How to Write a Resume That Beats ATS in 2025

Meta Description: Learn how to write an ATS-friendly resume that gets past applicant tracking systems. Discover expert tips and formatting rules to land more interviews in 2025.

Introduction

Did you know that 75% of resumes are rejected by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before they ever reach a human hiring manager? In todays competitive job market, even the most qualified candidates can be filtered out by algorithms. If youre applying to jobs and not hearing back, your resume might not be optimized for the digital gatekeepers that companies use to manage the high volume of applications.

This guide will show you exactly how to write a resume that consistently beats the ATS. Well cover everything from formatting and keywords to section-specific strategies that will get your application into the “yes” pile. By following these steps, you can turn your experience into more interviews and get one step closer to landing your dream job. For more in-depth career advice, explore our blog.

What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

An Applicant Tracking System is software used by companies to streamline the recruiting process. It collects, sorts, scans, and ranks job applications for a specific opening. Think of it as a digital filing cabinet for resumes that helps recruiters manage hundreds or even thousands of applicants. The ATS parses your resume for specific keywords, skills, and experiences to determine if youre a good match for the role. If the system deems your resume a poor fit, its unlikely a human will ever see it.

Understanding how these systems work is the first step to creating a resume that gets noticed. Its not about “tricking” the system, but about presenting your qualifications in a way that is clear, readable, and relevant to both the software and the hiring manager. For a look at our powerful resume-building features, check out our features page.

Why a “Creative” Resume Might Be Hurting You

Many job seekers try to stand out with creative resume designs, including multiple columns, graphics, and unique fonts. While these might look visually appealing, they are often the primary reason for ATS rejection. These systems are built for parsing text, not for interpreting complex visual layouts.

Heres why a simple, clean format is more effective:

• Parsing Errors: Multi-column layouts can confuse an ATS, causing it to read sections out of order or miss them entirely.
• Unsupported Elements: Graphics, logos, and charts are often unreadable and can result in garbled text or errors.
• Font Incompatibility: Obscure or custom fonts may not be recognized, leading to unreadable characters.

The key is to create a resume that is both ATS-friendly and easy for a human to read. A clean, single-column format is the gold standard for ensuring your qualifications are accurately parsed. For more on resume formatting, see our guide on the three resume formatting tips to get you past the ATS.

Step-by-Step Guide to an ATS-Friendly Resume

1. Choose the Right Format

The foundation of an ATS-beating resume is its format. Stick to a reverse-chronological, single-column layout. This is the most common and easily parsable format. Avoid templates with tables, text boxes, or multiple columns. Start with your most recent experience and work backward.

2. Use Standard Section Headers

Dont get creative with section titles. An ATS looks for standard headers to understand your resumes structure. Use common titles like:

• Contact Information
• Summary or Profile
• Work Experience or Professional Experience
• Education
• Skills

3. Optimize with Keywords

Keywords are the cornerstone of ATS optimization. The system scans your resume for keywords from the job description to rank your application. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Analyze the Job Description: Carefully read the job description and identify key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
• Create a Keyword List: Make a list of the most important hard and soft skills mentioned.
• Integrate Naturally: Weave these keywords throughout your resume, especially in the “Skills” and “Work Experience” sections. Dont stuff them; ensure they are used in context.

4. Use Standard, Readable Fonts

Stick to universal fonts like Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, or Times New Roman. These are installed on virtually every computer and are easily read by any ATS. A font size between 10 and 12 points is ideal for readability.

5. Keep Bullet Points Simple

Use standard, solid black circles for your bullet points. Avoid arrows, checkmarks, or other fancy symbols, as they can cause parsing errors. Each bullet point should highlight a specific achievement or responsibility.

Common ATS Mistakes to Avoid

• Information in Headers/Footers: Some ATS platforms cannot read information placed in the header or footer of a document. Keep all essential information, like your contact details, in the main body of the resume.
• Submitting the Wrong File Type: While PDF is often preferred for preserving formatting, some older ATS systems work better with .docx files. Read the application instructions carefully. If no format is specified, a .docx is often the safest bet.
• Using Acronyms Without Spelling Them Out: The first time you use an industry-specific acronym, be sure to spell it out completely with the acronym in parentheses. For example, “Certified Public Accountant (CPA).”

Pro Tips for Advanced Optimization

• Tailor for Every Application: Every job is different, and your resume should be too. Take a few minutes to tailor your resume for each application, ensuring the keywords and highlighted experiences align with the specific role.
• Quantify Your Achievements: Use numbers to demonstrate your impact. Instead of saying “Managed a team,” say “Managed a team of 5 and increased productivity by 15%.”
• Check Your Work: Use an online tool or service to check your resumes ATS compatibility. This can give you peace of mind before you hit “submit.”

We are so confident in our methods that we offer a 60-day interview guarantee.

Conclusion

Writing a resume that beats the ATS is not about gaming the system, but about presenting your qualifications in a clear, structured, and relevant way. By focusing on a clean format, standard section headers, and keyword optimization, you can significantly increase your chances of getting past the digital gatekeeper and in front of a hiring manager. Remember to tailor your resume for each application and focus on quantifiable achievements to make the strongest impression.

Ready to take the guesswork out of resume writing? Espresso Resumes AI-powered tools can help you create a professionally formatted, ATS-optimized resume in minutes. Try it today and start landing more interviews.