Optimizing Your Resume for ATS Readability

As technology continues to occupy a more central role in the job search, it's increasingly important for job seekers to optimize their resumes for ATS (application tracking system) readability. While the traditional resume has its place in the job search, it's important to ensure that your resume is ATS-friendly so that it stands out among the competition. In this article, we'll discuss the importance of optimizing your resume for ATS readability, and provide some tips on how you can do so.

Why Optimize Your Resume for ATS Readability?

An ATS is a software application used by employers that scans, organizes and stores job applications. When an employer posts a job opening, they typically receive hundreds or even thousands of applications. Reviewing all of these applications manually can be an extremely time-consuming process, so they use ATS to streamline the process. ATS assesses your resume and determines if it matches the requirements of the job. If your resume isn't optimized to be ATS-friendly, it may never even be seen by the employer.

Tips for Optimizing Your Resume

Keep it clean – It's important to keep your resume as clean and simple as possible. Eliminate images, colors, creative fonts or any other elements that may confuse the ATS. You should also avoid using tables, text boxes, prohibited characters or non-standard formatting.

Choose specific job titles – When selecting job titles, stick to as few words as possible. You should avoid abbreviations, acronyms, and technical jargon as these may confuse the ATS. Choose specific job titles that accurately reflect your position, such as “Customer Service Manager” instead of “Management Professional”.

Include relevant keywords – Employers often search for resumes that have specific words or phrases related to the job. Research the job listing thoroughly and include relevant keywords throughout your resume. However, make sure you avoid “keyword stuffing” and only include words that accurately describe your experiences.

Make Data Easily Accessible

Another important factor to consider when optimizing your resume for ATS readability is how data is presented. Try to make information as accessible as possible by using clear, succinct descriptions. The ATS will be able to pick up on extraneous information more easily, so you should avoid using small fonts, abbreviations or acronyms. You should also ensure that dates are clearly presented in chronological order.

Proofreading & Testing

Once you have optimized your resume for ATS readability, the next step is to proofread and test it. This will help identify any errors or typos that may have been overlooked. You should also test your resume to see if it’s readable by different ATSs. There are many free ATS testing tools available online that can help ensure your resume is readable by the employer’s ATS.

Conclusion