What Is an ATS Resume & How to Get a 100% ATS Score
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Did your job application land in a black hole?
Without an ATS-friendly resume, your chances of getting to the interview stage are near zero.
You don’t have to try dozens of ATS resume checkers—just use my expert advice to make sure that your resume is optimized so well that it deserves a 100% score.
This guide will show you:
- What is an ATS resume?
- My tips for making an ATS-friendly resume.
- Examples of ATS resume templates you can use to save time.
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Sample resume made with our builder—See more resume examples here.
What Is an ATS Resume?
An ATS-compliant resume is a document that can be easily scanned and interpreted by the applicant tracking systems (ATS). ATS-friendly resumes have clear formatting and include keywords that match the job ad. They highlight relevant work experience and professional skills.
Employers love ATS software—70% of large companies use it to streamline and automate the recruitment process. ATS checkers score candidates’ resumes according to certain preset criteria—resume keywords—to show the recruiter which candidates best fit the advertised position. A good ATS score is over 80%.
According to our research, 83% of customers using ATS software said they are likely to recommend it to other professionals.
ATS also tracks candidates' status throughout the hiring process, making it easier for companies to manage job applications, save time, and reduce manual work. No wonder it’s getting more and more popular. But how can you score above 80%? Let’s find out!
💡 To make sure your resume properly targets your desired job, visit our guide: How to Write a Targeted Resume
How to Create an ATS-Friendly Resume?
You can never be sure how the recruiter set up the system, so creating the perfect ATS resume is very tricky.
However, you can boost your chances of passing the system by following some simple steps.
Here’s how to write an ATS-friendly resume:
1. Analyze the Job Posting and Customize Your Resume
Before you even start writing, study the job description carefully. Recruiters filter candidates based on specific keywords and job requirements. Mirror the language and skills listed in the job ad to tailor your resume and increase your chances of getting past the ATS.
2. Use an ATS-Compatible Format and Template
Not all resume formats work well with ATS software. The most widely accepted chronological resume format is the best option to avoid formatting issues.
Also, pick a clean, modern resume template without excessive visuals, columns, or unusual fonts.
As a rule of thumb, test your resume by copying and pasting its text into a blank document—if everything appears in the right order, your format is ATS-friendly.
3. Choose Readable Fonts and Label Sections Clearly
The readability of your resume matters both to the ATS and the recruiter. Use standard, professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 11–12 pt size to ensure clarity.
Additionally, label each resume section with standard headings such as “Work Experience” and “Education” instead of creative alternatives like “What I’ve Done” or “My Journey”. This will help the ATS recognize key sections instantly.
4. Incorporate Keywords and Highlight the Right Skills
Resume keywords are the foundation of an ATS-optimized resume. Use terms from the job description, especially in the work experience and skills sections, to align with what the system is scanning for.
🔎 For example: If the employer lists "project management" as a requirement, include that exact phrase instead of variations like "managing projects."
But avoid stuffing your resume with keywords—make sure they appear naturally in your content.
5. Optimize for ATS but Keep It Recruiter-Friendly
Yes, it's important to pass the ATS. But remember that a real person will be the final judge of your resume. Write concisely, focus on impressive achievements, and ensure your resume tells a compelling story about your experience and key qualifications.
A resume that gets past the ATS but is dull and uninspiring to recruiters won’t land you an interview. Your recruiter will only spend seven seconds looking at your resume. Balance optimization with readability to stand out from the competition.
Following the steps above will surely allow you to create a 100% ATS-compliant resume.
Many ATSs strip your resume of its formatting, so you'll want to make sure any resume you submit works well as plain text. You can test this by clicking "Select All" on your resume to highlight all the text and copy it. Paste that content in a plain text format, such as on TextEdit on a Mac. When you see your resume in plain text, it should all be in the correct order and easy to read. If it isn't, consider revising your resume to a more readable format. Keep in mind that for both ATS and human readability—simple resumes continuously outperform ones that are creatively designed. The information on your resume is the interesting part, not the unique design and graphics. The only time you should consider form over function is if you are going for a visually creative role like graphic design.
Before making an ATS resume, you need to know the fundamentals of resume writing:
- How to Make a Resume for a Job
- Effective Resume Job Descriptions
- What Your Resume Must Include
- Best AI Resume Builders
- Best Resume Introduction
- Key Resume Sections
Creating a resume with our builder is incredibly simple. Follow our step-by-step guide and use content from Certified Professional Resume Writers to have a resume ready in minutes.
When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.
The Best ATS-Friendly Resume Templates
The content of your resume should be ATS-friendly. But let’s not forget about the template—it must be scannable to pass the ATS screening and have a chance of impressing your future employer.
Here are examples of what your ATS-friendly resume template could look like:
Newcast
This ATS-friendly resume template features a clean, single-column resume layout with a modern touch. What makes this resume stand out is the inclusion of sleek resume icons that enhance each section without compromising readability.
Diamond
This template blends a minimalist design with resume infographic elements. It features a timeline structure that visually connects key dates and resume entries for a structured, easy-to-follow layout.
Enfold
One of our most popular ATS-friendly resume templates, this two-column layout features a full-color sidebar on the right. You can easily customize the colors and fonts to match your personal style.
Vibes
A sleek and spacious two-column template, this option prioritizes white space for readability, making this minimalist template an excellent choice for IT professionals and data-driven roles.
Muse
If you’re looking for a modern and unique resume template, this one delivers. It combines a contemporary aesthetic with full ATS compatibility, ensuring both style and functionality.
These are just a few examples from our collection of 18 ATS-compliant resume templates available in our resume builder. The best part? You can instantly switch between fully optimized designs with a single click to find the one that fits your needs.
The main difference between an ATS-friendly resume and a generic resume? An ATS resume is always targeted at a specific job opening. If the job description clearly states that certain skills or qualifications are sought after, and you happen to have those, they should end up in an appropriate section of your resume. Just like you see in the example above.
See more cover letter templates and start writing.
Key Takeaways
Here’s all you need to remember about making the ATS resume:
- Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) help recruiters filter and rank candidates based on pre-set criteria.
- ATS scans resumes for keywords and formatting to determine if a candidate matches the job requirements.
- While you can't predict the exact criteria, using the job description as a guide helps optimize your resume.
- Always tailor your resume to the role and use an ATS-friendly resume template to improve your chances.
Have you got any questions about crafting an ATS-compliant resume? Or perhaps you have insights on optimizing resumes for ATS software? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear them!
About Zety’s Editorial Process
This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines. We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.
Sources
- J.R. Johnivan, Applicant Tracking System Statistics
- Soyal James, “Study Shows Hiring Managers Look at Resumes for 7 Seconds, 3 Easy Resume Tips to Make a Strong Impression as an Immigrant
Frequently Asked Questions about ATS Resume
What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?
ATS is a computer software that helps companies evaluate and track job applications. The software scans your application for keywords describing required skills, work experience, and education level. If your resume passes the scan, it will reach the recruiter’s desk.
What is the best resume format for ATS?
The best format for ATS is the chronological resume format. The software can read it easily, as it focuses on the most important part—your work experience, which is also where most resume keywords lie.
How do I make an ATS-friendly resume?
- Avoid creating a generic resume. Reply to a specific job with your application.
- Pick an ATS-friendly resume template that goes easy on the graphics and uses a legible font.
- Go for the reverse chronological resume format.
- Tailor your resume to the job description. Use achievements statements with keywords, both long-form and acronyms, that respond to the requirements.
- Create standard resume section headings.
- Get rid of headers and footers.
- Don’t use tables or any complex formatting.
- Save your resume file in .docx or PDF, depending on what the recruiter asks for.
Are Google Docs or Microsoft resume templates ATS-friendly?
Not all Google Docs resume templates and Microsoft Word resume templates are ATS compliant, especially if you save them as an image. But you can very easily verify if your template is parsable by copying and pasting the contents into the Notepad app. If you see gibberish, it means the resume template hasn’t been designed with the ATS in mind.
What is an ATS-compliant resume?
An ATS-compliant resume can be easily scanned and analyzed by an Applicant Tracking System. This means that it’s formatted properly and includes correct keywords tailored to a particular job offer.
Are PDF resumes ATS-friendly?
Yes, most Applicant Tracking Systems have no problem scanning and analyzing PDF resumes. However, if a job offer asks you to send your job application as a DOC or a different file, follow these instructions.
What is a good ATS resume score?
A good resume score should be 80% or higher, as this ensures that your resume will be reviewed by a human recruiter.
Can I run my resume through ATS for free?
You can use Zety’s free resume checker after creating your resume with our builder.
Our team of resume writers has crafted 18 specialized resume templates tailored to suit your requirements. Alternatively, you can upload your existing resume for formatting only and polish it to perfection with our resume scanner.
