How to Write a Resume That Beats ATS Systems
What is an ATS?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by 75% of companies to screen and sort job applications before a human ever sees them. Think of it as a digital gatekeeper.
If your resume doesn't pass the ATS, it gets rejected—regardless of your qualifications.
How ATS Systems Work
1. Resume Parsing
ATS systems extract information from your resume into structured fields:
- Contact information
- Work experience
- Education
- Skills
- Certifications
2. Keyword Matching
The ATS compares your resume against the job description, looking for:
- Required skills
- Job-specific terminology
- Industry keywords
- Certifications
3. Ranking
Resumes are ranked based on keyword matches and other criteria. Top-ranked resumes get sent to recruiters.
10 ATS Optimization Strategies
1. Use Standard Section Headings
❌ Avoid:
- "My Experience," "What I've Done," "About Me"
✅ Use:
- "Work Experience," "Education," "Skills," "Certifications"
2. Avoid Graphics, Images, and Tables
ATS can't read:
- ❌ Photos and logos
- ❌ Tables for layout
- ❌ Graphics and icons
- ❌ Multiple columns
✅ Use:
- Clean, single-column layout
- Simple bullet points
- Standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Helvetica)
3. Include Keywords from Job Description
Step-by-Step:
- Read the job description
- Identify key skills and requirements
- Incorporate these into your resume
- Use exact terminology from the posting
Example:
Job Description: "Looking for someone with experience in Agile methodology, project management, and stakeholder communication."
Your Resume:
"Led Agile projects using Scrum methodology, managing stakeholder communication through sprint reviews and improving delivery timelines by 40%."
4. Use Standard File Format
Best Formats:
- ✅ .docx (Word document)
- ✅ .pdf (text-based, not image-based)
Avoid:
- ❌ .jpg, .webp (image files)
- ❌ .pages (Apple Pages)
- ❌ Complex .pdf with tables/graphics
5. Optimize for Mobile
Many recruiters view resumes on mobile devices. Ensure:
- Readable on small screens
- Touch-friendly links
- Clear, simple layout
6. Customize for Each Application
One resume doesn't fit all jobs. Customize by:
- Matching keywords to job description
- Emphasizing relevant experience
- Tailoring skills section
- Including only relevant achievements
7. Use Action Verbs
Start bullet points with strong verbs:
Led, Developed, Achieved, Implemented, Improved, Managed, Created, Increased, Reduced, Streamlined
8. Be Specific with Dates
❌ Vague:
"2018-2020: Worked as Developer"
✅ Specific:
"June 2018 - August 2020: Senior Software Developer"
9. Spell Out Acronyms
If a job mentions "Search Engine Optimization," use both:
"SEO and Search Engine Optimization"
10. Test Your Resume
Use an ATS checker to test your resume before submitting:
- Jobscan (paid)
- ResumeWorded (free)
- Kryte's built-in AI enhancement
Using Kryte for ATS Optimization
Keyword Enhancement
Kryte's AI analyzes job descriptions and suggests relevant keywords:
Your input:
"Worked on web development projects"
AI enhanced:
"Developed and maintained full-stack web applications using React, Node.js, and PostgreSQL, improving site performance by 50% and reducing page load times from 3.2s to 1.6s."
Professional Formatting
Kryte's templates are designed for ATS compatibility:
- Clean, simple layouts
- Standard section headings
- No graphics or tables
- Mobile-responsive
Content Enhancement
Transform weak bullet points into achievements:
Before:
"Responsible for customer service"
After (AI enhanced):
"Delivered exceptional customer service to 200+ daily customers, maintaining 98% satisfaction rating and resolving 95% of issues on first contact."
Common ATS Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Mistake 1: Fancy Fonts
Stick to ATS-friendly fonts: Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, Times New Roman
❌ Mistake 2: Too-Long Resumes
Keep it concise. For most roles, 1-2 pages is ideal.
❌ Mistake 3: Missing Contact Info
Include: Name, phone, email, LinkedIn (no physical address needed)
❌ Mistake 4: Inconsistent Formatting
Consistent fonts, spacing, and formatting throughout.
❌ Mistake 5: Keyword Stuffing
Don't just list keywords—use them naturally in context.
The Perfect ATS-Optimized Resume Structure
## [Full Name]
[Phone] | [Email] | [LinkedIn URL]
### Professional Summary
[2-3 sentences with keywords from job description]
### Skills
[Relevant skills, listed clearly]
### Work Experience
### [Job Title] - [Company Name]
[Location] | [Month Year] - [Month Year]
- [Achievement with keyword and metric]
- [Achievement with keyword and metric]
- [Achievement with keyword and metric]
### Education
### [Degree] - [Institution Name]
[Location] | [Year]
### Certifications
[Relevant certifications]
Measure Your Success
Track these metrics to improve your ATS optimization:
1. Response Rate
How many callbacks per 100 applications?
2. Screening Calls
How many screening calls per callbacks?
3. Interview Rate
How many interviews per screening calls?
4. Offer Rate
How many job offers per interviews?
Final Tips
- Always customize for each job application
- Use exact keywords from the job description
- Keep it simple—no fancy formatting
- Proofread carefully—ATS can't fix typos
- Test your resume before submitting
- Use AI tools like Kryte for optimization
Ready to Beat the ATS?
Create an ATS-optimized resume with Kryte's AI-powered enhancement: