How to write a resume that passes ATS

Many employers use an applicant tracking system, or ATS, to collect and sort resumes before a person reads them. A system cannot reward what it cannot read, so the first job of your resume is to be clear to software. The second is to be clear to people.

Keep the structure simple

Use one column, familiar headings and a normal reading order. Headings such as Work experience, Education and Skills are understood by every system. Creative section names and text boxes can leave your details out of the parsed result.

Put the text where it can be read

Keep your name and contact details in the body of the page, not in a header or footer. Avoid putting important information in images, icons or tables that a parser may flatten.

Use plain bullet points

Start each bullet with a verb and say what changed because of your work. Numbers help when you have them, but do not invent any. Two or three strong bullets per role beat a long list.

Match the job advert honestly

Read the advert and use its wording where it truthfully describes you. If it asks for stakeholder management and you manage stakeholders, say so in those words. Do not paste in skills you do not have.

Choose a file the system accepts

Follow the instructions on the application form. When it accepts a plain-text file or asks you to paste your resume, plain text is the safest choice. Otherwise a PDF made from text, not a scanned picture, is a good default.

Check the length

Most people fit comfortably on one or two pages. Put the strongest material first, because both software and people read the top of the page most closely.

Let the tool help

CVSheets has a Classic design made for this, an ATS-safe mode that keeps your layout simple, and an ATS readiness check that points out things worth fixing. You can download a plain-text version on the free plan to see exactly what a system would see. For file options read Download formats.

Before you send it

Read the resume out loud, check dates and spelling, and ask a friend to skim it for ten seconds. If they can tell what you do and what you want, an ATS and a recruiter probably can too.