“Your resume is the first impression you make on a potential employer. Make sure it’s a good one.”
Mid-career professionals have a wealth of experience and skills to offer potential employers. But if your resume isn’t optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), you may not even get your foot in the door. That’s why it’s so important to use ATS-friendly resume writing hacks.
ATS are software programs that many companies use to screen resumes. These programs scan resumes for specific keywords and phrases that are relevant to the job opening. If your resume doesn’t contain enough relevant terms, the ATS may filter it out, and you’ll never get a chance to impress the hiring manager.
The good news is that there are a number of things you can do to make your resume more ATS-friendly. Here are 7 effective hacks to maximize your resume’s impact in 2024:
Use ATS-Friendly Templates
The first step to creating an ATS-friendly resume is to use a template that is designed specifically for ATS. These templates are typically clean and simple, with a clear and concise layout. They also use fonts and styles that are easy for ATS to read.
You can find a number of free and paid ATS-friendly resume templates online. ResumeGemini offers a variety of ATS-friendly resume templates that you can customize to fit your specific needs.
Optimize for Keywords
Once you have chosen a template, the next step is to optimize your resume for keywords. Keywords are the words and phrases that ATS look for when scanning resumes. Including relevant keywords in your resume will help you get past the ATS screen and into the hands of a hiring manager.
To identify relevant keywords, start by reading the job posting carefully. Pay attention to the skills and experience that the employer is looking for. Then, incorporate those keywords into your resume in a natural way.
Quantify Your Accomplishments
When describing your accomplishments on your resume, be sure to quantify them whenever possible. This will help you stand out from other candidates and show the employer the impact of your work.
For example, instead of saying “Managed a team of engineers,” you could say “Managed a team of 10 engineers, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity.”
Use Action Verbs and Strong Language
When writing your resume, use strong action verbs and specific language. This will help your resume stand out from the crowd and make it more memorable to the hiring manager.
Instead of saying “Responsible for managing projects,” you could say “Led the development and implementation of several successful projects.”
Structure Your Resume Logically
The structure of your resume is also important for ATS. ATS look for specific information in specific sections of your resume. For example, the contact information should be at the top of the resume, followed by the summary, work experience, skills, and education.
Make sure your resume is well-organized and easy to read. Use clear headings and subheadings to help the ATS find the information it’s looking for.
Follow Best Practices for Formatting
In addition to the content of your resume, the formatting is also important for ATS. ATS prefer resumes that are formatted in a clean and simple way.
Use a standard font, such as Arial or Times New Roman. Use a font size of 11 or 12 points. Left-align your text and use single line spacing.
Avoid using graphics, images, or tables in your resume. These elements can make it difficult for ATS to read your resume.
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips for writing an ATS-friendly resume:
- Keep your resume to one page.
- Use a professional email address.
- Proofread your resume carefully before submitting it.
- Use a resume builder tool, such as ResumeGemini, to help you create a polished and professional resume.
By following these tips, you can create an ATS-friendly resume that will help you get noticed by employers and land your dream job.
Career Expert Tips:
- Select the ideal resume template to showcase your professional experience effectively.
- Master the art of resume writing to highlight your unique qualifications and achievements.
- Checkout the resume writing tips for guidance and best practices.
- Make your 2025 brighter with a new job. Build a powerful resume with ResumeGemini and save big, enjoy exclusive discounts on premium templates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What is an ATS-friendly resume?
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is a software program that helps recruiters and hiring managers screen and sort resumes. An ATS-friendly resume is one that is formatted and written in a way that makes it easy for an ATS to read and understand. This means using a clean, simple font, avoiding graphics and images, and using keywords that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
- Use a clean, simple font. Avoid using fancy or decorative fonts, as these can be difficult for ATS to read. Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Helvetica, Times New Roman, or Calibri.
- Avoid graphics and images. ATS systems can’t process graphics and images, so it’s best to avoid using them in your resume.
- Use keywords. ATS systems use keywords to search for relevant resumes. Make sure to include relevant keywords in your resume, both in the text and in the file name.
How do I make my resume ATS-friendly?
There are a few things you can do to make your resume more ATS-friendly:
- Use a clean, simple font. Avoid using fancy or decorative fonts, as these can be difficult for ATS to read. Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Helvetica, Times New Roman, or Calibri.
- Avoid graphics and images. ATS systems can’t process graphics and images, so it’s best to avoid using them in your resume.
- Use keywords. ATS systems use keywords to search for relevant resumes. Make sure to include relevant keywords in your resume, both in the text and in the file name.
- Use a consistent format. ATS systems prefer resumes that have a consistent format. This means using the same font, font size, and formatting throughout your resume.
- Proofread your resume carefully. ATS systems can’t correct errors, so it’s important to proofread your resume carefully before submitting it.
What are the most common ATS keywords?
Here are some of the most common ATS keywords:
- Skills related to the job you’re applying for
- Education and experience
- Certifications
- Awards and honors
- Leadership experience
- Project management experience
- Technical skills
- Soft skills
- Keywords specific to your industry
How do I write a strong resume that passes ATS?
To write a strong resume that passes ATS, follow these tips:
- Use a clean, simple font. Avoid using fancy or decorative fonts, as these can be difficult for ATS to read. Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Helvetica, Times New Roman, or Calibri.
- Avoid graphics and images. ATS systems can’t process graphics and images, so it’s best to avoid using them in your resume.
- Use keywords. ATS systems use keywords to search for relevant resumes. Make sure to include relevant keywords in your resume, both in the text and in the file name.
- Use a consistent format. ATS systems prefer resumes that have a consistent format. This means using the same font, font size, and formatting throughout your resume.
- Proofread your resume carefully. ATS systems can’t correct errors, so it’s important to proofread your resume carefully before submitting it.
What are the best ATS-friendly resume templates?
There are many ATS-friendly resume templates available online. Some of the best include:
- ResumeGemini
- The Muse
- Monster
- CareerBuilder
- Indeed
Are resume writing services worth it?
Resume writing services can be a helpful option for mid-career professionals who are looking to make a change in their careers or who are struggling to land interviews. A professional resume writer can help you create a strong resume that highlights your skills and experience and that is tailored to the specific jobs you’re applying for. However, it’s important to do your research before choosing a resume writing service. Make sure to read reviews and compare prices before making a decision. You should also be prepared to provide the resume writer with detailed information about your skills, experience, and career goals.
Next Step:
Now that you know how to write an ATS-friendly resume for mid-career professionals, it’s time to take action. ResumeGemini is a great resume builder that can help you create a resume that will stand out to employers and get you the interviews you deserve.
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