Beat the Bots: How to Get Your Resume Past an ATS

Customizing your application materials matters more than ever

When you apply for a job online, your resume might not go straight to a human. Instead, it often goes through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) first. Think of an ATS as a digital gatekeeper - it scans, sorts, and ranks applications before a recruiter ever sees them. Employers use these systems to manage large volumes of applications and quickly identify top candidates based on keywords, formatting, and relevance.

So how does this affect you as a student or recent graduate? If your resume isn’t optimized for an ATS, it might never reach a hiring manager, even if you're a great fit for the role. ATS software looks for specific words and phrases that match the job description. If your resume doesn’t include those, it could get filtered out automatically.

That’s one of the reasons why customizing your resume and cover letter for each job is so important. Start by carefully reading the job posting and identifying key skills, qualifications, and terms. Then, make sure those words appear naturally in your resume. For example, if a job asks for “customer service experience,” and you’ve worked in retail, use that exact phrase to describe your role.

Formatting also matters. Stick to simple layouts - avoid tables, graphics, or unusual fonts that might confuse the system. Stay away from complicated resume formats, like you might build in Canva; an ATS has a much harder time reading these. Use standard headings like “Education,” “Experience,” and “Skills.” And always submit your resume as a Word document or PDF, depending on what the employer requests. Use our checklist for more tips.
ATS-Friendly Resume Checklist

• Use standard section headings (e.g., Education, Experience, Skills)
• Match keywords from the job description
• Avoid graphics, tables, and columns
• Use a clean, readable font (like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman)
• Submit in the correct format (Word or PDF, as requested)
• Don't use resume templates - the less formating, the better
• Include relevant skills and certifications
• Spell out acronyms
• Keep formatting simple - no headers or footers
• Use bullet points for easy scanning
• Proofread for spelling and grammar errors

Taking the time to optimize your application for ATS can be the difference between getting an interview and getting overlooked. Let Career Services help you beat the bots! Parkland students can schedule a resume or cover letter review with our staff to help perfect your materials.

Are you interested in learning how to use AI chatbots to optimize your application materials? Make sure to return for next week’s Career Journal entry, where we will review prompts and best practices to incorporate AI into your job search.