ATS Skills: How to Optimize Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems

Mastering ATS skills is essential in today’s digital hiring landscape, where applicant tracking systems (ATS) play a critical role in filtering resumes before they reach a human reviewer. To ensure your resume passes ATS screening, it must include the right resume keywords, align with the job description, and demonstrate a balance of hard skills, soft skills, and technical skills. This guide will help you craft an ATS resume that increases your chances of landing more interviews and impressing hiring managers.

Why ATS Skills Matter

ATS software is designed to streamline the hiring process by filtering resumes based on specific job descriptions, keywords, and formatting. Resumes lacking the right keywords or not meeting the ATS criteria may be automatically rejected, regardless of the applicant's qualifications. By incorporating relevant ATS skills, you can ensure your resume not only passes the initial ATS screening but also appeals to hiring managers.


Key ATS Skills to Highlight

  • Hard Skills: Hard skills refer to specific, teachable abilities or knowledge sets that are quantifiable and often acquired through education, training, or experience. These skills are usually technical in nature and can be measured through assessments, certifications, or practical demonstrations. These include technical proficiency in software or programming languages (such as Python or Java), data analysis skills using tools like Excel or SQL, relevant certifications (like CPA or PMP), foreign language proficiency, mechanical skills for operating machinery, and graphic design expertise with software such as Adobe Photoshop.

  • Soft Skills: Soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, are essential for fostering collaboration and achieving company goals. While they are harder to measure, they are vital in how you fit within an organization.

  • Technical Skills: Technical skills refer to abilities like using specific tools or systems relevant to the job title. This might include proficiency in CRM platforms, Microsoft Office, or cloud computing software. Including these skills ensures your resume aligns with the job requirements outlined in the job description.

 


Formatting Your ATS Resume

Formatting your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) is essential to ensure your application is successfully parsed and reviewed by hiring managers.

Create an ATS-Friendly Layout

An ATS-compliant resume is formatted to ensure the software can easily parse and analyze your information. Follow these tips:

  • Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
  • Avoid complex graphics, tables, or images.
  • Stick to a simple structure with clear headings for sections like Work Experience, Education, and Skills Section.

Use the Right File Format

Many applicant tracking systems work best with a Word document or a plain text file. While PDF files are sometimes accepted, always check the specific requirements of the job posting.

Readability Enhancements

To improve readability, it is crucial to utilize clear headings and well-organized sections, which help the ATS easily identify and categorize your information. For instance, clearly labeling sections such as "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills" enables the system to extract the relevant data accurately.


Crafting an ATS Resume That Stands Out

Customizing your resume for specific job roles or industries is crucial. ChatGPT and other AI tools can assist in aligning your skills and experiences with job descriptions, generating tailored bullet points that emphasize your achievements and suitability for the position.

1. Tailor Your Resume to Each Job

Customizing your resume for every job application is one of the best ways to ensure it aligns with the job description. To do this:

  • Analyze the job posting for relevant resume keywords.
  • Incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your entire resume.
  • Highlight key skills that match the role’s job requirements.

2. Optimize Your Resume Keywords

ATS skills rely heavily on keywords and phrases that match the job description. For example:

  • If the job title is "Digital Marketing Manager," include terms like "SEO," "content strategy," and "Google Analytics."
  • Use tools to find resume keywords and test for ATS compatibility.

3. Write Compelling Skill Descriptions

In your work experience section, use action verbs to describe your accomplishments. For example:

  • "Implemented data-driven strategies, increasing sales by 20%."
  • "Led a team of 10 to deliver a project ahead of schedule."

These descriptions highlight your ATS skills and make your resume appealing to both ATS software and hiring managers.


Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your ATS Resume

When crafting your resume, it's essential to avoid several common mistakes that can undermine your chances of standing out to potential employers.

1. Generic Resumes

Using the same resume for multiple roles without tailoring it to specific job descriptions can reduce your chances of success. Always adjust your resume to include the right keywords and emphasize relevant experiences.

Jargon Overload

Avoid overloading your resume with industry jargon or overly technical terms. Focus on specific keywords that align with the job requirements and are easily understood by both ATS software and recruiters.

 

3. Contextless Skills

Simply listing a skill without providing context or achievements diminishes its impact. For example, instead of just listing "problem-solving," explain how you applied it in a specific scenario.


Testing Your Resume for ATS Compatibility

Effective resume evaluation using specialized tools is essential for ensuring its compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Use Resume Evaluation Tools

There are tools available that allow you to test how well your resume performs against applicant tracking systems. These tools analyze factors like:

  • Keyword optimization
  • Formatting and layout
  • Use of resume keywords

Analyze ATS Reports

ATS reports often highlight areas for improvement, such as missing important words or poorly structured sections. Use this feedback to refine your resume and ensure it meets the job’s specific job requirements.


Mastering ATS skills is crucial for navigating the modern hiring process and standing out in the competitive job market. By incorporating the right resume keywords, tailoring your resume to each job description, and ensuring it is ATS-compliant, you significantly improve your chances of landing more interviews.

Remember to always test your resume for ATS compatibility, refine your skills section, and provide context for your accomplishments. By following these strategies, you can create a winning ATS resume that not only passes ATS screening but also catches the attention of hiring managers.


FAQs

ATS skills are the specific abilities, experiences, and keywords highlighted on a resume to ensure compatibility with applicant tracking systems. These skills often include a mix of hard skills, soft skills, and technical skills that match the job title and job description.


To list skills on a resume for ATS:

  • Balance Hard & Soft Skills: Include relevant technical and interpersonal skills.
  • Use Job Keywords: Tailor your resume with keywords from the job description.
  • Action-Oriented Descriptions: Use strong verbs and quantify achievements (e.g., "led a project, reducing delivery time by 15%").
  • ATS-Friendly Formatting: Use simple fonts, clear headings, and avoid complex designs.
  • Provide Context: Show how you applied your skills in past roles.
  • Avoid Jargon: Use clear, concise language.

To write a resume for an Applicant Tracking System, you should follow these rules:

  • Include hard skills (technical proficiencies, certifications), soft skills (teamwork, communication), and relevant technical skills.
  • Use standard fonts, avoid graphics, and organize sections clearly (e.g., "Work Experience," "Education").
  • Write skill descriptions using action verbs (e.g., "led," "achieved") and include measurable outcomes to show impact.
  • Provide context for skills and avoid excessive jargon, tailor the resume for each job.
  • Use evaluation tools to assess ATS compatibility and adjust based on feedback for improved results.

To make your resume ATS-friendly and stand out:

  • Highlight relevant skills: Include both hard (technical, certifications) and soft skills that match the job description.
  • Use simple formatting: Stick to standard fonts and avoid complex layouts or graphics.
  • Craft strong skill descriptions: Use action verbs and provide measurable achievements.
  • Tailor your resume: Customize it for each job to align with specific keywords.
  • Avoid pitfalls: Contextualize your skills and skip excessive jargon.
  • Test for ATS compatibility: Use tools to check formatting and keyword optimization.

To optimize your resume for ATS:

  • Incorporate resume keywords from the job description.
  • Use a clean, ATS-compliant format.
  • Highlight relevant skills in your skills section and work experience section.

The best way to find keywords is by analyzing the job posting for the role you’re applying to. Look for repeated terms like "project management," "data analysis," or "customer engagement," and ensure these are included in your resume.


You can test an ATS resume by using online tools that evaluate ATS compatibility. These tools check for formatting issues, missing resume keywords, and overall structure, helping you improve your chances of passing ATS screening.


To make your resume stand out in ATS:

  • Use bullet points to highlight measurable achievements.
  • Include both hard skills and soft skills tailored to the job title.
  • Customize your resume for every job application using the best keywords for the role.