How to Create a Resume That Gets Past ATS Robots (With Real Examples)

Before your resume ever reaches human eyes, it likely has to pass through an invisible gatekeeper: the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). These software tools help employers manage the flood of applications they receive, but they can also be the reason your perfectly good resume gets rejected before anyone sees it. Research shows that over 75% of resumes are eliminated by ATS filters before a hiring manager reviews them.

This article will walk you through exactly how to optimise your resume to sail through ATS systems, with real examples that have worked for actual job seekers.

What Is an ATS and Why Should You Care?

An Applicant Tracking System is software that companies use to collect, sort, and rank job applications. It helps employers manage their recruitment process, but for job seekers, it means your resume must satisfy both robot and human readers.

The ATS works by:

• Scanning your resume for specific keywords related to the job
• Parsing your information into a standard format
• Ranking your application against others
• Flagging top candidates for human review

If your resume isn't properly optimised, even with stellar qualifications, you might be automatically rejected. Let's ensure that doesn't happen.

The Anatomy of an ATS-Friendly Resume

1. Clean, Standard Formatting

ATS systems struggle with complex layouts, graphics, and unconventional formatting. Keep your resume clean and simple.

Bad Example:


✘ Using creative columns with information flowing in multiple directions
✘ Including text boxes or tables to organize information
✘ Embedding graphics or icons to represent skills



Good Example:


✓ Single-column layout with clear section headings
✓ Standard margins (0.75-1 inch all around)
✓ Limited use of bullet points in a standard format



Real-life success story: James was a graphic designer who kept getting rejected despite his qualifications. After switching from his creative, design-heavy resume to a clean, ATS-optimized format while maintaining his professional brand through subtle design elements, his callback rate increased by 60%.

2. Strategic Keyword Optimisation

Every ATS searches for specific keywords, typically pulled from the job description. The key is to include them naturally throughout your resume.

Before Optimisation:


Managed social media accounts and developed engaging content for various platforms.



After Optimisation:


Managed corporate social media marketing across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, developing targeted content that increased engagement by 34% and generated 150+ qualified leads per month.



Notice how the optimised version naturally incorporates keywords like "social media marketing," "Facebook," "Instagram," "LinkedIn," "targeted content," "engagement," and "qualified leads" without feeling forced.

"The goal isn't to trick the ATS with keyword stuffing, but to accurately represent your experience using the language employers are searching for."

3. Use the Right File Format

Not all file formats are treated equally by ATS systems.

Recommended formats:

• .docx (Microsoft Word) - Most universally compatible with ATS systems
• .pdf (only if created from a text document, not scanned)

Formats to avoid:

• .jpg, .png, or other image files
• .pages (Mac Pages)
• PDF files created from scanned documents

4. Proper Section Headings

ATS systems rely on standard section headings to categorise your information correctly.

Use these conventional headings:

• "Work Experience" or "Professional Experience" (not "Where I've Made an Impact")
• "Education" (not "Learning Journey")
• "Skills" (not "My Toolkit")
• "Certifications" (not "Credentials")

Examples: Before and After ATS Optimisation

Example 1: Technical Resume Transformation

Before:


TECHNICAL WIZARD
ABC Technologies (2018-2022)
- Coded stuff for the company's main website
- Fixed bugs and issues as they came up
- Helped with deployment of new features
- Worked with a team of other developers



After:


SOFTWARE ENGINEER
ABC Technologies | Boston, MA | 2018-2022
- Developed responsive front-end components using React.js and TypeScript, improving site load time by 40%
- Debugged and resolved 200+ critical production issues, maintaining 99.9% uptime
- Implemented CI/CD pipeline using Jenkins, reducing deployment time from 2 hours to 15 minutes
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver 15 major feature releases ahead of schedule



The optimised version includes specific technologies (React.js, TypeScript, Jenkins) that might be ATS keywords while also demonstrating measurable achievements.

Example 2: Sales Resume Enhancement

Before:


Sales Representative
XYZ Corporation
- Exceeded sales targets
- Managed customer accounts
- Presented products to clients
- Negotiated contracts



After:


Senior B2B Sales Representative
XYZ Corporation | Chicago, IL | 2019-Present
- Exceeded quarterly sales targets by average of 27%, generating $1.3M in new business revenue for enterprise SaaS solutions
- Managed portfolio of 45+ key accounts, increasing client retention rate from 76% to 92%
- Delivered customized product demonstrations to C-level executives, converting 68% of presentations into sales
- Negotiated enterprise contracts valued at $50K-$250K, securing favorable terms while maintaining 39% profit margin



The optimized version includes industry-specific terminology (B2B, SaaS, enterprise) along with metrics that prove success.

Advanced ATS-Beating Techniques

1. Create a Skills Section with Precise Match

Many ATS systems rank candidates based on skills match. Create a dedicated "Skills" section that mirrors the job requirements.

Job Description Excerpt:"Looking for an experienced project manager with expertise in Agile methodologies, Jira, Scrum, stakeholder management, and budget oversight."

Effective Skills Section:


SKILLS
- Project Management: Agile, Scrum, Kanban, PMP Certified
- Software: Jira, Confluence, Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello
- Leadership: Stakeholder Management, Team Leadership, Resource Allocation
- Financial: Budget Development, Cost Control, ROI Analysis, Forecasting



2. Job Title Alignment

When possible, match your job title to the one in the listing if it accurately reflects your experience.

If the job posting is for a "Digital Marketing Specialist" but your title was "Online Marketing Coordinator" with identical responsibilities, consider using:


Online Marketing Coordinator (Digital Marketing Specialist)
XYZ Company | 2019-2022



3. Location Optimisation

Some ATS systems filter by location. Make sure your city and state appear on your resume, typically under your contact information or with each job listing.

The Final Check: Testing Your Resume Against ATS

Before submitting, test your resume's ATS compatibility:

1. Use free ATS testing tools like JobScan or Resume Worded to see how your resume scores
2. Copy and paste your resume text into a plain text document – if information is missing or appears jumbled, ATS systems may have the same problem
3. Have a friend search for specific keywords in your PDF – if they can't find them with a search, neither can the ATS

Implementation Checklist

• ☐ Simplified to a clean, single-column layout
• ☐ Removed tables, text boxes, and images
• ☐ Used standard section headings
• ☐ Incorporated keywords from the job description naturally
• ☐ Saved as a .docx or properly formatted .pdf file
• ☐ Included your location information
• ☐ Added a skills section that mirrors job requirements
• ☐ Quantified achievements with metrics where possible
• ☐ Tested for ATS compatibility

Beyond the ATS: The Human Touch

Remember that passing the ATS is only the first step. Once your resume reaches human eyes, it needs to impress quickly. Ensure your ATS-friendly resume still showcases your unique value proposition and tells a compelling career story that makes hiring managers want to meet you.

At WCFCAcademy, we offer personalised resume optimisation services that enhance both ATS compatibility and human appeal. Our clients see an average 3.5x increase in interview invitations after working with our career specialists. Visit www.wcfc.academy to learn how we can transform your resume from rejected to requested.

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