How to Pass an ATS Resume Scan

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software that employers use to collect, sort and search applications. Contrary to popular belief, most do not automatically reject you with a score. They parse your resume into fields and let recruiters search and filter. Problems start when the parsing goes wrong or the right words are missing.

Use a simple layout

Use a single column, standard fonts and normal headings such as "Experience", "Education" and "Skills". Tables, text boxes, columns, icons and headers or footers can scramble or hide your text when the system reads it.

Send the right file

Unless the posting says otherwise, a Word document or a text-based PDF both work. A PDF made from a scan or an image cannot be read at all.

Match the keywords

Recruiters search for job titles, tools and skills. Use the exact terms from the posting where they are true for you. If you write "JS", also write "JavaScript" once. Spell out acronyms the first time you use them.

Put dates and titles in a clear format

Write "Software Engineer | Acme Corp | Jan 2021 – Mar 2024". Consistent job titles, employers and dates help the system build your work history correctly.

Don't try to trick it

Hidden white text and keyword stuffing are detected, and a human reading it will notice. They can get your application discarded.

Check what the system sees

Copy your resume and paste it into a plain text editor. If the order is jumbled or characters are missing, a parser will struggle too.