Beat the ATS: 5 Actionable Tips to Make Your Resume Stand Out

by Hiration

Wondering why your meticulously crafted resume isn't landing interviews?

The culprit could be the Applicant Tracking System (ATS)—a digital gatekeeper that 99% of Fortune 500 companies use to streamline their hiring processes.

Designed to efficiently manage large volumes of applications, ATS software scans and ranks resumes based on keywords, structure, and formatting.

With recruiters often receiving hundreds of applications per job opening, ATS ensures only the most relevant resumes make it through.

The catch? If your resume isn't optimized for these systems, it might never reach human eyes.

But don't worry—here are 5 actionable tips you can follow to create a resume that not only passes the system but stands out.

1. Optimize Your Resume with Keywords from the Job Description

ATS software scans resumes for specific keywords and criteria outlined in the job description, which is why 75% of qualified candidates are rejected due to keyword mismatches or failing to meet the specified requirements.

To enhance your resume's compatibility:

  • Analyze the job description for key terms, such as required skills, certifications, and qualifications
  • Use these terms naturally throughout your resume, particularly in the Skills, Experience, and Summary sections
  • Avoid keyword stuffing, which can make your resume sound unnatural or robotic
  • Include action-oriented keywords like “project management,” “stakeholder collaboration,” and “resource allocation” where applicable

By tailoring your resume to the job posting, you increase its relevance and rank higher in ATS scans.

Pro Tip: Align your job titles with the industry standard or job description to help ATS recognize your experience instantly.

2. Use a Simple Layout and Standard Formatting

One of the most crucial yet often overlooked aspects of resume writing is formatting, with a staggering 70% of resumes rejected because of formatting errors.

To avoid this:

  • Stick to a single-column layout to ensure all information is read sequentially
  • Avoid using tables, text boxes, or images—ATS tools struggle to process them correctly
  • Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in a readable size (10-12 points)
  • Maintain consistency in your formatting, such as using the same date format (e.g., MM/YYYY) throughout
  • Keep 1” margins on all sides and use single spacing between texts

Also Read: What are some of the best resume fonts?

3. Structure Your Resume with Recognizable Section Titles

ATS software is designed to identify specific headings and categorize information accordingly. Failing to use standard section titles can result in misinterpretation or omission of critical details.

  • Leveraging universally recognized headings like “Experience,” “Education,” “Skills,” and “Certifications” to ensure the ATS categorizes your details correctly
  • Showcasing your contact information—phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile—at the top of your resume, steering clear of headers or footers that ATS might skip
  • Organizing your work history in reverse chronological order, putting your most recent job front and center
  • Powering up your Skills section with relevant hard and soft skills to boost keyword density and align with ATS criteria

Proper structuring ensures ATS reads your resume as intended and presents it accurately to recruiters.

Pro Tip: ATS systems may search for variations of the same term. For example, use both "CRM" and "Customer Relationship Management" or "Project Manager" and "PM" in different sections of your resume to maximize keyword matches without overstuffing.

4. Save Your Resume in an ATS-Compatible Format

The file format of your resume can determine whether or not ATS reads it accurately.

While PDFs are commonly used, they are not always compatible with every ATS. To ensure your resume is processed correctly:

  • Save your resume as a .docx file unless the job posting specifies a different format
  • Avoid file formats like .jpeg, .png, or even older Word files like .doc, as these may cause parsing errors
  • Before submitting, test your resume with an ATS-friendly resume scanner to detect and fix any compatibility issues

5. Highlight Achievements Using Action Verbs and Metrics

While ATS evaluates keywords and structure, the quality of your content is equally important. To create a resume that stands out:

  • Use strong action verbs like “developed,” “implemented,” “managed,” and “executed” to describe your accomplishments.
  • Quantify your achievements wherever possible. For example, instead of writing “Managed a team,” say “Managed a team of 15, improving efficiency by 25%.”
  • Tailor your bullet points to focus on measurable outcomes that align with the job requirements.

By pairing action verbs with metrics, you create a results-driven resume that appeals to both ATS and human recruiters.

Conclusion: ATS Is Your First Interview

ATS determines whether or not your resume even reaches human eyes. Without optimization, even the most qualified candidates risk being overlooked.

By implementing these tips and leveraging advanced tools, you can ensure your resume not only clears the ATS but also positions you as a standout candidate.

For a truly next-level resume, Hiration’s state-of-the-art platform takes the guesswork out of creating an ATS-compliant resume.

With over 20 expertly crafted templates tailored for ATS compatibility, a Job Match Tool to refine your keywords, and live feedback to perfect every detail, Hiration provides everything you need to succeed.

Its AI-powered assistance ensures your resume aligns with industry standards, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

Don’t leave your career to chance—start building your ATS-ready resume today with Hiration and take the first step toward landing your dream job!