How to Robot-Proof Your Resume
The screening software companies use can be finicky, but there are some simple ways to get past it
If you’re applying to jobs in 2021, a machine will likely be reading your resume before a human does. Most employers these days use what is called an applicant tracking system (“ATS”) to screen through the numerous applications they receive and filter out unqualified candidates. Unfortunately, the ATS systems can be pretty finicky and end up rejecting qualified candidates who don’t optimize their resumes for their software. Fortunately, there are some simple ways you can make your resume more ATS-friendly without changing the content too drastically. Here are a few tips:
- Use a simple format
Unless you are in a creative field like design or visual art, where your industry values unique resume layouts, you should use the most simple format possible so ATS can actually parse your resume. This means using a standard font like Times New Roman (no smaller than size 10) with text in horizontal rows across the page and bullet points underneath them. Each section should have a clear heading, like in the example photo below:
