How to Beat Applicant Tracking Systems and Get Your Resume Noticed

In the era of digital applications and remote job postings that can draw hundreds of applicants, many major employers and recruiters rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline the recruitment process. These systems help companies manage large volumes of applications by scanning resumes for keywords, parsing content, and ranking candidates based on their qualifications. For job seekers, understanding how an ATS works can be essential to landing an interview, as even the best candidates may be overlooked due to poor resume formatting or missing keywords.

The challenge of getting past an ATS requires going beyond simply submitting your application and instead crafting a resume designed with ATS compatibility in mind. In this article, we'll provide key insights to help you understand how this technology works and advice on how to create an ATS-friendly resume that hiring managers will actually read. Strategically tailoring your resume for ATS will improve your chances of getting noticed by recruiters and hiring managers, moving you one step closer to landing your dream job. If you want to learn how to beat applicant tracking systems, read on!

How Do Applicant Tracking Systems Work?

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is a tool employers use to manage the high volume of applicants for open positions by automating part of the hiring process. Instead of having to manually review each resume, this technology uses ATS algorithms to perform an initial screening. The system scans each resume, picking out specific keywords and phrases that match the job description, such as required skills, certifications, and job titles. When a candidate’s resume includes the right terms, it has a better chance of making it past this initial screening and into the next stage of the process. However, an ATS resume that doesn’t contain enough relevant keywords might be filtered out—even if the candidate is otherwise a strong fit for the role.

After scanning for keywords, the ATS organizes the data through a process called resume parsing. This breaks the resume down into common sections like work experience, education, and skills, which helps the ATS to analyze and rank it alongside other resumes. Criteria can vary between ATS systems, with some focusing more on technical skills or industry-specific keywords, while others might weigh job titles or years of experience more heavily. Some ATS software programs take it a step further by assigning each candidate a score based on how well the resume aligns with the job requirements. This ranking allows hiring teams to quickly identify top candidates, as hiring managers tend to focus on the highest-scoring resumes in their reviews. However, while ATS can handle much of the initial filtering, human involvement is still crucial for making final decisions, and hiring managers still need to carefully assess the top candidates the ATS identifies.

Why Do Employers Use ATS?

Employers often rely on applicant tracking systems to handle the high volume of job applications they receive for various job openings. For larger companies, staffing agencies, or businesses that hire regularly, a single job posting can attract hundreds of applications, making it difficult to review each one individually. By automating the early stages of hiring and using ATS to quickly filter resumes, hiring managers can focus on a manageable shortlist of potential candidates who meet the basic qualifications. This saves time for the employer while reducing the chances of an overloaded hiring manager overlooking skilled candidates.

Many ATS platforms also provide valuable insights into hiring trends, which can help refine recruitment strategies. By tracking data like popular job postings, the top sources of talent, and time-to-hire metrics, ATS can reveal which channels are most effective and where improvements might be made. These data-driven insights help employers shape future hiring efforts, making it easier to target the right candidates and use recruiting resources effectively. By improving candidate matching and accurately analyzing applicant pools, AI-powered ATS can improve the hiring process even further, potentially resulting in even more effective and informed hiring decisions.

Additionally, ATS can support fairer hiring practices by helping to mitigate bias through tools like blind resume screening, which removes identifiable details to focus purely on qualifications. By standardizing the initial screening and removing certain personal information, ATS enables a fairer and more inclusive evaluation of potential candidates. Some systems even track diversity metrics, helping employers assess and address any unintentional bias within their hiring process. Finally, ATS assists with compliance and record-keeping by maintaining a detailed record of each job application and hiring step, which can be essential for audits or meeting regulatory requirements, especially in large organizations.

Challenges and Limitations of ATS

While applicant tracking systems certainly help streamline hiring, they do have limitations that can negatively impact even well-qualified applicants. One common issue is synonym misinterpretation. For instance, if a job posting lists “data analysis” as a requirement but a resume uses “data analytics” instead, the ATS might not recognize the similarity, causing it to overlook an otherwise strong resume. This lack of flexibility with synonyms and alternative wording can sometimes prevent qualified candidates from reaching the hiring manager.

Formatting is another challenge, as unusual fonts, graphics, tables, file types, or specific bullet points can interfere with the ATS’s ability to read and parse a resume accurately, sometimes leading to missing information or distorted text. ATS software also has trouble with non-traditional resumes. For example, resumes with creative layouts or portfolio elements—often seen in fields like design or marketing—can sometimes confuse the system. For this reason, sticking to simple, clear layouts, standard text, and a straightforward, traditional format is usually the best approach, even in creative roles, as it helps ensure that the system can process your resume smoothly and improves the chances of getting through this first screening.

The inability of many ATS to fully interpret context and relevance can create further limitations. For instance, if you list “project leadership” under volunteer experience rather than paid work, the ATS may not rank it as highly, even though it’s a valuable skill. This can lead to relevant skills or experiences being overlooked, especially if they don’t fall into a typical work history format.

Cover letters can be a unique challenge of their own. While some applicant tracking systems also scan these documents for keywords, they may not pick up on the nuances or achievements that a candidate describes in narrative form, limiting the cover letter’s effectiveness in highlighting unique qualifications. Additionally, ATS reliance on specific keywords can introduce unintended bias, sometimes favoring applicants with certain languages or backgrounds, which can unintentionally filter out diverse candidates who bring equally valuable skills.

Finally, ATS use can impact the candidate experience, as automated filtering sometimes leads to delays or leaves applicants without feedback if their resumes are rejected early in the process. This lack of transparency can be frustrating, making it harder for candidates to understand where they stand or how they might improve their application.

Although an applicant tracking system certainly speeds up the process by filtering and ranking applicants, these limitations mean that qualified candidates can sometimes be screened out, making human review a vital step in the final decision-making process. However, by understanding these challenges—and optimizing your resume accordingly—you can improve your chances of making it past the ATS and getting your resume in front of a human reviewer.

Optimizing Your Resume for an ATS

To boost your chances of getting your resume through an ATS and in front of a hiring manager, creating an ATS-friendly resume is essential. One of the best strategies is to weave relevant keywords from the entire job description directly into your resume. Pinpoint important keywords tied to specific skills, job titles, and qualifications and include them naturally throughout your resume, particularly in your skills section, job experience bullet points, and key accomplishments. Including slight variations of keywords where relevant, such as “project management” and “managing projects,” can further boost visibility. Don't forget soft skills either—look for key soft skills in the job description and be sure to include any that apply to you in your resume. Prioritize core skills and industry-specific terms that reflect the job requirements to improve your match.

Formatting is also crucial for ATS readability. A straightforward, clean layout with clear section headings and bullet points is most effective. Avoid complex tables, unusual fonts, and graphics, as these can disrupt ATS parsing. Stick to standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman, and keep formatting consistent and easy to read. Keep in mind that while an applicant tracking system can technically process longer resumes, concise and targeted resumes focused on the most relevant experience often perform best. Saving your resume as a Microsoft Word document (.docx) is often the safest choice because it’s compatible with virtually all ATS. While many systems can process PDFs, they can occasionally misread text or formatting, which may affect how your resume is parsed. If you’re unsure, a plain text file (.txt) can be a reliable fallback for ATS, though it may lose formatting and appear less polished to human reviewers.

For added impact, include a dedicated technical skills section to showcase key skills that align with the job description. ATS systems often prioritize technical skills, so list specific tools, software, or languages you’re experienced with. Using concise, action-oriented language in job titles and throughout your experience section makes it easy for both ATS and hiring managers to understand your skills and achievements. Finally, ensure your contact information is simple and free from unusual symbols or layouts, as non-standard characters can interfere with ATS readability.

Because ATS software and ranking criteria vary across companies, tailoring your resume to each application can also make a big difference. Adjust it to highlight the most relevant skills and accomplishments for the position and align cover letters with the job description as well. Quantify achievements wherever possible to showcase your impact, and remember to keep the layout clear and consistent. This tailored approach will make your resume more likely to stand out to both the ATS and, ultimately, the hiring manager.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Optimizing for ATS

When optimizing a resume for ATS, certain mistakes can significantly lower your chances of making it through the system. One common pitfall is keyword stuffing—loading your resume with keywords simply to match ATS requirements. Modern ATS software is quite advanced and can detect excessive or irrelevant keyword usage, which might make your resume seem artificial or less credible. The best approach is to weave important keywords that genuinely represent your skills and experience throughout your resume and cover letter. This way, candidates provide real value by highlighting terms that align with the role, rather than forcing them in. Failure to use variations in keywords or similar terms is another error. A frequent misconception about keywords is that ATS will automatically reject any resume without exact keyword matches or precise job titles from the job description, but while specific keywords do matter, most ATS can recognize related terms and similar phrases. Rather than fixating on exact matches, aim to incorporate keywords naturally so they fit well within your experience and qualifications.

Formatting errors are also common. Decorative fonts, complex headers, or graphics may look appealing but can throw off ATS parsing, leading to skipped or misread information. To improve readability, stick to standard fonts, simple layouts, and clear section headings. Choose common file formats like Microsoft Word or PDF for your resume, steering clear of image files or web-based formats like HTML. This not only makes your resume ATS-friendly but also helps hiring managers read it easily once it passes the system.

Another pitfall is overusing acronyms or industry jargon. While certain abbreviations (like “SEO”) are widely recognized, others may not be picked up by the ATS. To ensure clarity, it’s helpful to include both the acronym and the full term—for example, “SEO” alongside “Search Engine Optimization.” This balance ensures recognition by both ATS and human readers.

Finally, sending the same resume for every job is a missed opportunity. Tailoring your resume for each position can make a big difference, as ATS often screens for the exact requirements listed in the job description. Customizing each resume to emphasize the most relevant skills and keywords for the job opening will greatly improve your chances of passing ATS screening and reaching the hiring manager. By avoiding these common pitfalls and focusing on thoughtful optimization, you’ll be well-positioned to get your resume noticed.

Strategies for Bypassing the ATS

While it is crucial to optimize your resume for ATS, there are other effective ways to stand out to hiring managers without relying solely on automated systems. One powerful strategy is to make connections through networking. Reaching out to people in your industry—whether by attending professional events, joining online groups, or connecting on LinkedIn—can help you establish contacts who may be able to refer you directly to a hiring manager. A personal referral can allow you to bypass ATS entirely, ensuring your resume is reviewed by a human.

Working with a recruiter is another way to increase your visibility. Recruiters specialize in matching qualified candidates with open positions and often have direct access to hiring managers. They can advocate for you within their network, putting your resume in front of decision-makers and sometimes even fast-tracking your application. Additionally, recruiters can provide insight into what hiring teams are specifically looking for, allowing you to tailor your application accordingly.

Building a strong online presence is also essential. Having an updated LinkedIn profile optimized with relevant skills, experience, and keywords makes it easier for employers and recruiters to find you. Engaging in industry-specific communities, such as LinkedIn groups or professional associations, further boosts visibility, as employers sometimes monitor these spaces for potential candidates. Creating and sharing original content, like industry insights or project highlights, can position you as a thought leader and attract recruiter attention. Additionally, a strong and professional social media presence on relevant platforms helps you build a personal brand that sets you apart, showing potential employers your expertise and professionalism.

Finally, consider taking the direct approach by reaching out to hiring managers personally. If you find a role that interests you, briefly introduce yourself and express interest in the company, either through LinkedIn or email. This personalized outreach, along with networking, recruiter support, and a professional online presence, can expand your reach and make it more likely that employers and recruiters will take notice, even before your resume goes through ATS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Specific Keywords or Phrases That Can Help a Resume Stand Out to an ATS?

Yes, including specific keywords that align with the job description is crucial for standing out to an ATS. Focus on industry terms, required skills, certifications, and job titles mentioned in the posting. Use these keywords naturally throughout your resume, particularly in the skills section and job experience descriptions. Avoid overloading your resume with keywords ("keyword stuffing"), as ATS systems can detect this. Tailoring your resume for each role ensures it matches the language the ATS is looking for.

What Is the Difference Between Keyword Optimization and Keyword Stuffing in an ATS Resume?

Keyword optimization means using relevant keywords from the job description naturally throughout your resume to align with the role’s requirements. It involves placing these terms strategically in your experience, skills, and achievements to show your qualifications. Keyword stuffing, by contrast, is the excessive or forced use of keywords, often repeating them out of context in an attempt to manipulate ATS rankings. Modern ATS systems can detect keyword stuffing, and it can make your resume seem unnatural or unprofessional during human review. The key is balance: use keywords where they genuinely reflect your experience and avoid overloading your resume. A well-optimized resume will pass ATS and leave a strong impression on hiring managers.

Can I Use an ATS-Friendly Resume Template to Improve My Chances of Reaching a Recruiter?

Using an ATS-friendly resume template can help ensure your resume is formatted correctly and easily parsed by the system. These templates are designed with simplicity in mind, often avoiding graphics, complex headers, or tables that ATS may misread. However, it’s still important to customize the content, including relevant keywords, to match the specific job posting. A good template can give you a strong foundation, but tailoring your resume for each role will maximize your chances of success.

Can Submitting a Resume Multiple Times to the Same Company Hurt Your Chances of Being Considered?

Resubmitting your resume multiple times for the same job or different roles within the same company can backfire. ATS may flag duplicate applications, and hiring teams might view it as a sign of desperation or a lack of focus. If the roles are similar, tailor your resume to each position to highlight the most relevant skills and avoid appearing inconsistent. Quality applications that align well with the job are far more effective than quantity.

How Can I Track the Success of My Resume in Getting Past ATS and Reaching Human Recruiters?

Tracking your resume’s success requires a strategic approach. Keep a record of the roles you’ve applied for, including the keywords and resume versions used. Monitor which applications lead to interviews or callbacks, and adjust your approach based on that feedback. Tools like LinkedIn’s "Jobs" section or job board platforms often provide updates on application status. By analyzing patterns in your results, you can refine your resume and job search strategy for better outcomes.

Conclusion

With so many employers using ATS, job seekers must adapt their applications to meet the needs of these systems. An ATS-friendly resume can be the difference between getting the attention of a hiring manager and disappearing into cyberspace. Understanding the workings of ATS, from keyword strategy to formatting essentials, will help you improve your chances of getting your resume past initial screenings and into the hands of recruiters.

As you refine your job search strategies, continue learning and adapting your resume and application materials to new ATS developments and resume best practices. By staying informed and taking proactive steps to optimize your resume, you can navigate the ATS-driven hiring process. Remember, a well-crafted resume is your first impression, so make it count.

Article Author:

Ashley Meyer

Digital Marketing Strategist

Albany, NY