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Keyword Optimization (Most Critical)

ATS systems scan for specific keywords before any human sees your resume. Missing key terms = automatic rejection.

Job Description Analysis

Read the job description 3+ times and highlighted all requirements Created a keyword list with 15-20 relevant terms from the posting Identified must-have vs. nice-to-have qualifications clearly Researched the company values, mission, and recent news Analyzed 3+ similar job postings for common keyword patterns

Pro Tip: Companies often use different terms for the same skills. Include variations like "Project Management" AND "Project Coordination."

Strategic Keyword Placement

Professional summary includes 3-4 primary keywords from job description Skills section mirrors exact terminology used in job posting Work experience bullets incorporate keywords naturally (no stuffing) Education section matches required degree language exactly Used keyword variations and synonyms throughout resume Included industry acronyms both ways (SEO and Search Engine Optimization) Keywords flow naturally - content reads professionally

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File Format & Technical Setup

Wrong file format or technical issues can make your resume unreadable to ATS systems, resulting in immediate rejection.

File Requirements

Saved as PDF format (unless job posting specifically requests .docx) File size under 2MB for email and system compatibility Descriptive filename format: FirstName_LastName_Resume_2025 No password protection on file (ATS can't open protected files) All text is selectable when you open the PDF No text embedded in images or graphics

Font and Formatting Standards

Used ATS-friendly fonts: Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Helvetica Font size 10-12 points for body text, 14-16 points for headers Consistent formatting throughout entire document Left-aligned text (avoid justified text with uneven spacing) No fancy fonts like script, decorative, or custom fonts Black text on white background (high contrast for scanning)

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Resume Structure & Layout

ATS systems expect standard resume structures. Creative layouts confuse parsing software and lead to misinterpreted information.

Header and Contact Information

Full legal name at the top of document Professional email address (avoid nicknames, numbers, or unprofessional domains) Current phone number with professional voicemail message LinkedIn profile URL (customized, not default random numbers) City and State included (full address not necessary) No personal information (age, marital status, photo, SSN)

Section Organization

Standard section headers: Professional Summary, Experience, Education, Skills Logical order: Contact → Summary → Experience → Education → Skills Clear section breaks with adequate white space No headers or footers containing important information Single-column layout (avoid complex multi-column designs) No text boxes or tables for critical resume content

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Content Optimization

Even with perfect formatting, poor content strategy will get you rejected. ATS systems evaluate content quality and relevance.

Professional Summary Excellence

3-4 lines maximum with clear value proposition Includes specific years of experience in your field Features 1-2 quantified achievements with concrete numbers Uses industry-relevant keywords naturally integrated Matches target role requirements and seniority level Avoids generic clichés like "hard-working" or "team player" Written in third person without personal pronouns

Work Experience Optimization

Reverse chronological order (most recent position first) Consistent date formatting (MM/YYYY or Month YYYY throughout) No unexplained employment gaps over 3 months Company names spelled correctly and formatted consistently Job titles match industry standards and target role expectations 3-5 bullet points per role (avoid overwhelming lists)

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Achievement and Skills Optimization

ATS systems can identify and rank quantified achievements. Strong metrics help you score higher in ATS algorithms.

Bullet Point Excellence

Started each bullet with strong, specific action verbs Quantified achievements with numbers, percentages, or dollar amounts Used consistent verb tense (past for previous roles, present for current) Focused on results and impact rather than job duties

Free ATS Resume Checklist: 40+ Points to Beat Applicant Tracking Systems

Your ATS Optimization Progress

Keyword Optimization (Most Critical)

Job Description Analysis

Strategic Keyword Placement

📧 Get Our Advanced Keyword Research Template

File Format & Technical Setup

File Requirements

Font and Formatting Standards

Resume Structure & Layout

Header and Contact Information

Section Organization

Content Optimization

Professional Summary Excellence

Work Experience Optimization

🎯 Free Resume Review: Is Your Resume ATS-Ready?

Achievement and Skills Optimization

Bullet Point Excellence

🚀 Your ATS Optimization Score

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