Mastering the ATS
75% of resumes are rejected by software before a human sees them. Learn how to build an ATS-proof resume that lands in the 'Yes' pile.
Mistakes to Avoid
1. Keyword Stuffing
Don't hide keywords in white font. Modern systems detect this, and human recruiters will immediately reject the deception.
2. Complex Graphics
Many ATS cannot read data inside images or charts. Stick to text-based descriptions for skills to ensure they are indexed.
Identify recurring nouns and skills in the job description. Sprinkle these important keywords throughout your resume as ATS ranks based on "hits" against the desired profile.
Unless specified otherwise, use PDF. Our builder creates "text-layer" PDFs that are perfectly readable by any modern ATS while preserving your intended layout.
Avoid tables, columns, or graphics. A simple, single-column format is the most easily parsed by ATS. Complex layouts often cause software to scramble your history.
Stick to common titles like "Work Experience" or "Education." Creative titles can confuse the algorithm, leading to miscategorized or ignored experience.
ATS algorithms look for numerical proof of success. Use bullet points with action verbs and metrics: "Generated $200k revenue" is better than "Helped sales."
Older ATS platforms sometimes ignore text in headers or footers. To be safe, place all critical information within the main document body.