ATS Resume Guides
Everything you need to know about Applicant Tracking Systems. 100 expert-written guides covering how ATS works, platform-specific tips, keyword optimization, and formatting best practices.
Understand the inner workings of Applicant Tracking Systems
15 guidesPlatform-specific guides for Workday, Taleo, Greenhouse & more
20 guidesWhy resumes get rejected and how to fix common mistakes
20 guidesMaster keyword strategies that get your resume noticed
25 guidesFormatting best practices for ATS-friendly resumes
20 guidesHow ATS Works
(15 guides)How Does an ATS Work? A Complete Guide to Applicant Tracking Systems
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by over 98% of Fortune 500 companies to manage their hiring process.…
Read GuideHow ATS WorksHow ATS Reads Your Resume: Understanding Resume Parsing Technology
When you submit a resume to an ATS, the software doesn't 'read' it the way a human does. Instead, it uses parsing techno…
Read GuideHow ATS WorksHow ATS Scores Resumes: Understanding the Ranking Algorithm
After parsing your resume, the ATS assigns a numerical score that determines your ranking among all applicants. This sco…
Read GuideHow ATS WorksATS vs. Human Recruiter: How Each Evaluates Your Resume Differently
Your resume faces two distinct evaluations: first the ATS algorithm, then a human recruiter. Each evaluates your resume …
Read GuideHow ATS WorksWhat Is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)? Everything Job Seekers Need to Know
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is recruitment software that manages the entire hiring workflow from job posting to o…
Read GuideHow ATS WorksHow Resume Parsing Works: The Technology Behind ATS Screening
Resume parsing is the technology that converts your formatted resume document into structured data that an ATS can searc…
Read GuideHow ATS WorksATS Resume Ranking Explained: How Candidates Are Ordered and Filtered
After the ATS scores every resume, it creates a ranked list of candidates for recruiters to review. But ranking isn't si…
Read GuideHow ATS WorksATS Keyword Matching Algorithm: How Your Resume Is Matched to Jobs
Keyword matching is the most influential factor in your ATS score, typically accounting for 40-50% of the total ranking.…
Read GuideHow ATS WorksResume Text Extraction Explained: How ATS Converts Your File to Data
Before the ATS can score your resume, it must first extract the raw text from your file. This text extraction step is wh…
Read GuideHow ATS WorksATS Section Detection Explained: How Your Resume Sections Are Identified
After extracting text from your resume, the ATS must identify which section each piece of information belongs to. Is thi…
Read GuideHow ATS WorksHow ATS Handles PDF vs DOCX: Which Format Should You Use?
The file format you choose for your resume directly impacts how well the ATS can extract and parse your information. DOC…
Read GuideHow ATS WorksATS Scoring Factors Explained: What Determines Your Resume Score
Your ATS score isn't determined by a single factor—it's a weighted combination of multiple criteria. Understanding each …
Read GuideHow ATS WorksWhat Happens After You Submit Your Resume to an ATS
You've clicked 'Submit Application'—but what happens next? Your resume enters a multi-stage journey through the ATS befo…
Read GuideHow ATS WorksHow Companies Configure Their ATS: Inside the Recruiter's Settings
Every ATS installation is configured differently by each company and recruiter. The same resume might score 90% at one c…
Read GuideHow ATS WorksThe ATS Resume Screening Process: From Submission to Shortlist
The ATS resume screening process is a multi-step funnel that progressively narrows hundreds of applicants down to a shor…
Read GuideATS Platform Guides
(20 guides)Workday ATS Resume Format Guide: Optimize Your Resume for Workday
Workday is one of the most widely used ATS platforms, deployed by major companies including Amazon, Netflix, Bank of Ame…
Read GuideATS Platform GuidesGreenhouse ATS Resume Format Guide: Optimize Your Resume for Greenhouse
Greenhouse is the ATS of choice for many tech companies and high-growth startups, used by companies like Airbnb, HubSpot…
Read GuideATS Platform GuidesLever ATS Resume Format Guide: Optimize Your Resume for Lever
Lever combines ATS and CRM (Candidate Relationship Management) functionality, making it unique among hiring platforms. U…
Read GuideATS Platform GuidesTaleo ATS Resume Format Guide: Optimize Your Resume for Oracle Taleo
Oracle Taleo is one of the oldest and most established ATS platforms, widely used in government agencies, large enterpri…
Read GuideATS Platform GuidesiCIMS ATS Resume Format Guide: Optimize Your Resume for iCIMS
iCIMS is a major enterprise ATS platform used extensively in healthcare, finance, retail, and other industries. It uses …
Read GuideATS Platform GuidesSmartRecruiters ATS Resume Format Guide: Tips for Optimization
SmartRecruiters is a modern, cloud-native hiring platform that combines traditional ATS features with AI-powered candida…
Read GuideATS Platform GuidesZoho Recruit ATS Resume Format Guide: Tips for Optimization
Zoho Recruit is a popular ATS among small to mid-size businesses and recruitment agencies. Part of the Zoho ecosystem, i…
Read GuideATS Platform GuidesSAP SuccessFactors ATS Resume Format Guide
SAP SuccessFactors is a comprehensive HR suite that includes ATS functionality, widely used by large enterprises and con…
Read GuideATS Platform GuidesBambooHR ATS Resume Format Guide: Tips for Small Business Applications
BambooHR is a popular HR platform used by small to mid-size businesses, combining HRIS and ATS functionality. While its …
Read GuideATS Platform GuidesNaukri RMS Resume Format Guide: Optimizing for India's Largest Job Platform
Naukri RMS (Recruiter Management System) is India's most widely used recruitment platform, with over 5 million recruiter…
Read GuideATS Platform GuidesJazzHR ATS Resume Format Guide: Tips for Small Business Applications
JazzHR is a popular ATS designed for small to mid-size businesses, offering affordable hiring tools with basic resume pa…
Read GuideATS Platform GuidesBullhorn ATS Resume Format Guide: Optimizing for Staffing Agencies
Bullhorn is the dominant ATS/CRM platform for staffing agencies and recruitment firms. If you're working with a recruite…
Read GuideATS Platform GuidesJobvite ATS Resume Format Guide: Optimization Tips
Jobvite is a comprehensive talent acquisition suite known for its social recruiting and employee referral features. Used…
Read GuideATS Platform GuidesWorkable ATS Resume Format Guide: Optimization Tips
Workable is a modern hiring platform used by over 27,000 companies worldwide. Known for its AI-powered features and user…
Read GuideATS Platform GuidesRecruiterbox (Trakstar Hire) ATS Resume Format Guide
Recruiterbox, now known as Trakstar Hire, is an ATS designed for growing businesses that need streamlined hiring without…
Read GuideATS Platform GuidesFreshteam ATS Resume Format Guide: Optimization Tips
Freshteam (by Freshworks) is an HR and ATS platform designed for growing businesses. Part of the Freshworks ecosystem, i…
Read GuideATS Platform GuidesBreezy HR ATS Resume Format Guide: Tips for Optimization
Breezy HR is a modern, visually-oriented ATS that emphasizes drag-and-drop pipeline management and collaborative hiring.…
Read GuideATS Platform GuidesAshby ATS Resume Format Guide: Optimize for Modern Hiring
Ashby is a next-generation hiring platform that combines ATS, CRM, scheduling, and analytics in one product. Popular amo…
Read GuideATS Platform GuidesRippling ATS Resume Format Guide: Optimize for Unified HR Platform
Rippling is a unified workforce management platform that includes ATS functionality alongside payroll, benefits, IT, and…
Read GuideATS Platform GuidesPersonio ATS Resume Format Guide: Tips for European Job Applications
Personio is a leading European HR platform that combines HRIS and ATS functionality, widely used by companies across Ger…
Read GuideResume Rejection
(20 guides)Why Your Resume Gets Rejected by ATS: Top 10 Reasons and Fixes
If you're submitting dozens of applications without hearing back, your resume is likely being filtered out by the ATS. S…
Read GuideResume RejectionResume Formatting Errors That Fail ATS: Complete Troubleshooting Guide
Resume formatting errors are the #1 silent killer of job applications. Your resume might have perfect content and keywor…
Read GuideResume RejectionResume Font Mistakes That Cause ATS Parsing Failures
Font choice might seem trivial, but the wrong font can cause the ATS to misread characters, replace text with garbled sy…
Read GuideResume RejectionTwo-Column Resume ATS Problem: Why Sidebars Kill Your Application
Two-column and sidebar resume layouts are among the most popular design trends, but they're also one of the most common …
Read GuideResume RejectionResume Header and Footer ATS Issue: Why Your Contact Info Gets Lost
Placing your name and contact information in the document header is one of the most common resume mistakes—and one of th…
Read GuideResume RejectionImage-Based Resume ATS Failure: Why Visual Resumes Get Zero Scores
If your resume was created in a design tool and looks like a work of art, there's a significant chance the ATS sees noth…
Read GuideResume RejectionResume Table Layout and ATS Parsing: Why Tables Scramble Your Data
Tables are one of the most commonly used resume layout tools—and one of the most destructive for ATS compatibility. Whet…
Read GuideResume RejectionCreative Resume ATS Compatibility: When Design Kills Your Application
Creative resumes with bold colors, unique layouts, icons, and graphics can make a strong impression on humans—but they o…
Read GuideResume RejectionInfographic Resume ATS Parsing: Why Visual Resumes Score Zero
Infographic resumes represent your career as a visual story—with charts, timelines, icons, and minimal text. While visua…
Read GuideResume RejectionResume File Format for ATS: DOCX, PDF, TXT, and What Works Best
The file format you choose for your resume directly impacts parsing accuracy. While DOCX and PDF are the two most common…
Read GuideResume RejectionPDF vs DOCX for ATS: Detailed Comparison and Recommendations
The PDF vs DOCX debate is one of the most common questions in ATS optimization. Both formats are widely accepted, but th…
Read GuideResume RejectionResume Keyword Stuffing Penalty: How Over-Optimization Hurts You
In the effort to beat the ATS, some candidates go too far—stuffing resumes with excessive keywords, hiding text in white…
Read GuideResume RejectionMissing Contact Info on Resume: How It Causes ATS Rejection
Your contact information is the most critical section of your resume—without it, even a perfect score is useless because…
Read GuideResume RejectionInconsistent Date Format on Resume: How It Confuses ATS Parsing
Date formatting inconsistency is a subtle resume error that can significantly impact your ATS score. When date formats v…
Read GuideResume RejectionToo Long Resume ATS Penalty: How Resume Length Affects Your Score
While ATS platforms don't typically reject resumes for being too long, excessive length can dilute your keyword density,…
Read GuideResume RejectionMissing Job Title on Resume: How Unclear Titles Hurt ATS Matching
Job titles are one of the most heavily weighted data points in ATS matching. The system uses your titles to assess your …
Read GuideResume RejectionSkills Section ATS Optimization: How to Format Skills for Maximum Score
Your skills section is one of the most heavily parsed and scored sections of your resume. It's where the ATS looks for d…
Read GuideResume RejectionResume Bullet Points and ATS: How to Format Bullets for Parsing
Bullet points are the backbone of effective resume writing, but the wrong bullet format can cause parsing issues. Standa…
Read GuideResume RejectionResume Summary vs Objective for ATS: Which Scores Higher?
The top section of your resume—whether a professional summary or career objective—sets the tone for both ATS scoring and…
Read GuideResume RejectionResume Gaps and ATS Handling: How Employment Gaps Affect Your Score
Employment gaps are a common concern for job seekers, and understanding how ATS systems handle them helps you make strat…
Read GuideKeyword Optimization
(25 guides)ATS Resume Keywords for Software Engineer: Complete Keyword Guide
Landing a Software Engineer role requires a resume loaded with the right keywords that ATS systems scan for. This guide …
Read GuideKeyword OptimizationATS Resume Keywords for Data Scientist: Complete Keyword Guide
Landing a Data Scientist role requires a resume loaded with the right keywords that ATS systems scan for. This guide pro…
Read GuideKeyword OptimizationATS Resume Keywords for Product Manager: Complete Keyword Guide
Landing a Product Manager role requires a resume loaded with the right keywords that ATS systems scan for. This guide pr…
Read GuideKeyword OptimizationATS Resume Keywords for Project Manager: Complete Keyword Guide
Landing a Project Manager role requires a resume loaded with the right keywords that ATS systems scan for. This guide pr…
Read GuideKeyword OptimizationATS Resume Keywords for Business Analyst: Complete Keyword Guide
Landing a Business Analyst role requires a resume loaded with the right keywords that ATS systems scan for. This guide p…
Read GuideKeyword OptimizationATS Resume Keywords for UX Designer: Complete Keyword Guide
Landing a UX Designer role requires a resume loaded with the right keywords that ATS systems scan for. This guide provid…
Read GuideKeyword OptimizationATS Resume Keywords for Frontend Developer: Complete Keyword Guide
Landing a Frontend Developer role requires a resume loaded with the right keywords that ATS systems scan for. This guide…
Read GuideKeyword OptimizationATS Resume Keywords for Backend Developer: Complete Keyword Guide
Landing a Backend Developer role requires a resume loaded with the right keywords that ATS systems scan for. This guide …
Read GuideKeyword OptimizationATS Resume Keywords for DevOps Engineer: Complete Keyword Guide
Landing a DevOps Engineer role requires a resume loaded with the right keywords that ATS systems scan for. This guide pr…
Read GuideKeyword OptimizationATS Resume Keywords for Full Stack Developer: Complete Keyword Guide
Landing a Full Stack Developer role requires a resume loaded with the right keywords that ATS systems scan for. This gui…
Read GuideKeyword OptimizationATS Resume Keywords for Data Analyst: Complete Keyword Guide
Landing a Data Analyst role requires a resume loaded with the right keywords that ATS systems scan for. This guide provi…
Read GuideKeyword OptimizationATS Resume Keywords for Marketing Manager: Complete Keyword Guide
Landing a Marketing Manager role requires a resume loaded with the right keywords that ATS systems scan for. This guide …
Read GuideKeyword OptimizationATS Resume Keywords for Sales Manager: Complete Keyword Guide
Landing a Sales Manager role requires a resume loaded with the right keywords that ATS systems scan for. This guide prov…
Read GuideKeyword OptimizationATS Resume Keywords for HR Manager: Complete Keyword Guide
Landing a HR Manager role requires a resume loaded with the right keywords that ATS systems scan for. This guide provide…
Read GuideKeyword OptimizationATS Resume Keywords for Financial Analyst: Complete Keyword Guide
Landing a Financial Analyst role requires a resume loaded with the right keywords that ATS systems scan for. This guide …
Read GuideKeyword OptimizationATS Resume Keywords for Mechanical Engineer: Complete Keyword Guide
Landing a Mechanical Engineer role requires a resume loaded with the right keywords that ATS systems scan for. This guid…
Read GuideKeyword OptimizationATS Resume Keywords for Civil Engineer: Complete Keyword Guide
Landing a Civil Engineer role requires a resume loaded with the right keywords that ATS systems scan for. This guide pro…
Read GuideKeyword OptimizationATS Resume Keywords for Electrical Engineer: Complete Keyword Guide
Landing a Electrical Engineer role requires a resume loaded with the right keywords that ATS systems scan for. This guid…
Read GuideKeyword OptimizationATS Resume Keywords for Nurse (RN/BSN): Complete Keyword Guide
Landing a Nurse (RN/BSN) role requires a resume loaded with the right keywords that ATS systems scan for. This guide pro…
Read GuideKeyword OptimizationATS Resume Keywords for Teacher: Complete Keyword Guide
Landing a Teacher role requires a resume loaded with the right keywords that ATS systems scan for. This guide provides a…
Read GuideKeyword OptimizationATS Resume Keywords for Content Writer: Complete Keyword Guide
Landing a Content Writer role requires a resume loaded with the right keywords that ATS systems scan for. This guide pro…
Read GuideKeyword OptimizationATS Resume Keywords for Graphic Designer: Complete Keyword Guide
Landing a Graphic Designer role requires a resume loaded with the right keywords that ATS systems scan for. This guide p…
Read GuideKeyword OptimizationATS Resume Keywords for Cloud Architect: Complete Keyword Guide
Landing a Cloud Architect role requires a resume loaded with the right keywords that ATS systems scan for. This guide pr…
Read GuideKeyword OptimizationATS Resume Keywords for Cybersecurity Analyst: Complete Keyword Guide
Landing a Cybersecurity Analyst role requires a resume loaded with the right keywords that ATS systems scan for. This gu…
Read GuideKeyword OptimizationATS Resume Keywords for AI/ML Engineer: Complete Keyword Guide
Landing a AI/ML Engineer role requires a resume loaded with the right keywords that ATS systems scan for. This guide pro…
Read GuideParsing & Formatting
(20 guides)Best Resume Fonts for ATS: Safe Font Choices That Parse Perfectly
Font selection directly impacts how accurately the ATS parses your resume. While most standard fonts work well, decorati…
Read GuideParsing & FormattingResume Margins ATS Guide: Optimal Spacing for Parsing and Readability
Resume margins affect both ATS parsing accuracy and human readability. Too narrow and text may be cut off during parsing…
Read GuideParsing & FormattingResume Section Order for ATS: The Optimal Arrangement for Maximum Score
The order of sections on your resume affects both ATS parsing accuracy and how effectively the recruiter absorbs your qu…
Read GuideParsing & FormattingResume Heading Format for ATS: How to Format Section Headings
Section headings are the signposts that tell the ATS where each part of your resume begins and ends. The format, wording…
Read GuideParsing & FormattingResume Bullet Format for ATS: Best Practices for List Formatting
Bullet points are the primary vehicle for communicating your achievements and keywords to the ATS. The format, character…
Read GuideParsing & FormattingResume Date Format for ATS: Consistent Dating for Accurate Parsing
Date formatting is a subtle but important aspect of ATS optimization. The parser uses your dates to calculate experience…
Read GuideParsing & FormattingResume File Naming Convention: Best Practices for Job Applications
Your resume file name is the first thing a recruiter sees in the ATS dashboard and in their downloads folder. A professi…
Read GuideParsing & FormattingResume Page Length Guide: How Many Pages Should Your Resume Be?
The ideal resume length depends on your experience level, career stage, and target industry. While ATS platforms don't t…
Read GuideParsing & FormattingResume White Space Optimization: Balancing Density and Readability
White space—the empty areas on your resume—affects both ATS parsing accuracy and human readability. Too little white spa…
Read GuideParsing & FormattingResume Contact Section Format: Optimal Layout for ATS Extraction
The contact section is the first thing the ATS parser extracts and the first thing the recruiter sees. Getting it right …
Read GuideParsing & FormattingResume Skills Section Format for ATS: Layout and Organization Guide
The skills section is one of the most directly scored sections of your resume. How you format, organize, and populate it…
Read GuideParsing & FormattingResume Experience Section Format: ATS-Optimized Work History Layout
The work experience section is the most content-rich and keyword-dense part of your resume. Its format determines how ac…
Read GuideParsing & FormattingResume Education Section Format: ATS-Optimized Academic Layout
The education section provides key data points that ATS systems use for scoring: degree level, field of study, instituti…
Read GuideParsing & FormattingResume Certifications Section Format: ATS-Optimized Credential Layout
Certifications can add 5-10% to your ATS score and are often used as screening criteria. Formatting them correctly ensur…
Read GuideParsing & FormattingResume Summary Format for ATS: How to Write a Keyword-Rich Summary
Your professional summary is the most concentrated keyword opportunity on your resume. In just 2-4 sentences, you can in…
Read GuideParsing & FormattingResume Achievements Format for ATS: Quantifying Impact for Higher Scores
Achievement statements are where ATS optimization and human persuasion intersect. Well-formatted achievements contain ke…
Read GuideParsing & FormattingResume Projects Section Format: Showcasing Technical Work for ATS
A Projects section is valuable for software engineers, data scientists, designers, and anyone whose work output is demon…
Read GuideParsing & FormattingResume Volunteer Section Format: Adding Value Through Community Experience
Volunteer experience can add valuable keywords, demonstrate leadership skills, and fill employment gaps on your resume. …
Read GuideParsing & FormattingResume Language Section Format: Listing Language Skills for ATS
Language skills can be a significant differentiator in global companies, international roles, and multilingual markets. …
Read GuideParsing & FormattingResume References Format for ATS: Should You Include References?
The question of whether to include references on your resume has a clear answer in the ATS era: generally, no. Reference…
Read GuideMore Resources from ResumeGyani
Tools and guides to help you land your dream job