Applicant tracking system (ATS)
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software companies use to collect, sort, and filter job applications — it often screens resumes for keywords before a human reads them.
Most medium and large employers run applications through an ATS. It parses your resume into structured fields and may rank or filter candidates by how well the text matches the job description.
To pass an ATS: use a clean single-column layout, standard section headings, and the exact keywords from the job posting. Avoid images, tables, and headers/footers that parsers misread.
Frequently asked questions about Applicant tracking system (ATS)
How do I make my resume ATS-friendly?⌄
Use a simple single-column layout, standard headings (Experience, Education, Skills), a common file type like PDF or DOCX, and the exact keywords from the job description. Skip images, tables, and text boxes.