Before a person reads your resume, software often does. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) parse your file into fields and let recruiters search them. A resume that parses cleanly and uses the posting's language gets seen; one that confuses the parser can be skipped. The fixes are mostly formatting.
Compare your resume with a job posting using the free ATS Keyword Matcher. It runs in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
Use one column and real text
Parsers read top to bottom, left to right. Two-column layouts, text boxes, tables and graphics can scramble the order or hide text entirely. Keep everything, including your contact details, in the main body as plain text in a single column. Put your name and contact line at the top of the page, not in the document header, which some systems skip.
Stick to standard headings
Use headings the software expects: Summary, Experience, Skills, Education, Certifications. Creative labels like "Where I've made an impact" may not map to the right field.
Mirror the posting's wording, honestly
Recruiters search for specific terms. If the posting says "stakeholder management" and "SQL", and you have those skills, use those exact words, not just "worked with partners" and "databases". Paste the posting and your resume into the keyword matcher to see which important terms are missing. Never list skills you don't have or hide keywords in white text: a human reads the resume next, and it can cost you the interview.
Write achievements with numbers
Each bullet should show what changed because you were there: "Cut order errors 18% by redesigning the picking checklist" beats "Responsible for picking accuracy." Start with an action verb, add the result, and quantify where you honestly can.
Fonts, dates and file type
Use a common font such as Calibri, Arial or Georgia at 10-12 point. Write dates consistently (Mar 2023 – Present). Save as .docx unless the posting asks for PDF; both are widely supported, but some older systems handle Word files more reliably.
Track every application
Applying to many roles means losing track of follow-ups. A simple tracker with the stage, the date you applied and a follow-up date keeps momentum and tells you where you're getting stuck: few screening calls points at the resume; few offers points at interviews. The ATS-Friendly Resume Template Pack uses all the rules above.
This guide is general information, not career or legal advice. No template can guarantee interviews.