If you’re starting your job search, there’s a good chance your resume will be scanned by software before it’s seen by a human. Welcome to the world of ATS — or Applicant Tracking Systems. These tools are now used by most companies to manage the large number of applications they receive, and if your resume isn’t optimized to pass through them, it might not be read at all.
The good news? Creating an ATS-friendly resume isn’t as hard as it sounds — and doing it right can give you a real edge over other applicants.
Let’s break down exactly what ATS is, how it works, and how to write a resume that gets through the filter and into the hands of real hiring managers.
If you’re just getting started, make sure to check out our step-by-step guide to writing a resume in 2025 — it covers the basics before diving into ATS formatting.
What Is an ATS Resume?
An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is software used by employers to automatically scan resumes for relevant keywords and information. If your resume doesn’t match what the system is looking for, it might never reach a recruiter’s inbox.
An ATS-optimized resume is written and formatted in a way that helps it pass through this software — by using the right keywords, simple formatting, and clear structure.
Bottom line: If your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, it could be filtered out before a human ever reads it.
How to Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly
1. Use Keywords from the Job Description
This is the single most important step.
- Look at the job posting and pull out key terms (e.g. “customer service,” “data entry,” “teamwork”)
- Naturally weave these keywords into your summary, skills, and experience sections
- Avoid overstuffing — make sure it sounds natural and reflects what you actually bring to the table
Example:
If you’re applying for a retail job, try including lines like:
“Excited to bring my strong communication and customer service skills to a retail team focused on delivering great experiences.”
2. Format It Cleanly
ATS software can get confused by creative designs. Here’s how to keep it readable:
- Use simple fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
- Avoid tables, graphics, columns, or images
- Use bold section headers like “Education,” “Skills,” and “Experience”
- Stick with standard margins (1 inch) and single line spacing
- Save as a .docx or PDF, depending on the company’s instructions.
3. Build Out Your Skills Section
Make sure to list both technical and transferable (soft) skills relevant to the role. Here’s an example list that could work well for first jobs, if you haven’t yet entered the world of work:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Time management
- Point-of-sale systems
- Microsoft Word or Google Docs
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking
Don’t just copy and paste a list — try to show how you’ve demonstrated those skills in school, extracurriculars, or volunteering.
4. Use a Clear Resume Structure
Here’s a format that works well with ATS software — and hiring managers too:
Contact Info
Your name, phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn (if you have one). No need for a full address.
Personal Summary
A few sentences that introduce who you are, what you’re looking for, and what you bring to the table. Great for students or recent grads with limited experience.
Example:
High school senior with strong interpersonal skills and a passion for helping others. Eager to gain hands-on experience in a customer service role.
Skills
List 6–10 relevant skills, mixing soft skills and any tools you know how to use (like Excel, Canva, or scheduling systems).
Experience
Include any jobs, internships, volunteering, or school projects. Don’t worry if you haven’t had a paid job — responsibilities like fundraising, organizing events, or mentoring still count.
Education
Include your current school, expected graduation year, and any achievements (GPA, honors, extracurriculars, awards).
5. Double-Check Before You Submit
Before hitting send:
- Make sure your resume includes keywords from the job ad
- Check that the formatting is clean and consistent
- Proofread for grammar or spelling mistakes
- Save with a clear filename like Firstname_Lastname_Resume_2025.pdf
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let the ATS Filter You Out
Learning how to write an ATS-friendly resume is a game-changer — especially when you’re applying for your first job. And because most applicants still overlook it, making your resume ATS-optimized gives you a real shot at standing out.
Looking for inspiration? Head over to our Employer Profiles to explore companies currently hiring and see how your new resume could help you land your next opportunity.
