Let’s talk about the mysterious gatekeeper in many modern job applications: the ATS, or Applicant Tracking System.
It might sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. ATS is just software companies use to filter and sort resumes. The catch? If your resume isn’t formatted or worded in a way the system understands, it may not ever reach human eyes.
We’re not saying this to scare you—we’re here to help you work with it. Here’s how you can make your resume ATS-friendly without losing your personal touch:
- Use standard headings. Stick to basics like “Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” Fancy titles might look creative, but they can confuse the system.
- Keep the format clean. Avoid text boxes, columns, or graphics. ATS can struggle to read them.
- Include keywords from the job description. If the job asks for “project management” or “social media strategy,” and you’ve done those things–say so! Match your wording to theirs naturally.
- Skip the fluff, keep the impact. Focus on clear accomplishments and relevant experience. And yes–your time managing a household counts. You’ve led, planned, negotiated, and solved problems. Those are real skills.
- Save it as a .docx or PDF. But double-check the application instructions—some systems prefer one over the other.
This isn’t about being perfect–it’s about being seen. Need help making sure your resume is ATS-ready? That’s exactly what we’re here for. Our resume support sessions and templates are designed with this in mind.
You’ve done more than you give yourself credit for—and we’ll help you highlight every bit of it.