What Is an ATS?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by employers to filter, sort, and rank job applications. These systems scan resumes for relevant keywords, qualifications, and formatting before passing them to human reviewers. Over 98% of Fortune 500 companies use some form of ATS.
ATS-Friendly Formatting
- Use standard section headings (Work Experience, Education, Skills)
- Avoid tables, columns, headers/footers, and text boxes
- Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
- Save as .docx or PDF (check which the employer prefers)
- Do not use images, graphics, or icons for critical information
- Use standard bullet points (not custom symbols)
Common ATS Mistakes
- Using creative layouts with multiple columns
- Embedding contact info in headers or footers
- Using abbreviations without also spelling them out
- Submitting in incompatible file formats
- Using fancy fonts or excessive formatting