ATS Friendly Resume Guide: How to Pass ATS in 2025

Did you know that over 90% of Fortune 500 companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before a human ever sees them? If your goal in 2025 is to land more interviews, mastering the art of an ats friendly resume is essential.

This guide will show you exactly how to create a resume that passes ATS filters and gets noticed by recruiters. You'll learn what ATS is, why it matters, the biggest mistakes that trigger rejections, and the most effective strategies for optimization. Get ready for step-by-step instructions, actionable tips, and the best tools to help your resume stand out in the digital hiring world.

Understanding ATS: How Applicant Tracking Systems Work in 2025

Did you know that most large companies rely on automated software to filter resumes before a recruiter even sees them? This technology, called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), is now used by over 90% of Fortune 500 companies. If you want your application to reach the next stage, understanding how ATS works is the first step toward building an ats friendly resume.

What Is an ATS and Why Does It Matter?

An ATS is specialized software designed to automate and streamline the hiring process. Its primary role is to handle the flood of applications that companies receive for every job posting. The system scans, sorts, and ranks resumes so recruiters can focus on top candidates.

Why does this matter for your ats friendly resume? Because the majority of resumes—over 75%—never make it past this digital gatekeeper. If your resume isn’t formatted or worded correctly, it could be filtered out, regardless of your qualifications.

Core Functions of ATS in 2025

Modern ATS platforms have evolved far beyond basic keyword matching. Here’s a quick overview of the core features you’ll encounter:

ATS FunctionWhat It DoesImpact on ResumeJob PostingDistributes openings across job boardsNo direct impactResume ParsingBreaks resumes into sections/data pointsNeeds clear structureKeyword ScanningCompares content to job-specific keywordsKeyword optimizationCandidate RankingScores and sorts applicantsHigher match, higher rankWorkflow ManagementTracks hiring progressNo direct impact

For an ats friendly resume, you’ll want to focus on parsing, keyword scanning, and ranking, as these directly affect your chances of being noticed.

How Resume Parsing and Keyword Matching Work

When you submit your resume, the ATS “reads” your document and converts it into structured data. It identifies key sections like Work Experience, Education, and Skills. If you use nonstandard headings or complex formatting, the ATS may miss or misinterpret important information.

Next comes keyword scanning. The ATS compares your resume against the job description, looking for exact matches and relevant phrases. Placement and context matter—a resume that says “managed a team of 10 nurses” will rank higher than one that simply lists “management.”

Curious how your resume fares? You can use an ATS Resume Checker tool to see how your document is parsed and scored, making it easier to craft an ats friendly resume that gets noticed.

Example: ATS in Action for a Software Engineer Role

Imagine you’re applying for a software engineer position. The ATS scans the job description for skills like “WordPress,” “HTML,” and “Agile.” It then parses your resume for these keywords, checking not just for their presence, but how you used them.

If your ats friendly resume says, “Developed responsive websites using WordPress, HTML, and Agile methodologies,” you’re far more likely to rank highly. If those terms appear only in a list, or not at all, your application may be filtered out before a recruiter reviews it.

The High Stakes: Why ATS Optimization Is Essential

With over 75% of resumes rejected before reaching human eyes, optimizing for ATS isn’t optional—it’s the new normal. A well-structured, ats friendly resume that leverages clear headings, targeted keywords, and simple formatting dramatically boosts your chances of landing an interview.

Understanding how ATS works empowers you to tailor your application for both machines and people. In the competitive job market of 2025, this knowledge is your secret weapon.

Common ATS Resume Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Creating an ats friendly resume is crucial if you want to get past automated screening. Yet, many talented candidates are rejected before a human even sees their application—often due to simple, avoidable errors.

Common Formatting Mistakes

One of the biggest mistakes when building an ats friendly resume is using graphics, images, or fancy fonts. While these might look attractive to the human eye, ATS software struggles to interpret them. Text inside images or decorative elements often gets ignored, which could mean your most important skills never make it into the system.

Using tables, columns, or text boxes is another common pitfall. ATS tools may scramble or drop information placed inside these elements. For example, listing your skills in a two-column table can cause the ATS to miss half your qualifications.

File Types and Compatibility

Submitting your resume in the wrong file format is a quick way to get rejected. ATS systems usually prefer .docx or standard PDF files. If you send in a JPG, PNG, or even a non-editable PDF, your ats friendly resume may not be read at all. Some complex PDF formatting can also cause parsing errors, so always stick to standard export settings.

The Importance of Keywords

Ignoring keywords is a costly error. ATS software scans resumes for specific words and phrases from the job description. If your ats friendly resume doesn’t include the right terms, you might be filtered out—even if you have the right experience.

Always analyze the job posting for repeated skills, certifications, and requirements. Integrate these keywords naturally throughout your work experience and skills sections.

Section Headings That Work

Unusual section titles or placing key info in headers or footers can confuse ATS parsing. If you label your skills as “Core Competencies” or “What I Bring,” the system might skip that section entirely. Instead, use standard headings like “Skills,” “Work Experience,” and “Education.” For a deeper dive on this, check out resume section headers best practices to ensure your headings are ATS-approved.

Quick Checklist: Avoid These ATS Traps

According to GoodFirms, 90% of large organizations rely on ATS software. By steering clear of these common mistakes, you’ll greatly increase the odds that your ats friendly resume makes it to a real recruiter’s hands.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Create an ATS-Friendly Resume in 2025

Creating an ats friendly resume in 2025 is more important than ever. With most companies relying on automated systems to filter applicants, your resume needs to be both machine-readable and compelling to humans. Let’s break down the process into seven actionable steps so you can boost your chances of landing interviews.

Step 1: Analyze the Job Description for Keywords

The first step in crafting an ats friendly resume is to study the job posting closely. Highlight skills, qualifications, and experience that appear repeatedly. These are the keywords ATS software will look for.

For example, if you’re applying for a project manager position, note terms like “Agile,” “Scrum,” and “stakeholder management.” Incorporate these keywords authentically within your resume content. Don’t just list them—provide context in your achievements and responsibilities.

Use this process for every application. Tailoring your ats friendly resume ensures it aligns with both the job and the ATS.

Step 2: Choose the Right Resume Format

Selecting the correct format is vital for an ats friendly resume. Chronological and hybrid (combination) formats work best because they present your work history clearly.

A chronological format lists your jobs in reverse order, starting with the most recent. This is the most ATS-compatible layout, as it helps systems parse your experience without confusion.

Avoid functional-only resumes, which focus solely on skills and hide the timeline. ATS software may struggle to interpret these. Stick to formats that are proven to pass through ATS filters and highlight your career progression.

Step 3: Use Standard Section Headings and Structure

Standardization is key for an ats friendly resume. Use conventional section headings that ATS recognizes, such as “Work Experience,” “Education,” “Skills,” and “Certifications.”

Avoid creative or ambiguous titles like “My Journey” or “What I Bring.” These can confuse the ATS and cause your information to be skipped. For example, always use “Skills” instead of alternative phrases like “Core Strengths.”

Organize each section logically and keep the structure simple. This ensures the ATS can parse your details accurately and rank you higher for relevant roles.

Step 4: Optimize for Keywords and Skills

To maximize your ats friendly resume, blend job-specific keywords naturally into your summary, work history, and skills sections. Focus on both hard skills (like “project management” or “JavaScript”) and soft skills (such as “leadership” or “communication”).

Don’t overstuff keywords in lists—use them in context to show real experience. For example, “Implemented Agile methodologies to improve project delivery” targets both “Agile” and “project delivery” while sounding authentic.

For more comprehensive strategies on keyword and formatting best practices, see this ATS resume optimization guide 2025.

Step 5: Format for ATS Compatibility

Formatting can make or break your ats friendly resume. Avoid using tables, columns, graphics, images, or text boxes, as these elements may cause parsing errors.

Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and use a 10-12 pt font size for readability. Bullet points are fine, but keep them simple and standard. Always use a single-column layout for clarity and consistency.

Here’s a quick table to summarize what to use and avoid:

UseAvoidStandard fontsGraphic elementsBullet pointsTables/columnsOne columnText boxes/images

Simplicity is your friend when it comes to ATS parsing.

Step 6: Save and Submit in the Correct File Type

Saving your document in the right format is essential for an ats friendly resume. The preferred file types are .docx (Microsoft Word) and standard PDF files, unless the job posting specifies otherwise.

Do not submit image files (like JPG or PNG) or heavily formatted PDFs, as these are often unreadable by ATS systems. When exporting to PDF, use standard settings to avoid encoding issues.

Always double-check the job posting for any file format instructions. Submitting in the wrong format can mean your ats friendly resume is never even seen.

Step 7: Test Your Resume with ATS Tools

Before you send out your ats friendly resume, test it using free ATS resume checkers or by uploading it to company portals that show a preview of how your information will be parsed.

Tools like MyPerfectResume’s ATS Resume Checker can scan your file for keyword matches and formatting issues. Review the feedback and make necessary adjustments before submitting your application.

Regularly testing and refining your ats friendly resume increases your chances of passing through automated screening and getting noticed by hiring managers.

Essential Sections and Content for an ATS-Friendly Resume

Building an ats friendly resume means structuring your document so every section is easy for both software and humans to scan. Let's break down the must-have sections, formatting tips, and real-world examples that will help your resume stand out in 2025.

Contact Information & Professional Summary

Start your ats friendly resume with clear contact information at the very top. Use a standard font and avoid placing these details in headers or footers, as ATS software may not read them correctly.

Follow this with a concise professional summary. In two or three sentences, mention your target job title, years of experience, and a few key skills or achievements. Make sure to include keywords from the job description—this helps your ats friendly resume get noticed.

Work Experience

Your work experience section is the backbone of an ats friendly resume. List your jobs in reverse chronological order, including employer names, job titles, and dates of employment.

Use bullet points to highlight accomplishments and quantify results whenever possible. Action verbs like “managed,” “developed,” and “implemented” help both ATS and recruiters quickly understand your achievements.

Skills & Education

A strong skills section is essential for an ats friendly resume. List both hard and soft skills that match the job description. Use standard section titles like “Skills” and avoid creative alternatives.

Education should include your degree, institution, and graduation year. Add relevant coursework if it aligns with the job. For keyword optimization, consider using a Resume keyword scanner guide to ensure your skills and education match the role’s requirements.

Certifications, Licenses & Additional Sections

Certifications and licenses are critical in an ats friendly resume, especially for technical or regulated professions. Create a separate section labeled “Certifications” or “Licenses.” List each credential with the full name and, if relevant, the issuing organization and expiration date.

Add sections for languages, technical proficiencies, or volunteer work if they are relevant to the role. These can give your ats friendly resume an extra edge, especially if the job posting calls for them.

Real-World ATS-Friendly Resume Snippets

Here are snippets that showcase effective keyword use and formatting for an ats friendly resume:

SectionExampleWork ExperienceManaged cross-functional teams using Agile to deliver software projects ahead of schedule.SkillsSEO, Google Analytics, content strategy, campaign management.CertificationsPMP, Google Ads Certified.

Remember, ATS software often places heavy weight on skills and certifications when ranking candidates. By aligning every section of your ats friendly resume with the job description, you’ll boost your chances of making it past automated filters and into the hands of recruiters.

Tools and Resources to Optimize Your Resume for ATS

Finding the right tools can make all the difference when building an ats friendly resume. With so many options available, it’s smart to focus on resources that help you not only get past the ATS but also create a resume that appeals to recruiters.

Top ATS Resume Tools

Start with an ats friendly resume checker to see how your document performs. Leading options include:

Here’s a quick comparison:

ToolFeaturesBest ForMyPerfectResumeTemplates, ATS checker, feedbackBeginners, quick fixesJobscanKeyword match, scoringAdvanced optimizationResumeWordedSkill/keyword analysis, insightsDetailed improvement

Using these platforms, you can quickly identify gaps and create an ats friendly resume that stands out in automated screenings.

Keyword Analyzers & Templates

A critical step is using keyword analyzers. These tools scan job descriptions, then suggest which words or phrases to add to your ats friendly resume. By matching the language used in the job posting, you increase your chances of getting noticed.

Look for resume templates specifically labeled as ATS-friendly. Avoid overly designed layouts with graphics or columns. Many platforms, like MyPerfectResume, offer over 50 templates designed for easy parsing.

For more on effective formatting and action verbs, check out Mastering ATS resume optimization 2025, which covers best practices for clear, impactful resumes.

LinkedIn & Resume Consistency

Don’t forget to optimize your LinkedIn profile to match your ats friendly resume. When using LinkedIn’s “Easy Apply,” recruiters often check that your online presence aligns with your submitted resume.

Keep job titles, skills, and keywords consistent between both platforms. This not only boosts your ATS ranking but also reassures hiring managers that your experience is genuine.

Regularly update your LinkedIn summary and skills section to reflect the latest industry trends and in-demand keywords.

Tips for Ongoing ATS Optimization

Staying ahead means continuously refining your ats friendly resume. Jobscan research shows that resumes tailored to specific job descriptions have 2-3 times higher interview rates. Review each job posting, tweak your resume, and rescan using ATS tools before you submit.

Here are a few extra tips:

By leveraging these resources and keeping your ats friendly resume up to date, you’ll maximize your chances of making it past the bots and into the interview room.

Advanced ATS Strategies for 2025: Standing Out in Automated Screening

Breaking through the digital gatekeepers in 2025 requires more than a standard ats friendly resume. Today’s applicant tracking systems are smarter, ranking candidates based on context, relevance, and measurable achievements. To truly stand out, you need to go beyond lists of skills and embed your value throughout your resume.

Contextualizing Keywords for Maximum Impact

A winning ats friendly resume uses keywords where they matter most: within the context of your achievements. Instead of simply listing skills, weave them into action statements. For example, rather than stating “Agile, Python, team leadership” in a skills list, write “Led an Agile team of five developers to deliver Python-based solutions ahead of schedule.” This approach not only captures the attention of the ATS but also creates a stronger narrative for human reviewers.

Quantifying Achievements to Stand Out

Numbers speak louder than buzzwords. Top ATS algorithms reward resumes that quantify impact, as this demonstrates real value. For instance, “Boosted customer satisfaction scores by 25% using data-driven process improvements” is far more effective than “Improved customer satisfaction.” If you need guidance on crafting compelling statements, check out how to write good bullet points for a resume. Quantification helps your ats friendly resume rise to the top of both automated and human shortlists.

Customization & Industry-Specific Optimization

Tailoring your ats friendly resume for each application is no longer optional—it’s essential. Analyze each job posting, identify unique keywords, and reflect them in your experience and skills sections. Use industry-specific jargon and mention up-to-date certifications. For example, technology roles in 2025 often require familiarity with new frameworks or cloud platforms, so ensure these are included if relevant. This targeted customization signals to the ATS that your profile is the right fit.

Leveraging Profiles and Certifications

Consistency is crucial in 2025. Make sure your LinkedIn and online profiles mirror the keywords and achievements found in your ats friendly resume. Recruiters often search ATS databases using certifications and recent experience as filters. In fact, applicant tracking system statistics 2025 show that 53% of recruiters rely on these methods to shortlist candidates. Keeping your certifications current and visible increases your chances of being discovered for top roles.

Now that you know how crucial ATS optimization is for landing interviews in 2025, why not put these strategies into action? With today’s smart tools, you don’t have to guess what works—AI can help you build a resume that ticks every box recruiters and their systems are looking for. If you want to see how effortless it is to create a resume that stands out to both ATS and hiring managers, see how easy it is to create a perfect resume. You’ve got the know-how—now let’s make your next application shine!