Resume strategy
Resume Writing Tips
Expert advice to help your resume stand out to both ATS systems and human recruiters
How to Write a Resume That Gets Past ATS
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software that companies use to scan, filter, and rank resumes before a human ever sees them. Over 90% of large companies use ATS, which means your resume needs to be optimized for both machines and people.
Key ATS formatting rules:
- Use standard section headings: "Experience", "Education", "Skills"
- Avoid headers, footers, text boxes, and multi-column layouts
- Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
- Submit as PDF or DOCX — never as an image
- Spell out acronyms at least once (e.g., "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)")
- Include exact keywords from the job description
- Use simple bullet points — avoid special characters
50 Power Action Verbs for Your Resume
Start every bullet point with a strong action verb. These words signal impact and leadership to both ATS systems and hiring managers.
Leadership
Technical
Achievement & Impact
Creative
Communication
Resume Dos and Don'ts
Do
- ✓Tailor your resume for each job application
- ✓Use action verbs to start every bullet point
- ✓Quantify achievements with numbers and percentages
- ✓Keep your resume to 1-2 pages maximum
- ✓Use a clean, ATS-friendly format
- ✓Include relevant keywords from the job description
- ✓List your most recent experience first
- ✓Proofread for spelling and grammar errors
- ✓Use consistent formatting throughout
- ✓Include a professional summary at the top
Don't
- ✗Use fancy graphics, tables, or columns that confuse ATS
- ✗Include personal info like age, marital status, or photo
- ✗Use generic objectives like "seeking a challenging role"
- ✗List every job you have ever had — focus on relevant ones
- ✗Use abbreviations without spelling them out first
- ✗Submit the same resume for every application
- ✗Exaggerate or fabricate experience
- ✗Use tiny fonts to fit more content
- ✗Include references on the resume itself
- ✗Use passive language like "was responsible for"
Industry-Specific Resume Tips
Technology
- List specific programming languages, frameworks, and tools
- Include GitHub profile or portfolio links
- Mention system scale (users, requests/sec, data volume)
Marketing
- Quantify campaign results (ROI, conversion rates, reach)
- Mention specific platforms and tools (Google Analytics, HubSpot)
- Show both creative and analytical skills
Finance
- Highlight certifications (CFA, CPA, Series 7)
- Quantify portfolio sizes, revenue, or savings
- Emphasize regulatory compliance knowledge
Healthcare
- List all licenses and certifications prominently
- Include specific EHR/EMR systems you have used
- Mention patient volumes and care outcomes
Optimize Your Resume for Keywords
Keywords are the single most important factor for passing ATS screening. Here is how to find and use them effectively:
1. Extract keywords from the job description
Read the job posting carefully. Identify skills, tools, certifications, and qualifications mentioned. These are your target keywords.
2. Match exact phrasing
If the job says "project management", use that exact phrase — not "managed projects". ATS often does exact string matching.
3. Place keywords naturally
Weave keywords into your summary, experience bullets, and skills section. Do not keyword-stuff — ATS detects this.
4. Use both acronyms and full forms
Write "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)" so ATS matches whichever form the recruiter searches for.
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