What an ATS does with your resume
If the software can't read your text, or the keywords aren't there, a recruiter may never see your resume.
- Reads the text from your file and splits it into fields: contact details, work history, education and skills
- Stores it in a database that recruiters search by keywords, titles and locations
- Often ranks or filters candidates by how well they match the job
Formatting that ATS software reads well
- A single-column layout with standard headings: Summary, Experience, Education, Skills
- Real text, never text inside images or graphics
- Common fonts and normal bullet points
- Dates in a consistent format, like "Jun 2024 – Present"
- Contact details in the main body, not only in the header or footer
- PDF or Word files, unless the job asks for something else
Formatting that causes trouble
- Text boxes, tables and multiple columns
- Skill bars, star ratings, icons and photos
- Fancy headings like "My Journey" instead of "Experience"
- Scanned resumes or screenshots saved as PDF
Match the keywords in the job post
Read the job post and pick out the skills, tools and qualifications it mentions. If you have them, use the same words in your resume, in your summary, your bullets and your skills section.
Don't paste the whole job post or hide keywords in white text. Recruiters and modern systems spot it, and it reads badly when a person opens your resume.
A quick ATS checklist before you apply
- Is your resume single-column with standard headings?
- Can you select and copy all the text in the PDF?
- Are your name, phone, email and city in plain text near the top?
- Does it include the main skills and job title from the job post?
- Are your dates and job titles clear and consistent?
- Is the file named with your name?
Test it before you send it
The easiest check is to see what the software actually reads. Lettr's free ATS checker shows the text an ATS pulls from your resume, flags what's missing and gives you fixes, with no account needed.
Ready to put this into practice?
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