What is ATS optimization?

ATS (Applicant Tracking System) optimization is the process of formatting and tailoring your resume to ensure it can be properly parsed by automated screening systems used by employers. ResumeFlight's AI analyzes your resume against these systems to maximize your chances of getting past the initial screening.

How does ResumeFlight tailor my resume to specific jobs?

Our AI analyzes both your resume and the job description to identify gaps and opportunities. It then suggests modifications to highlight relevant skills and experiences, incorporate industry-specific keywords, and adjust formatting to match what the employer is looking for.

Can I use ResumeFlight for any industry or job type?

Yes! ResumeFlight is designed to work across all industries and job types. Our AI is trained on a diverse range of resumes and job descriptions from various sectors, ensuring effective optimization regardless of your field.

How long does it take to optimize my resume?

The optimization process typically takes just a few minutes. After uploading your resume and providing the job description, our AI quickly analyzes both and generates optimization suggestions that you can implement with a single click.

10 Essential Tips for Creating an ATS-Friendly Resume in 2025

In today's competitive job market, your resume needs to impress not just human recruiters but also the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that screen applications before they ever reach human eyes. With over 99% of Fortune 500 companies and 75% of all employers using ATS software, optimizing your resume for these systems is no longer optional—it's essential.

At ResumeFlight, our data shows that ATS-optimized resumes are 85% more likely to land an interview than non-optimized ones. Here are our top 10 tips for creating an ATS-friendly resume that will help you get past the digital gatekeepers and into the hands of hiring managers.

1. Use a Clean, Simple Format

ATS software can struggle with complex layouts, graphics, headers, footers, and text boxes. Stick to a clean, simple format with standard section headings like "Experience," "Education," and "Skills." Avoid tables, columns, graphics, and text boxes that can confuse the ATS.

Pro Tip: Use a reverse-chronological format, as it's the most ATS-friendly and preferred by recruiters.

2. Choose the Right File Format

Unless the job posting specifically requests another format, submit your resume as a .docx file. While PDFs maintain formatting across devices, some older ATS systems can't properly parse PDF content. The .docx format is generally the safest choice for ATS compatibility.

3. Include Relevant Keywords

ATS systems scan resumes for keywords that match the job description. Carefully review the job posting and incorporate relevant skills, qualifications, and industry terminology throughout your resume.

Pro Tip: Use both the full spelling and acronym version of keywords (e.g., "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)") to ensure the ATS picks up on them regardless of how they're referenced in the employer's system.

Keyword Optimization Example

Job Description Excerpt: "Looking for a Project Manager with experience in Agile methodologies, Scrum, and Kanban. Must have strong skills in stakeholder management and risk assessment."

ATS-Optimized Bullet Point: "Led cross-functional teams using Agile methodologies including Scrum and Kanban, resulting in 30% faster project delivery while effectively managing stakeholder expectations and conducting thorough risk assessments."

4. Use Standard Section Headings

ATS systems are programmed to look for standard section headings. Use conventional titles like:

Professional Experience (or Work Experience)
Education
Skills
Certifications
Professional Development

Avoid creative headings like "Where I've Made an Impact" or "My Learning Journey" as these can confuse the ATS.

5. Optimize Your Job Titles

If your official job title is unusual or doesn't reflect your actual responsibilities, consider using a more industry-standard equivalent in parentheses. For example: "Digital Overlord (Senior Digital Marketing Manager)."

This approach maintains honesty while improving ATS recognition. Just be prepared to explain this during interviews.

6. Include a Skills Section

A dedicated skills section makes it easy for ATS systems to match your capabilities with job requirements. Include both hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (interpersonal qualities) that are relevant to the position.

Pro Tip: Organize skills by category for better readability when a human reviews your resume.

7. Avoid Headers and Footers

Many ATS systems cannot properly read information placed in headers and footers. Keep all important information, including your contact details, in the main body of your resume.

8. Use Standard Fonts

Stick to standard, professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Unusual fonts may not display correctly in the ATS and can create parsing errors.

9. Include Location Information

Many ATS systems filter candidates by location. Include your city and state in your contact information, and consider including location information for each job if you've worked remotely or in multiple locations.

10. Quantify Achievements

While this tip helps with human readers more than ATS systems, it's crucial for the next stage of review. Use numbers, percentages, and specific metrics to quantify your achievements. For example:

Increased sales by 27% within 6 months
Managed a team of 15 developers across 3 time zones
Reduced customer complaint rate by 35% through improved training procedures

Bonus Tip: Test Your Resume

Before submitting your resume, test its ATS compatibility. ResumeFlight's AI-powered resume scanner can analyze your resume against ATS systems and provide optimization suggestions to improve your chances of getting past the initial screening.

Ready to Optimize Your Resume?

Don't let your perfect-fit application get rejected by an ATS before a human ever sees it. Try ResumeFlight's AI-powered resume optimization tool to ensure your application stands out to both ATS systems and hiring managers. Our users report an 85% higher interview success rate!

Conclusion

Creating an ATS-friendly resume doesn't mean sacrificing personality or impact. By following these 10 essential tips, you can ensure your resume passes through automated screening systems while still showcasing your unique value to potential employers.

Remember, the goal is to get your resume past the ATS and into the hands of a human recruiter who can appreciate your full potential. With ResumeFlight's tools and these expert tips, you'll be well on your way to landing more interviews and finding your dream job.