9 Quick Resume Wins

1 - Keep It Simple (1)

Use a simple resume layout. It might look dull, but a simple layout is readable for both humans and ATS. Tables, images, and emojis might not translate well and get you filtered out too early.

(A simple test: if you use an automatic upload/import function and some of the results are missed or misplaced, that's a good sign your resume is not 'ATS readable')

2 - Match the language in the job description

Match your experience descriptions to the job description. If the job is asking for a 'Data Scientist', describing yourself as a 'Stats Ninja' won't be a match.

3 - Keep It Simple (2)

Write for the 5th grade. Say "15 years" instead of "one and a half decades" and avoid jargon unless it's a specific industry term (and always refer to rule two).

4 - Use 'Seeking' to Indicate a Role Change

Use the term 'seeking' to indicate you want to change roles. If you want to be in sales but are in HR, title yourself "Experienced HR Manager Seeking Field Sales Role." This indicates to the ATS that while you are not a historic fit, you are looking to change roles.

5 - Match Keywords for Mandatory Requirements 100%

Include keywords from the job posting verbatim. ATS systems look for exact matches, so "project management" is not the same as "managing projects" to an algorithm, TS Clearance is not the same as Top Secret, etc.

6 - Docs and PDF #FTW

Save your resume as a .docx or .pdf file. These formats are most compatible with ATS systems. Avoid specialized file formats that might not parse correctly.

7 - Headers Don't Matter

Place your contact information in the document body, not in headers or footers. Many ATS systems skip these areas when parsing your resume.

8 - Don't be Clever (Yet)

Save your creativity for the interview. Use standard section headers like "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills" rather than creative alternatives like "Where I've Been" or "My Learning Journey."

(This may not apply as much if you are pursuing a creative role, but remember, an ATS might be the first hurdle before you get anywhere near a person.)

9 - Outcomes Beat Actions

Don't describe what you did: describe what you achieved. So describe the outcome or effect you achieved, rather than the steps you took toget there. Numbers, especially ones with a $-prefix, matter.

Onwards! 🚀