Career Advice•12 min read
The Complete ATS Optimization Guide
By FixMyFuckingResume Team
# The Complete ATS Optimization Guide
Over 98% of Fortune 500 companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. If your resume isn't optimized for these systems, it may never reach human eyes. This guide will help you navigate ATS successfully.
## What is an ATS?
An Applicant Tracking System is software that:
- Scans and parses resume content
- Searches for keywords and phrases
- Ranks candidates based on matching criteria
- Filters out unqualified applicants
- Manages the hiring workflow
## How ATS Works
1. **Parsing**: Converts your resume into a structured format
2. **Keyword Matching**: Searches for required skills and qualifications
3. **Ranking**: Assigns a score based on relevance
4. **Filtering**: Eliminates low-scoring resumes
5. **Presentation**: Shows top candidates to recruiters
## ATS-Friendly Formatting
### Do's
- Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
- Stick to simple layouts
- Use standard section headings
- Include both spelled-out and acronym versions (e.g., "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)")
- Save as PDF or .docx (check job posting)
- Use standard bullet points
### Don'ts
- Avoid tables and text boxes
- Skip headers and footers
- Don't use images or graphics
- Avoid complex formatting
- Skip unusual fonts
- Don't use columns
## Keyword Optimization
### Finding the Right Keywords
1. **Job Description Analysis**: Read carefully and identify:
- Required skills
- Preferred qualifications
- Industry terminology
- Software/tools mentioned
2. **Frequency Matters**: Keywords mentioned multiple times are more important
3. **Context is Key**: Use keywords naturally in context
### Types of Keywords
**Hard Skills:**
- Technical abilities
- Software proficiency
- Certifications
- Languages
**Soft Skills:**
- Leadership
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
**Industry Terms:**
- Specific methodologies
- Compliance standards
- Technical jargon
- Industry abbreviations
## Testing Your Resume
Use these tools to check ATS compatibility:
- Jobscan
- Resume Worded
- TopResume ATS Check
- FixMyFuckingResume ATS Scanner
## Common ATS Failures
1. **Incompatible File Format**: Wrong file type
2. **Complex Formatting**: Tables, columns, text boxes
3. **Missing Keywords**: Not matching job requirements
4. **Incorrect Section Labels**: Non-standard headings
5. **Graphics and Images**: ATS can't read them
6. **Acronyms Only**: Missing spelled-out versions
## Optimization Strategies
### Strategy 1: Mirror the Job Description
Match your resume language to the job posting while remaining honest.
### Strategy 2: Include All Versions
"Project Management Professional (PMP)"
"Certified Public Accountant (CPA)"
### Strategy 3: Use Industry Keywords
Research industry-standard terms and include them naturally.
### Strategy 4: Skills Section
Create a dedicated skills section with relevant keywords.
## Best Practices for Each Section
### Contact Information
- Full name
- Phone number
- Email address
- LinkedIn URL
- City and state (full address not necessary)
### Professional Summary
- Include 2-3 key skills
- Match job requirements
- Use industry keywords
- Keep it concise (3-4 lines)
### Work Experience
- Start with strong action verbs
- Include quantifiable achievements
- Use keywords from job description
- List relevant responsibilities
### Education
- Include degree type and field
- Spell out degree names
- Include graduation year
- Add relevant coursework if applicable
### Skills Section
- List hard skills prominently
- Include software proficiency
- Add certifications
- Use both full names and acronyms
## Advanced Tips
### 1. Beat Keyword Stuffing Detection
Don't just list keywords repeatedly. Use them naturally in context throughout your resume.
### 2. Optimize for Multiple Positions
Create different versions for different job types, each with targeted keywords.
### 3. Include Synonyms
Different companies use different terms for the same skills. Include variations.
### 4. Add a Core Competencies Section
List 9-12 key skills in a separate section for easy ATS parsing.
### 5. Use Standard Job Titles
If your actual title was non-standard, include the standard equivalent in parentheses.
## ATS-Friendly Resume Template
```
FIRST NAME LAST NAME
City, State | Phone | Email | LinkedIn
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
[3-4 lines with key skills and achievements]
CORE COMPETENCIES
Skill 1 | Skill 2 | Skill 3 | Skill 4
Skill 5 | Skill 6 | Skill 7 | Skill 8
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Job Title | Company Name | City, State | MM/YYYY - MM/YYYY
• Achievement-focused bullet point with quantifiable results
• Action verb + context + result
• Keyword-rich description of responsibilities
EDUCATION
Degree Type in Field of Study | University Name | City, State | Year
Relevant Coursework: [if applicable]
Honors/Awards: [if applicable]
CERTIFICATIONS
Certification Name | Issuing Organization | Year
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Category 1: Tool, Tool, Tool
Category 2: Software, Software, Software
```
## Conclusion
ATS optimization doesn't mean sacrificing quality or honesty. It means presenting your qualifications in a format that both software and humans can appreciate.
**Ready to optimize your resume for ATS?** [Use our ATS-friendly templates](/signup) and built-in optimization tools.