Hey! I am Ayush Tiwari, Career Blogger | Online Earning Enthusiast | Job Market Researcher. If you want to learn from home and add value to your profile, go through this blog.
If you’re applying for jobs online, you’ve probably faced the frustration of not getting any reply, even if your skills match the job. Many times, the problem isn’t you — it’s your resume. Most companies now use something called ATS (Applicant Tracking System) to screen resumes before a human ever sees them.
In this blog post, I’ll explain in very simple terms what an ATS-friendly resume is, why it’s important, and how you can create one that gets past the software and into the hands of real recruiters.
What is an ATS?
ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System. It’s a special software used by companies to:
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Collect resumes
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Scan them for keywords
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Rank them based on relevance
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Filter out resumes that don’t match the job
Around 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before a human reads them. That’s why it’s super important to make your resume ATS-friendly.
Why ATS-Friendly Resumes Matter
Let me explain this with a simple example.
Imagine you’re applying for a data entry job. You write “expert in typing and managing records” on your resume. But the job description says “data entry” and “database management.” If your resume doesn’t use those exact words, the ATS may not rank you high — even though you’re qualified.
That’s why matching your resume content with job keywords is one of the key steps to make your resume ATS-friendly.
Key Elements of an ATS-Friendly Resume
Let’s go step-by-step. Here’s what your resume should include to pass through ATS filters successfully.
1. Use a Simple Resume Format
Fancy designs may look nice, but they confuse ATS. Stick to a clean, simple layout.
Use:
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Standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
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Clear headings like “Education”, “Experience”, “Skills”
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Bullet points for easy reading
Avoid:
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Tables and text boxes
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Columns that split text
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Images, logos, or charts
2. Use the Right Keywords
ATS works like a search engine. It looks for specific keywords from the job posting.
Here’s what I do:
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Read the job description carefully
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Highlight important words like “project management”, “Python”, “communication skills”
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Use those words naturally in my resume
💡 Pro Tip: Use online keyword analyzers or tools like Jobscan to compare your resume with the job post.
3. Choose the Right File Format
Always use .docx or .pdf (only if it’s ATS-safe). Some older systems can’t read PDF files properly. If unsure, go with .docx.
Also, name your file professionally like: FirstName_LastName_Resume.docx
4. Add Proper Section Headings
Clear headings help ATS and recruiters find information easily.
Use these common headings:
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Contact Information
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Professional Summary or Objective
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Education
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Work Experience
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Skills
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Certifications or Projects (if any)
Do not use creative titles like “My Journey” or “Stuff I Know” — ATS won’t understand them.
5. Avoid Graphics or Images
A lot of freshers make this mistake. You don’t need to add profile pictures, logos, or design elements. ATS can’t read them and might skip your resume completely.
6. Keep it One Page (for Freshers)
If you’re a fresher or have less than 2 years of experience, one page is enough. Make every word count.
7. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job
Yes, this takes time. But using the same resume everywhere rarely works. Customize your resume to match the specific job description every time.
Sample Structure of an ATS-Friendly Resume
Here’s a simple layout I suggest for freshers:
Full Name
City, State – Email | Phone | LinkedIn
Objective
Recent BCA graduate with strong skills in Java and data analysis. Eager to contribute to a dynamic IT team and grow professionally.
Education
BCA – Government Degree College, Rajgir
2021 – 2024 | CGPA: 8.5
Technical Skills
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Programming: Java, Python
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Web: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
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Tools: MS Excel, Canva, MySQL
Projects
Portfolio Website – Created personal website using HTML5 and CSS3
Student Management System – Built desktop app using Java and MySQL
Internships
Web Development Intern – XYZ Tech, Patna (2 months)
Created responsive websites and managed front-end tasks.
Certifications
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Python for Everybody – Coursera
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Excel Basics – Microsoft Learn
Mistakes to Avoid in ATS Resumes
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Using unreadable fonts or colors
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Spelling mistakes – ATS can’t guess the correct word
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Missing contact info – Make sure your email and phone are visible
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Overstuffing keywords – Use keywords naturally, not everywhere
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Wrong file format – Always stick to .docx or tested .pdf
Useful Tools to Create ATS-Friendly Resumes
Here are some online resume builders I use that create ATS-compatible resumes:
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Novoresume – Offers ATS templates and guidance
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Zety – Great for beginners with writing help
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Kickresume – Good for students
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Resumake.io – 100% free and clean layout
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Jobscan – Analyze your resume against job posts
Tips for Freshers Creating ATS-Friendly Resumes
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Write a clear career objective
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Include university projects
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Mention online certifications
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Highlight your soft skills too
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Show eagerness to learn
Remember, employers aren’t just looking for experience — they want potential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does ATS mean in resumes?
ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System. It’s software that scans resumes to find the best match for a job by checking keywords and formatting.
2. How do I know if my resume is ATS-friendly?
You can test it using tools like Jobscan, or follow the tips in this blog: simple layout, standard fonts, clear sections, and keyword use.
3. Can a resume with design get rejected by ATS?
Yes, resumes with design elements like tables, images, or two columns can confuse the ATS and lead to rejection.
4. Should freshers use an ATS resume?
Absolutely! Many companies use ATS even for entry-level roles. A well-structured resume increases your chance of reaching the interview stage.
5. Are Canva resumes ATS-friendly?
Some Canva templates are ATS-friendly, but many use columns or graphics. Choose a simple template or download in .docx if possible.
Conclusion: One Resume Doesn’t Fit All
From a recruiter’s point of view, a good ATS resume saves time and shows professionalism.
From a fresher’s point of view, it gives a fair chance even without experience.
From a career coach’s view, it’s your ticket to getting past robots and reaching human eyes.
So whether you’re just starting your career or switching paths, making your resume ATS-friendly is no longer optional — it’s a must.
Take your time, follow these steps, and keep improving. Once your resume passes the ATS, you’re one step closer to landing that interview.
If this guide helped you, share it with your friends who are job hunting. For more career tips, resume help, and online earning ideas — keep visiting the blog!
– Ayush Tiwari
