{"id":11593,"date":"2025-08-14T09:59:53","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T07:59:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/?p=11593"},"modified":"2026-04-20T13:55:56","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T11:55:56","slug":"how-to-write-ats-friendly-resume","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/how-to-write-ats-friendly-resume","title":{"rendered":"How to Write an ATS-Friendly Resume (Templates, Keywords &amp; Examples)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Technology has transformed the hiring process. Gone are the days when recruiters manually sifted through piles of CVs. Today, most companies use an <strong>Applicant Tracking System (ATS)<\/strong> to scan, filter, and rank resumes before a human ever sees them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That means one thing: if your CV isn\u2019t <strong>ATS-friendly<\/strong>, it may never reach a recruiter\u2019s desk. To stand out in today\u2019s competitive job market, you need to know exactly how to format, structure, and optimise your resume for ATS software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide covers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What an ATS is and how it works<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why you need an ATS-friendly resume<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The best <strong>ATS resume format<\/strong> and templates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to optimise with keywords<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Common mistakes to avoid<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69f1011a0ec36\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><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><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69f1011a0ec36\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><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:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/how-to-write-ats-friendly-resume\/#What_Is_an_ATS\" >What Is an ATS?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/how-to-write-ats-friendly-resume\/#Why_You_Need_an_ATS-Friendly_Resume\" >Why You Need an ATS-Friendly Resume<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/how-to-write-ats-friendly-resume\/#The_Best_ATS_Resume_Format\" >The Best ATS 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:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/how-to-write-ats-friendly-resume\/#ATS_Resume_Templates_Free_and_Paid\" >ATS Resume Templates (Free and Paid)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/how-to-write-ats-friendly-resume\/#How_to_Make_Your_Resume_ATS-Friendly\" >How to Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/how-to-write-ats-friendly-resume\/#1_Optimise_With_Keywords\" >1. Optimise With Keywords<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/how-to-write-ats-friendly-resume\/#2_Label_Sections_Clearly\" >2. Label Sections Clearly<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/how-to-write-ats-friendly-resume\/#3_Keep_Formatting_Simple\" >3. Keep Formatting Simple<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/how-to-write-ats-friendly-resume\/#4_Test_Your_Resume\" >4. Test Your 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:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/how-to-write-ats-friendly-resume\/#5_Proofread_Carefully\" >5. Proofread Carefully<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/how-to-write-ats-friendly-resume\/#Common_Mistakes_to_Avoid\" >Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/how-to-write-ats-friendly-resume\/#ATS-Friendly_Resume_vs_Non-ATS_Resume\" >ATS-Friendly Resume vs Non-ATS Resume<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/how-to-write-ats-friendly-resume\/#FAQ_ATS-Friendly_Resumes\" >FAQ: ATS-Friendly Resumes<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-an-ats\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_an_ATS\"><\/span>What Is an ATS?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>ATS stands for <strong>Applicant Tracking System<\/strong>. It\u2019s a software tool that helps recruiters and hiring managers organise applications, filter candidates, and speed up hiring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of manually scanning resumes, the ATS reads them and looks for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Keywords<\/strong> from the job description<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Skills<\/strong> and qualifications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Work experience<\/strong> and titles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Education<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The system then ranks candidates based on how well their resume matches the role. If your resume isn\u2019t ATS-friendly, it could be rejected automatically, even if you\u2019re highly qualified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-you-need-an-ats-friendly-resume\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_You_Need_an_ATS-Friendly_Resume\"><\/span>Why You Need an ATS-Friendly Resume<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"945\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4560150.jpg\" alt=\"ATS friendly resume\" class=\"wp-image-11595\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4560150.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4560150-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4560150-390x260.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 945px) 100vw, 945px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>An <strong>ATS-friendly resume<\/strong> increases your chances of being shortlisted because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recruiters often rely on ATS to filter hundreds of applicants quickly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Resumes that don\u2019t match keywords or formatting may never be seen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ATS-friendly formatting ensures your information is actually readable by the system.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example:<\/strong> If a job requires \u201cProject Management\u201d but your resume only says \u201cHandled projects,\u201d the ATS may not count it as a match. By optimising with the right keywords, you ensure your skills are picked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-best-ats-resume-format\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Best_ATS_Resume_Format\"><\/span>The Best ATS Resume Format<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"945\" height=\"630\" data-id=\"11597\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/businesswoman-signing-contract.jpg\" alt=\"ATS friendly CV\" class=\"wp-image-11597\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/businesswoman-signing-contract.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/businesswoman-signing-contract-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/businesswoman-signing-contract-390x260.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 945px) 100vw, 945px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When writing for an ATS, keep it simple. Fancy designs may look great, but ATS systems often can\u2019t read them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Use this ATS-compliant structure:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Contact Information<\/strong> \u2013 Name, phone, email, LinkedIn (avoid headers\/footers).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Professional Summary<\/strong> \u2013 A short pitch with keywords from the job ad.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Work Experience<\/strong> \u2013 Use bullet points, start with recent jobs. Include achievements with measurable results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Education<\/strong> \u2013 Institution, degree, and dates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Skills Section<\/strong> \u2013 List both hard and soft skills directly from the job description.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Formatting rules:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stick to one column.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid tables, graphics, and icons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Save in Word (.docx) or simple PDF unless specified otherwise.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ats-resume-templates-free-and-paid\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ATS_Resume_Templates_Free_and_Paid\"><\/span>ATS Resume Templates (Free and Paid)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"959\" height=\"630\" data-id=\"11596\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/medium-shot-woman-showing-contract.jpg\" alt=\"ATS resume\" class=\"wp-image-11596\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/medium-shot-woman-showing-contract.jpg 959w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/medium-shot-woman-showing-contract-770x506.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/medium-shot-woman-showing-contract-390x256.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 959px) 100vw, 959px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Many resume builders offer ATS-compliant templates. Look for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clean, text-based designs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clear section headings (Work Experience, Education, Skills)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consistent formatting and spacing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tip: BrighterMonday offers a<a class=\"article-body-links\"href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/account\/cv-services?_gl=1*11brcpu*_up*MQ..*_ga*NzQxMTAxMTk2LjE3NTY3OTgyNDA.*_ga_1HS1YQ0VQS*czE3NTY3OTgyMzkkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTY3OTgyMzkkajYwJGwwJGgw#step_up_job_search\">CV review tool<\/a> that scans your resume for ATS compatibility and gives personalised feedback.<\/em> <em>Also, you can use our<a class=\"article-body-links\"href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/account\/cv-services\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/account\/cv-services\"> AI career tool<\/a> to build an ATS-compliant CV from scratch.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Make_Your_Resume_ATS-Friendly\"><\/span>How to Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the essential steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Optimise_With_Keywords\"><\/span>1. Optimise With Keywords<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Review the job description and highlight repeated words (skills, tools, job titles).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Insert these keywords naturally into your resume.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use both acronyms and full forms (e.g., \u201cSEO\u201d and \u201cSearch Engine Optimisation\u201d).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Label_Sections_Clearly\"><\/span>2. Label Sections Clearly<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>ATS software scans for section headers. Always use standard labels like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Work Experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Education<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Skills<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Certifications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Keep_Formatting_Simple\"><\/span>3. Keep Formatting Simple<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid columns, images, and unusual symbols. ATS may skip this information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Test_Your_Resume\"><\/span>4. Test Your Resume<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Upload your CV to free ATS checkers or use the <strong><a class=\"article-body-links\"href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/account\/cv-services?_gl=1*11brcpu*_up*MQ..*_ga*NzQxMTAxMTk2LjE3NTY3OTgyNDA.*_ga_1HS1YQ0VQS*czE3NTY3OTgyMzkkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTY3OTgyMzkkajYwJGwwJGgw#step_up_job_search\">BrighterMonday CV review service<\/a><\/strong> to see if it passes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Proofread_Carefully\"><\/span>5. Proofread Carefully<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Grammatical errors and inconsistencies can affect both ATS parsing and recruiter impressions. Use tools like Grammarly or Hemingway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Mistakes_to_Avoid\"><\/span>Common Mistakes to Avoid<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Using images, logos, or infographics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Putting contact info in headers or footers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overstuffing with irrelevant keywords<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submitting in unsupported formats (e.g., JPEG, older PDFs)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leaving out essential job-specific skills<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ATS-Friendly_Resume_vs_Non-ATS_Resume\"><\/span>ATS-Friendly Resume vs Non-ATS Resume<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Element<\/th><th><strong>ATS-Friendly Resume<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Non-ATS Resume<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Format<\/strong><\/td><td>Simple, one-column layout<\/td><td>Complex designs, multiple columns<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Fonts<\/strong><\/td><td>Standard (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)<\/td><td>Decorative or script fonts<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>File Type<\/strong><\/td><td>Word (.docx) or simple PDF<\/td><td>JPEG scans, image-based PDFs, outdated formats<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Graphics<\/strong><\/td><td>None \u2014 no images, logos, or icons<\/td><td>Includes photos, icons, charts, or infographics<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Section Headings<\/strong><\/td><td>Clear and standard: Work Experience, Education, Skills<\/td><td>Creative headings like \u201cMy Journey\u201d or \u201cWhere I\u2019ve Been\u201d that ATS can\u2019t recognise<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Keywords<\/strong><\/td><td>Matches job description (skills, tools, titles)<\/td><td>Generic phrases that don\u2019t align with job requirements<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Content Readability<\/strong><\/td><td>Easily parsed by ATS and humans<\/td><td>Information gets lost or misread by the ATS<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Length<\/strong><\/td><td>1\u20132 pages, focused and relevant<\/td><td>Too long, unfocused, or padded with irrelevant details<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faq-ats-friendly-resumes\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ_ATS-Friendly_Resumes\"><\/span>FAQ: ATS-Friendly Resumes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1756798626023\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is an ATS resume format?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">An ATS resume format is a <strong>clean, text-based layout<\/strong> that Applicant Tracking Systems can easily scan. It avoids complex formatting, images, and multiple columns that confuse the software. Instead, it uses standard fonts (Arial, Calibri), clear headings like <em>Work Experience<\/em> and <em>Education<\/em>, and bullet points to highlight achievements. Think of it as writing for both a machine and a recruiter: simple enough for the ATS to read, but detailed enough to impress the hiring manager once it reaches them.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1756798656355\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do I know if my resume is ATS-friendly?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The simplest way is to test it. Upload your CV into free ATS checker tools or services like BrighterMonday\u2019s CV Review. These tools simulate how the ATS reads your resume and will flag issues such as unreadable fonts, missing keywords, or problematic formatting. Another quick check is to copy and paste your resume text into a plain text editor (like Notepad). If it looks disorganised or information is missing, the ATS may struggle too. An ATS-friendly resume should retain its structure and content even when stripped of formatting.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1756798687279\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What keywords should I use in an ATS resume?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Keywords are the backbone of ATS optimisation. You should extract them directly from the <strong>job description<\/strong>. For example, if a role lists \u201cProject Management, Data Analysis, and Microsoft Excel,\u201d make sure those exact terms appear in your resume. Use variations when possible: \u201cPM\u201d and \u201cProject Management,\u201d or \u201cExcel\u201d and \u201cMicrosoft Excel.\u201d Focus on <strong>hard skills, software tools, job titles, and certifications<\/strong>. Soft skills like \u201cteam player\u201d are less critical for ATS, but achievements that demonstrate those qualities (e.g., \u201cLed a 6-member cross-functional team\u201d) are powerful.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1756798711463\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is PDF or Word better for ATS resumes?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Word (.docx) is the safest choice because all modern ATS systems can parse it without issues. Simple PDFs are usually fine too, but older ATS systems sometimes struggle with them. Unless the job posting specifies otherwise, use a Word document for maximum compatibility. If you do send a PDF, ensure it\u2019s created as a text-based file, not an image scan, otherwise the ATS will read it as blank.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1756798743264\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Do resume templates work with ATS?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, but only if the template is designed for ATS. Many flashy templates online use multiple columns, tables, or graphics that ATS can\u2019t interpret. Stick with <strong>ATS-compliant templates<\/strong>: single-column, text-based, with clear section headings. These don\u2019t just help the ATS scan your resume; they also give hiring managers a clean, professional view of your information.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1756798769682\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How long should an ATS-friendly resume be?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Most recruiters and ATS prefer resumes between <strong>1\u20132 pages<\/strong>. A one-page resume works best for entry-level professionals, while mid- to senior-level candidates can use two pages to showcase more experience. The key isn\u2019t just length but <strong>relevance<\/strong>: keep everything targeted to the role you\u2019re applying for. Irrelevant information adds noise and can dilute keyword matches.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In today\u2019s digital hiring environment, writing a <strong>resume for ATS<\/strong> is no longer optional, it\u2019s the standard. Applicant Tracking Systems are the first filter between you and the recruiter, and if your CV doesn\u2019t pass, your application may never be seen, no matter how qualified you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An ATS-friendly resume gives you a competitive edge by making your skills discoverable. The right formatting ensures your achievements aren\u2019t lost, while the right keywords increase your ranking against other applicants. Think of it as a two-step process: first, make your resume <strong>machine-readable<\/strong> by the ATS, then make it <strong>compelling for humans<\/strong> once it passes through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The good news? Optimising for ATS doesn\u2019t mean stripping away your personality, it means being <strong>strategic and precise<\/strong>. Use simple layouts, align your wording with the job description, and highlight measurable results that prove your impact. Pair this with continuous testing (using ATS checkers or BrighterMonday\u2019s CV review service), and you\u2019ll ensure your resume is future-proof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, the goal isn\u2019t just to get past the system, it\u2019s to <strong>get noticed, get shortlisted, and get hired<\/strong>. By crafting an ATS-friendly resume today, you\u2019re not just adapting to hiring technology; you\u2019re positioning yourself as a professional who understands how to navigate the modern job market with confidence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How can you make your resume ATS friendly? An ATS friendly resume will get you shortlisted and noticed by recruiters.\u00a0Learn how to write an ATS friendly resume<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":174,"featured_media":11594,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,213,8],"tags":[],"content_author":[],"class_list":["post-11593","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-career-development","category-job-search-advice","category-research-and-job-market"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11593","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/174"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11593"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11593\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11594"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11593"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11593"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11593"},{"taxonomy":"content_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content_author?post=11593"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}