Important in 2025?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software tool used by hiring teams to manage large volumes of resumes. It screens resumes for key terms, and ranks candidates based on how well their qualifications align with the job post.
In 2025, more than 90% of Fortune 500 companies and thousands of smaller businesses rely on ATS tools like Greenhouse, Workday, Jobvite, and Lever.
Why does it matter?
Because up to 75% of resumes never make it past these systems, often due to formatting errors or missing keywords (not because the candidates are less qualified).
Most Common Resume Mistakes That Can Get You Rejected by ATS
Avoiding these frequent errors is the first step toward ATS success:
| Mistake | Why It is a Problem |
| Using images or graphics | ATS can not interpret visuals, and your information may be skipped entirely |
| Creative fonts or complex layouts | Non-standard formatting confuses parsing algorithms |
| Text boxes or right-hand columns | Important content may be misread or ignored |
| Scanned PDFs | These are treated as images, not text |
| Missing keywords | Without job-specific terms, your resume may not match search filters |
How to Draft an ATS-Friendly Resume in 2025
Here is exactly how to make your resume readable, relevant, and ready to beat the bots:
Use a Simple and Professional Format
- Stick with clean fonts: Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Verdana
- Keep font size between 10–12 pt
- Avoid using tables, columns, headers, or footers
- Keep section titles standard and recognizable (e.g., Work Experience, Skills, Education)
Save It in the Correct File Format
- Preferred: .doc or .docx
- If using PDF, make sure it’s text-based, not a scanned image
Add Targeted Resume Keywords (critical)
Customize your resume for each application by analyzing the job post. Identify repeated terms or qualifications (examples: “project management,” “data analysis,” “team leadership”) and incorporate them naturally into:
- Your professional summary
- Skills section
- Experience bullet points
Pro Tip: Do not overdo it. Keyword stuffing is detectable and can harm both ATS and human readability.
Structure Your Resume for Easy Parsing
Include these key sections:
- Contact Information (top of the page, not in header/footer)
- Professional Summary or Objective
- Work Experience (in reverse chronological order)
- Skills
- Education
- Certifications (if available)
Format Experience Clearly
Use this structure for each role:
Job Title – Company Name
Location | Dates of Employment
- Key achievement or responsibility
- Use action verbs: Managed, Led, Designed, Developed
- Quantify impact when possible: “Reduced downtime by 25%,” “Led team of 12 engineers”
Avoid Visual Elements
Do not include:
- Logos
- Headshots
- Charts
- Icons
These cannot be interpreted by ATS and add no value to your resume’s scanability.
Make It Easy to Skim
Use bullet points, concise phrases, and consistent formatting. A human recruiter still needs to review your resume after the ATS, and they only spend an average of 6–7 seconds on their first pass.
Free Tools to Check Your Resume for ATS Compatibility
Want to test your resume before submitting it? These tools can help:
| Tool | What It Does | Link |
| Jobscan | Compares your resume to job descriptions & suggests fixes | jobscan.co |
| TopResume | Free resume review with ATS compatibility score | topresume.com/resume-review |
| Resume.io | Offers templates built for ATS screening | resume.io |
| Microsoft Create | Free Word templates optimized for ATS | create.microsoft.com |
Or you can share your resume with us and we will get back to you with a details response within 24 hours.
Additional Resume Tips for 2025
- Tailor for every job: One generic resume does not work anymore. Customize based on each job’s description and keywords.
- Use both acronyms and full terms: e.g., “Search Engine Optimization (SEO)” as some systems look for both.
- Keep it professional: Even if you’re in a creative field, keep your ATS resume simple. You can submit a more visual version later if needed.
Conclusion: Beat the Bots, Get the Interview
Drafting an ATS-friendly resume is no longer optional, it is absolutely essential. With most companies using ATS software in 2025, optimizing your resume ensures you make it through the first filter and into the hands of a hiring manager.
Focus on clear formatting, relevant keywords, and job-specific tailoring. Use free resume scanners to audit your application, and avoid the design elements that trip up ATS bots.
Want a second opinion on your resume?
Try tools like Jobscan or TopResume to see how your resume stacks up against real job listings. Or check out ATS-ready resume templates from Resume.io or Microsoft Create.
Need expert help? Consider a professional resume review to ensure your application gets noticed by bots and hiring managers.
SEO Meta Data (Updated for Better Ranking)
Meta Title:
How to Make an ATS-Friendly Resume in 2025 (Beat the Bots & Get Noticed)
Meta Description:
Want your resume to pass ATS filters in 2025? Learn how to create an ATS-friendly resume with the right format, keywords, and tools to get hired faster.
Contact Us Today!
Receive professional guidance and a 100% guaranteed interview for your ideal job. Take a step towards a successful career today!
Introduction
If you are applying for jobs in 2025, your resume needs to do more than just impress a recruiter. it needs to pass through a digital gatekeeper first: the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
An ATS is software which employers use to filter, sort, and rank job applications. These systems scan your resume to match keywords and structure with the job description. If your resume is not formatted correctly or doesn’t include the right terms, it may never reach human eyes.
So, how do you get past the ATS and into the interview stage?
This article breaks down proven strategies to create an ATS-friendly resume that stands out in today’s tech-driven hiring landscape.
What Is an ATS and Why Is It Important in 2025?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software tool used by hiring teams to manage large volumes of resumes. It screens resumes for key terms, and ranks candidates based on how well their qualifications align with the job post.
In 2025, more than 90% of Fortune 500 companies and thousands of smaller businesses rely on ATS tools like Greenhouse, Workday, Jobvite, and Lever.
Why does it matter?
Because up to 75% of resumes never make it past these systems, often due to formatting errors or missing keywords (not because the candidates are less qualified).
Most Common Resume Mistakes That Can Get You Rejected by ATS
Avoiding these frequent errors is the first step toward ATS success:
| Mistake | Why It is a Problem |
| Using images or graphics | ATS can not interpret visuals, and your information may be skipped entirely |
| Creative fonts or complex layouts | Non-standard formatting confuses parsing algorithms |
| Text boxes or right-hand columns | Important content may be misread or ignored |
| Scanned PDFs | These are treated as images, not text |
| Missing keywords | Without job-specific terms, your resume may not match search filters |
How to Draft an ATS-Friendly Resume in 2025
Here is exactly how to make your resume readable, relevant, and ready to beat the bots:
Use a Simple and Professional Format
- Stick with clean fonts: Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Verdana
- Keep font size between 10–12 pt
- Avoid using tables, columns, headers, or footers
- Keep section titles standard and recognizable (e.g., Work Experience, Skills, Education)
Save It in the Correct File Format
- Preferred: .doc or .docx
- If using PDF, make sure it’s text-based, not a scanned image
Add Targeted Resume Keywords (critical)
Customize your resume for each application by analyzing the job post. Identify repeated terms or qualifications (examples: “project management,” “data analysis,” “team leadership”) and incorporate them naturally into:
- Your professional summary
- Skills section
- Experience bullet points
Pro Tip: Do not overdo it. Keyword stuffing is detectable and can harm both ATS and human readability.
Structure Your Resume for Easy Parsing
Include these key sections:
- Contact Information (top of the page, not in header/footer)
- Professional Summary or Objective
- Work Experience (in reverse chronological order)
- Skills
- Education
- Certifications (if available)
Format Experience Clearly
Use this structure for each role:
Job Title – Company Name
Location | Dates of Employment
- Key achievement or responsibility
- Use action verbs: Managed, Led, Designed, Developed
- Quantify impact when possible: “Reduced downtime by 25%,” “Led team of 12 engineers”
Avoid Visual Elements
Do not include:
- Logos
- Headshots
- Charts
- Icons
These cannot be interpreted by ATS and add no value to your resume’s scanability.
Make It Easy to Skim
Use bullet points, concise phrases, and consistent formatting. A human recruiter still needs to review your resume after the ATS, and they only spend an average of 6–7 seconds on their first pass.
Free Tools to Check Your Resume for ATS Compatibility
Want to test your resume before submitting it? These tools can help:
| Tool | What It Does | Link |
| Jobscan | Compares your resume to job descriptions & suggests fixes | jobscan.co |
| TopResume | Free resume review with ATS compatibility score | topresume.com/resume-review |
| Resume.io | Offers templates built for ATS screening | resume.io |
| Microsoft Create | Free Word templates optimized for ATS | create.microsoft.com |
Or you can share your resume with us and we will get back to you with a details response within 24 hours.
Additional Resume Tips for 2025
- Tailor for every job: One generic resume does not work anymore. Customize based on each job’s description and keywords.
- Use both acronyms and full terms: e.g., “Search Engine Optimization (SEO)” as some systems look for both.
- Keep it professional: Even if you’re in a creative field, keep your ATS resume simple. You can submit a more visual version later if needed.
Conclusion: Beat the Bots, Get the Interview
Drafting an ATS-friendly resume is no longer optional, it is absolutely essential. With most companies using ATS software in 2025, optimizing your resume ensures you make it through the first filter and into the hands of a hiring manager.
Focus on clear formatting, relevant keywords, and job-specific tailoring. Use free resume scanners to audit your application, and avoid the design elements that trip up ATS bots.
Want a second opinion on your resume?
Try tools like Jobscan or TopResume to see how your resume stacks up against real job listings. Or check out ATS-ready resume templates from Resume.io or Microsoft Create.
Need expert help? Consider a professional resume review to ensure your application gets noticed by bots and hiring managers.
SEO Meta Data (Updated for Better Ranking)
Meta Title:
How to Make an ATS-Friendly Resume in 2025 (Beat the Bots & Get Noticed)
Meta Description:
Want your resume to pass ATS filters in 2025? Learn how to create an ATS-friendly resume with the right format, keywords, and tools to get hired faster.
Contact Us Today!
Receive professional guidance and a 100% guaranteed interview for your ideal job. Take a step towards a successful career today!