July 28, 2025
What Is an ATS Resume? How to Make One That Gets Seen in 2025
What Is an ATS Resume? How to Make One That Gets Seen in 2025
Introduction
Sending out job applications but hearing nothing back? It might not be you; it might be your resume that lacks significant pointers.
In today’s digital-first hiring world, nearly every large company uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to screen resumes before a human ever sees them. In fact, over 99% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS software to scan and rank applications.
If your resume is not ATS-friendly, it could be automatically rejected, even if you are a perfect fit. That is where an ATS resume plays a critical role. It is a format specifically designed to get through these filters.
This guide breaks down:
- What an ATS resume is
- Why it matters in 2025
- How to structure and optimize yours so it gets seen (always)
What Is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?
An Applicant Tracking System is a software tool that companies use to manage the hiring process. It scans resumes for specific keywords, job titles, skills, and formatting elements that match the job description.
Popular ATS platforms such as Greenhouse, Workday, and Jobvite parse resumes to sort candidates automatically. This helps employers manage hundreds or thousands of applications efficiently.
Here is the kicker: if your resume does not meet the ATS’s expectations, it never reaches a recruiter.
Key Stats You Should Know
- 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before being seen by a person
- 25% of resumes fail because key details (like contact info) are in unreadable places
- 99% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS tools, and so do a growing number of small to medium-sized businesses and enterprises
Why ATS Compatibility Matters in 2025
The hiring process is more automated than ever. If your resume does not match the job posting, or if it is formatted in a way the ATS can't read, you are out of the running.
Here is what typically goes wrong:
|
⚠️ Resume Issue |
🚫 Why It Fails |
|
Tables or text boxes |
ATS often skips or misreads them |
|
Images or graphics |
Not scannable, as bots can not interpret them |
|
Fancy fonts or formatting |
Makes parsing difficult or inaccurate |
|
Missing keywords |
Fails to match the job description |
|
Contact info in headers |
Often completely ignored by ATS |
Bottom line: A beautifully designed resume might look great, but if it is not structured properly, it will not even make it past the first filter.
How to Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly in 2025
1. Use a Simple, Clean Format
- Stick with fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
- Use standard headings: Work Experience, Education, Skills
- Avoid using tables, columns, or text boxes
- Keep the layout single-column and left-aligned
- Font size: 10–12 pt; no smaller than that
2. Match the Job Description with Keywords
- Identify repeated skills, tools, certifications, and titles
- Integrate them naturally into your summary, skills, and experience
- Use the exact phrases from the job post
For example, if the listing says “client relationship management,” use that and not “customer liaison”
3. Save in ATS-Compatible File Types
- Use .doc or .docx format as it is safest and most universally accepted
- If using PDF, make sure it’s text-based, not an image or scan
Quick test: If you can highlight the text in your PDF, it’s likely ATS-safe
4. Structure Your Resume for Easy Parsing
- Reverse chronological order: List your most recent job first
- For each job, include:
- Job Title
- Company Name
- Location
- Dates of Employment
- Bullet points with accomplishments (start with strong verbs like Led, Managed, Increased)
- Job Title
- Quantify results where possible:
“Improved onboarding time by 40%” reads better than “Handled onboarding”
5. Keep Contact Info Plain and Visible
- Place your name, phone number, and email at the top of the page, outside of any headers or footers
- Include your LinkedIn profile (optional but helpful)
6. Check It with Plain Text
Paste your resume into a plain-text editor such as Notepad. If anything looks broken, out of place, or missing, the ATS may struggle too.
Tools to Help You Optimize for ATS
Here are some helpful, reliable tools to test and tweak your resume:
|
Tool |
What It Does |
|
Jobscan.co |
Compares your resume to a job post, highlighting missing keywords and formatting fixes |
|
Resume.io |
Offers ATS-ready templates for different industries |
|
Microsoft Create |
Free Word resume templates, most ATS-compliant |
|
LinkedIn Resume Builder |
Exports clean, ATS-friendly resumes directly from your LinkedIn profile |
Bonus Tips for 2025–2026 Job Seekers
- Tailor your resume for every job: no more copy-paste for mass applications
- Use both acronyms and full terms: e.g., “Search Engine Optimization (SEO)”
- Avoid fluff: Keep it results-focused, not filled with vague buzzwords
- Avoid keyword stuffing: Aim for clarity, not just bot-pleasing repetition
Final Thoughts
An ATS resume is not just a nice-to-have in 2025; it is a necessity. By creating a resume that aligns with ATS software and job-specific requirements, you increase your chances of landing interviews significantly.
Keep the formatting simple, use job-matching keywords, avoid design gimmicks, and always test it before hitting “submit.”
Not sure if your resume will make the cut?
Try a free resume scanner like Jobscan or use a professional tool like Resume.io to build a polished, ATS-friendly version. You only get one shot per application, so make it count.
Introduction
Sending out job applications but hearing nothing back? It might not be you; it might be your resume that lacks significant pointers.
In today’s digital-first hiring world, nearly every large company uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to screen resumes before a human ever sees them. In fact, over 99% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS software to scan and rank applications.
If your resume is not ATS-friendly, it could be automatically rejected, even if you are a perfect fit. That is where an ATS resume plays a critical role. It is a format specifically designed to get through these filters.
This guide breaks down:
- What an ATS resume is
- Why it matters in 2025
- How to structure and optimize yours so it gets seen (always)
What Is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?
An Applicant Tracking System is a software tool that companies use to manage the hiring process. It scans resumes for specific keywords, job titles, skills, and formatting elements that match the job description.
Popular ATS platforms such as Greenhouse, Workday, and Jobvite parse resumes to sort candidates automatically. This helps employers manage hundreds or thousands of applications efficiently.
Here is the kicker: if your resume does not meet the ATS’s expectations, it never reaches a recruiter.
Key Stats You Should Know
- 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before being seen by a person
- 25% of resumes fail because key details (like contact info) are in unreadable places
- 99% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS tools, and so do a growing number of small to medium-sized businesses and enterprises
Why ATS Compatibility Matters in 2025
The hiring process is more automated than ever. If your resume does not match the job posting, or if it is formatted in a way the ATS can't read, you are out of the running.
Here is what typically goes wrong:
|
⚠️ Resume Issue |
🚫 Why It Fails |
|
Tables or text boxes |
ATS often skips or misreads them |
|
Images or graphics |
Not scannable, as bots can not interpret them |
|
Fancy fonts or formatting |
Makes parsing difficult or inaccurate |
|
Missing keywords |
Fails to match the job description |
|
Contact info in headers |
Often completely ignored by ATS |
Bottom line: A beautifully designed resume might look great, but if it is not structured properly, it will not even make it past the first filter.
How to Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly in 2025
1. Use a Simple, Clean Format
- Stick with fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
- Use standard headings: Work Experience, Education, Skills
- Avoid using tables, columns, or text boxes
- Keep the layout single-column and left-aligned
- Font size: 10–12 pt; no smaller than that
2. Match the Job Description with Keywords
- Identify repeated skills, tools, certifications, and titles
- Integrate them naturally into your summary, skills, and experience
- Use the exact phrases from the job post
For example, if the listing says “client relationship management,” use that and not “customer liaison”
3. Save in ATS-Compatible File Types
- Use .doc or .docx format as it is safest and most universally accepted
- If using PDF, make sure it’s text-based, not an image or scan
Quick test: If you can highlight the text in your PDF, it’s likely ATS-safe
4. Structure Your Resume for Easy Parsing
- Reverse chronological order: List your most recent job first
- For each job, include:
- Job Title
- Company Name
- Location
- Dates of Employment
- Bullet points with accomplishments (start with strong verbs like Led, Managed, Increased)
- Job Title
- Quantify results where possible:
“Improved onboarding time by 40%” reads better than “Handled onboarding”
5. Keep Contact Info Plain and Visible
- Place your name, phone number, and email at the top of the page, outside of any headers or footers
- Include your LinkedIn profile (optional but helpful)
6. Check It with Plain Text
Paste your resume into a plain-text editor such as Notepad. If anything looks broken, out of place, or missing, the ATS may struggle too.
Tools to Help You Optimize for ATS
Here are some helpful, reliable tools to test and tweak your resume:
|
Tool |
What It Does |
|
Jobscan.co |
Compares your resume to a job post, highlighting missing keywords and formatting fixes |
|
Resume.io |
Offers ATS-ready templates for different industries |
|
Microsoft Create |
Free Word resume templates, most ATS-compliant |
|
LinkedIn Resume Builder |
Exports clean, ATS-friendly resumes directly from your LinkedIn profile |
Bonus Tips for 2025–2026 Job Seekers
- Tailor your resume for every job: no more copy-paste for mass applications
- Use both acronyms and full terms: e.g., “Search Engine Optimization (SEO)”
- Avoid fluff: Keep it results-focused, not filled with vague buzzwords
- Avoid keyword stuffing: Aim for clarity, not just bot-pleasing repetition
Final Thoughts
An ATS resume is not just a nice-to-have in 2025; it is a necessity. By creating a resume that aligns with ATS software and job-specific requirements, you increase your chances of landing interviews significantly.
Keep the formatting simple, use job-matching keywords, avoid design gimmicks, and always test it before hitting “submit.”
Not sure if your resume will make the cut?
Try a free resume scanner like Jobscan or use a professional tool like Resume.io to build a polished, ATS-friendly version. You only get one shot per application, so make it count.
Contact Us Today!
Receive professional guidance and a 100% guaranteed interview for your ideal job. Take a step towards a successful career today!
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.
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!
Contact Us Today!
Receive professional guidance and a 100% guaranteed interview for your ideal job. Take a step towards a successful career today!