{"id":535,"date":"2026-06-13T20:35:01","date_gmt":"2026-06-13T20:35:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/ats-resume-tips-applicant-tracking\/"},"modified":"2026-08-12T04:06:32","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T04:06:32","slug":"ats-resume-tips-applicant-tracking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/ats-resume-tips-applicant-tracking\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Ace the ATS: Getting Your Application Past the Bots"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Applicant Tracking Systems, or ATS, are used by the vast majority of companies with more than 50 employees. Your application is typically screened by the software before a human ever sees it. Understanding how ATS works changes how you write your resume and your cover letter.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/ats-resume-tips-applicant-tracking\/#What_ATS_Actually_Does_and_Does_Not_Do\" >What ATS Actually Does (and Does Not Do)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/ats-resume-tips-applicant-tracking\/#Match_the_Exact_Language_in_the_Job_Posting\" >Match the Exact Language in the Job Posting<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/ats-resume-tips-applicant-tracking\/#Use_a_Simple_Clean_Resume_Format\" >Use a Simple, Clean Resume Format<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/ats-resume-tips-applicant-tracking\/#Include_a_Skills_Section_With_Relevant_Keywords\" >Include a Skills Section With Relevant Keywords<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/ats-resume-tips-applicant-tracking\/#Tailor_Your_Resume_for_Each_Application\" >Tailor Your Resume for Each Application<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/ats-resume-tips-applicant-tracking\/#Read_next\" >Read next<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/ats-resume-tips-applicant-tracking\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/ats-resume-tips-applicant-tracking\/#How_long_does_a_recruiter_spend_looking_at_a_resume\" >How long does a recruiter spend looking at a resume?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/ats-resume-tips-applicant-tracking\/#What_do_recruiters_look_for_first_on_a_resume\" >What do recruiters look for first on a resume?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/ats-resume-tips-applicant-tracking\/#Should_I_include_a_summary_at_the_top_of_my_resume\" >Should I include a summary at the top of my resume?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/ats-resume-tips-applicant-tracking\/#How_many_bullet_points_should_each_job_have\" >How many bullet points should each job have?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/ats-resume-tips-applicant-tracking\/#Get_your_free_resume_review_from_a_real_recruiter\" >Get your free resume review from a real recruiter<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_ATS_Actually_Does_and_Does_Not_Do\"><\/span>What ATS Actually Does (and Does Not Do)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ATS software parses your resume into data fields and then ranks or filters candidates based on keyword matches and formatting compatibility. It does not judge whether you are a good person or whether your experience makes sense. It matches text. This means that missing keywords or using a complex resume format can eliminate you before any human ever reads a word you wrote.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Match_the_Exact_Language_in_the_Job_Posting\"><\/span>Match the Exact Language in the Job Posting<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ATS systems match keywords literally. If the posting says &#8220;project management&#8221; and you wrote &#8220;managing projects,&#8221; the match may not register. Read every job posting carefully and mirror the exact phrases used. This is not dishonest, it is just communicating in the language the system is designed to read. For more on this, see our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-get-your-resume-past-ats-filters\/\">get your resume past ats filters<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_a_Simple_Clean_Resume_Format\"><\/span>Use a Simple, Clean Resume Format<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Complex resume formats with tables, columns, text boxes, headers, footers, and graphics often fail to parse correctly in ATS. Stick to a single-column layout, standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills), and a standard font. What looks great in a PDF can become unreadable to a parser.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Include_a_Skills_Section_With_Relevant_Keywords\"><\/span>Include a Skills Section With Relevant Keywords<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many candidates skip a dedicated skills section, but it is one of the easiest ways to include relevant keywords without stuffing them unnaturally into your bullets. List relevant tools, methodologies, certifications, and technical skills in a clean section. Keep it accurate, never list skills you do not actually have.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tailor_Your_Resume_for_Each_Application\"><\/span>Tailor Your Resume for Each Application<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sending the same resume to 50 jobs is less effective than sending 25 tailored versions. For each application, read the posting and add or emphasize the keywords that are specific to that role. You do not need a completely different resume, just adjusted language in your summary and bullet points to mirror the posting. For more on this, see our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-follow-up-job-application\/\">follow up after a job application (without being annoying)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Read_next\"><\/span>Read next<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list atr-read-next\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/linkedin-easy-apply-vs-direct-application\/\">LinkedIn Easy Apply vs Direct Application: Which Gets More Interviews<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/recruiters-view-ats-optimized-resume\/\">What Recruiters Actually Think When They See an ATS-Optimized Resume<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/resume-failing-ats-scan-after-optimization\/\">Why Your Resume Keeps Failing ATS Scans Even After Optimization<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_does_a_recruiter_spend_looking_at_a_resume\"><\/span>How long does a recruiter spend looking at a resume?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recruiters typically spend 6-10 seconds on an initial scan. They look for job title relevance, company names, and whether the most recent role is at the right level for the position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_do_recruiters_look_for_first_on_a_resume\"><\/span>What do recruiters look for first on a resume?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most recruiters look first at your most recent job title and company, then check dates for gaps or progression, then assess whether the experience level matches what they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_include_a_summary_at_the_top_of_my_resume\"><\/span>Should I include a summary at the top of my resume?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, for experienced candidates. A 2-3 sentence summary that speaks directly to your target role helps recruiters understand your value instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_bullet_points_should_each_job_have\"><\/span>How many bullet points should each job have?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">3-5 bullets for recent roles, 1-2 for older ones. Each bullet should describe an accomplishment or outcome, not just a task or responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The visible job market, meaning the postings on LinkedIn and Indeed that everyone can see, represents only about a third of available opportunities at any given time. The other two-thirds exist in conversations that happen before a role is posted, often because a manager told their network they are planning to hire, or because a company is considering creating a new position. Getting access to that hidden market requires a proactive outreach strategy, not just application tracking.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A common mistake I see job seekers make is treating their search like a numbers game. Sending 50 generic applications a week feels productive, but the conversion rate is often less than one percent. Sending ten targeted, customized applications to roles where you have a genuine connection, a referral, or a specific point of differentiation will almost always generate more interviews and better outcomes.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tracking your applications in a spreadsheet is not optional, it is essential. Document the company, role, date applied, and contact name for every application. Follow up on every application where you have a specific contact. Set a calendar reminder to check in seven to ten days after applying. Candidates who follow up thoughtfully get callbacks at a significantly higher rate than those who apply and wait. For more on this, see our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/resume-keywords-for-ats\/\">beat ats with the right resume keywords<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Get_your_free_resume_review_from_a_real_recruiter\"><\/span>Get your free resume review from a real recruiter<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At AskTheRecruiter.com, every resume review is done by a human recruiter with years of hiring experience. You&#8217;ll get honest, specific feedback you can act on right away. No automated scoring, no generic tips.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-vivid-red-background-color has-text-color has-background\" href=\"\/get-your-resume-reviewed\/\">Get My Free Resume Review<\/a><\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"atr-schema-jsonld\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How long does a recruiter spend looking at a resume?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Recruiters typically spend 6-10 seconds on an initial scan. 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Tips on keyword matching, clean formatting, and tailoring each application to improve your interview rate.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":8841,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[25,17,31],"class_list":["post-535","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-job-search","tag-job-application","tag-job-search-tips","tag-networking"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/535","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=535"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/535\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9270,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/535\/revisions\/9270"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8841"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=535"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=535"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=535"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}