What is an ATS?
ATS plays an important role in the hiring process. It is a software that companies use to manage, filter, and shortlist job applications. It scans thousands of resumes and shortlists only those that match the job description. If your resume does not have relevant keywords or the correct format, it will be rejected, even if you are qualified for that role.
How does it work?
Whenever you apply for a job, the ATS software scans your resume before a human recruiter. This system checks some important things like-
- Keyword match – Does it have all the relevant keywords that are present in the job description, like the skills, tools, and job title?
- Format check- Resume layout should be readable. Complex design, image, and tables confused ATS.
- Relevance- Are your education and skills relevant to the job role
- Ranking- ATS gives a score to each resume and shortlists the top candidate. If you do not optimize your resume properly, then it will be rejected by ATS. It should be attractive plus ATS-friendly
The Impact of ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)
In today’s time, AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ATS (Applicant Tracking System) play an important role in the hiring process. ATS is a software that scans thousands of resumes and shortlists only those that best match the job description. If it does not have relevant keywords or the correct format, then you might get rejected, even if you are qualified. Those AI tools help recruiters search for better candidates, score resumes, and even schedule an interview. That’s why it’s now important to create a resume that not only impresses humans, but also impresses software systems as well.
Steps to Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly
1. Understand the 2025 ATS-Resume trend
At present – it is not just a formal document, it’s a part of your personal branding. Now recruiters prefer a simple, clear, and job-specific resumes over a cluttered or overdesigned resume.
1. One-page resume
Hiring managers have to review thousands of resumes, so they don’t have much time, and they don’t want to waste more time on understanding a single resume. It should be one page so that any hiring manager can read it in less time, and your resume should be to the point. So make a one-page resume which will be clear to the point, and impactful.
2. Role-specific customization
Sending the same resume for every job is not a good idea. You have to customize according to the job description, so that you do not get rejected in ATS (Applicant Tracking System) and the hiring manager also likes your resume. Make a Resume that matches your skills, experience, and achievements with the job description. This way, it also shows your professionalism and seriousness.
3. Keyword optimization
Most companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes before a human ever sees them. These systems scan resumes for relevant keywords. If your resume doesn’t include the right terms from the job description, it may get rejected automatically. So, it’s important to include industry-specific and job-specific keywords to pass the ATS screening.
4. Quantified achievements
Giving an overview of your work will not work now; you have to be specific about what you have done before. For example, if you have increased sales, then you have to be specific that you increased 30% of sales in 6 months.
Adding numbers, adds value to a it and it also increases the impression on the hiring manager.
2. Use Job-Specific Keywords for
You have to first read the job description carefully and notice all the keywords (like: “project management”, “Excel”, “content writing”) in the job description. And try to include all the keywords naturally, so that it can be easily shortlisted by ATS.
3. Keep the Format Simple
Avoid using complex layouts, tables, images, or fancy fonts. Stick to a clean, basic design with standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Roboto. Save your resume as a .docx or PDF file (if accepted).
4. Use Standard Headings
Use conventional headings such as:
Work Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications.
Avoid creative or unusual section titles that ATS might not recognize.
5. Avoid Graphics and Icons
ATS cannot read visual elements like logos, icons, charts, or images. Keep your resume 100% text-based to ensure all content is scannable.
6. Include Both Hard and Soft Skills
Mention relevant hard skills (e.g., Excel, Python, SEO) as well as soft skills (e.g., leadership, teamwork, communication) that are aligned with the job.
7. Customize for Every Job
Never send the same resume everywhere. Tailor it for each job application by updating the summary, keywords, and skills to match the role.
8. Use online tools to make it faster
You should use tools to create your resume easily. These tools will help you make an effective, impressive, and ATS-friendly resumes. Make use of tools like: Jobscan, Teal, Rezi, ResumeWorded
These help you compare your resume to job descriptions and improve your ATS score.
Tools that Help Optimize a Resume for ATS
Jobscan
Compares your resume with job descriptions and gives suggestions to improve it. Gives you a match rate score (percentage) to show how well your resume fits the job. Uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) simulator. Highlights missing keywords and skills. Suggests improvements to attract more recruiters, and rates your resume on various factors like word choice, formatting, skills, and length.
Pricing:-
Free Plan: 5 scans/month, basic features.
Quarterly Plan: ~$29.99/month (billed $89.95 every 3 months), includes unlimited scans, AI tools, and LinkedIn optimization.
Monthly Plan: $49.95/month with full premium access.
Zety
Zety is one of the world’s most widely used resume builders. It stands out as a high-quality resume and cover letter builder. It is an online career platform that offers tools for a resume and a cover letter. Provides resources like resume and cover letter builders, interview preparation tips, and career advice, all verified by professionals.
Zety provides content suggestions, formatting help, and pre-written phrases that can be customized easily. Ideal for beginners and non-writers.
Price structure –
Free tier: You can build and download as a plain text (.txt) file without formatting or template styling.
14‑Day Trial: $1.95 (gives full access to all features), then auto-renews at $25.95 every 4 weeks if not canceled.
Annual Plan: $71.40/year (works out to ~$5.95/month).
Teal
Helps you organize your job search with a smart tracker, resumes builder, and job recommendations.
Create customized resumes for different job roles, get suggestions to improve your resume content and keywords. Track which stage you’re at — applied, interviewed, rejected, etc., view saved jobs easily. Teal dashboard, set reminders to follow up or prepare for interviews, generate personalized cover letters using AI, and show which skills are missing from for a specific job.
Pricing:-
Teal offers a free plan with basic resume building, keyword matching, and job tracking features. The Teal+ premium plan starts at $9/week or $29/month, giving access to unlimited AI analysis, full keyword match, and cover letter generation.
Rezi
Rezi is AI- based resume builder, it creates an ATS-friendly resume. This platform helps to create keyword optimized resumes. You will get AI written bullet points, real-time feedback and score, clean and ATS- friendly templates.
Pricing:-
Rezi offers a free plan with basic resume features and limited downloads. The Pro plan costs around $29/month, and the Lifetime plan is a one-time payment of $129–$149, unlocking all AI tools and unlimited resume access.
Hiration
Hiration is an AI-powered resume builder designed to help job seekers create ATS-friendly resumes. ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) are used by most companies in 2025 to scan resumes automatically. Hiration ensures it passes through these systems without any issues.
Pricing:-
Free plan available with basic resume tools and templates. Premium plans start at ₹499/month, ₹849 for 3 months, and ₹999/year, offering full AI features, expert review, and job matcher access.
Example of an ATS-Friendly Resume
Example for a Fresh Graduate (No Experience)
Position: Marketing Assistant
Company: CreativePulse Agency
Conclusion
This article covered how to make your resume ATS-ready in minutes. You learned what an ATS is, why it matters, and the common mistakes that can prevent your resume from getting noticed. We discussed practical tips such as using simple formatting, adding relevant keywords, optimizing job titles and skills, avoiding graphics, and testing your resume for ATS compliance.
By following these steps, your resume will have a higher chance of passing through applicant tracking systems and reaching human recruiters. This will save you time, increase your chances of landing interviews, and help you stand out in today’s competitive job market.
You can read more informational here.
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