When applying to a job, your resume is often the first point of contact with a potential employer. However, in today's digital age, it's likely that your resume will be scanned and reviewed by an applicant tracking system (ATS) before it even reaches a recruiter's desk. That means you need to make sure your resume is designed to be "scanner-friendly," or easily machine-readable, to increase your chances of being selected for an interview. Here are eight tips to improve your resume for ATS scanning:
1. Use a simple, easy-to-read font. Though it may be tempting to use a fancy or unique font to make your resume stand out, it's best to stick to a font that is widely recognized and easy to read. Fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman are great options.
2. Keep formatting simple. While it's important to ensure your resume is visually appealing, it's also important to keep formatting as simple as possible. This includes avoiding tables, graphs, and text boxes, all of which may confuse the scanner. Instead, focus on using clear headings and utilizing bold or italic font for emphasis.
3. Include relevant keywords. Many ATS systems use keyword searches to filter through resumes. To ensure your resume is flagged as relevant, use relevant keywords throughout your resume, particularly in your summary of qualifications, skills section, and job titles. This will help the scanner identify you as a qualified candidate.
4. Use specific job titles. When listing your past job titles, be as specific as possible. Instead of using generic job titles like "assistant" or "manager," use titles that clearly describe your role, such as "Administrative Assistant" or "Operations Manager." This will help the scanner understand your experience and qualifications more accurately.
5. Avoid symbols and graphics. While adding symbols or graphics to your resume may seem like a good way to make it stand out visually, these elements can actually confuse the scanner. Stick to using simple text and avoid using special characters or borders.
6. Use a standard file format. To ensure your resume is easily readable by an ATS system, it's best to save it in a standard file format such as a Word document or PDF. Avoid formatting your resume as an image or as a non-standard file format, as these may not be readable by the scanner.
7. Be consistent in formatting. Consistency is key in making sure your resume is easily readable by a scanner. Keep the same formatting throughout your entire resume, including font size, headings, and bullet points. This will help the scanner recognize key information and make it easier for the recruiter to review your qualifications.
8. Test your resume against ATS systems. Finally, it's important to test your resume against different ATS systems to ensure it's easily readable. This can be done through online resources, such as Jobscan or Resunate, which allow you to upload your resume and see how well it scores in comparison to the specific ATS system used by the employer you're applying to. By testing and adjusting your resume accordingly, you can improve your chances of making it through the initial scanning process.
In conclusion, it's important to design your resume with ATS scanning in mind to increase your chances of being selected for an interview. By keeping your formatting simple, using relevant keywords and specific job titles, avoiding symbols and graphics, and testing your resume against different ATS systems, you can ensure your resume is easily readable by the scanner and presents you as a qualified candidate.