Complete ATS Guide
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is sophisticated software that organizations use to manage, filter, and rank applications. With 98% of Fortune 500 companies implementing ATS technology, mastering these systems is essential for career advancement.
What is an ATS?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by employers to collect, sort, scan, and rank job applications. Over 98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS to filter resumes before they reach human recruiters. Master the ATS, and you master the job market.
of resumes are filtered before human review
average ATS processing time per resume
of recruiters depend on ATS for initial screening
ATS Optimization Tips
Use Standard Section Headers
Stick to conventional headers like "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills" instead of creative alternatives.
Include Relevant Keywords
Mirror the language used in the job description. Include both the full term and abbreviations (e.g., "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)").
Use Simple Formatting
Avoid tables, text boxes, headers/footers, and complex formatting that can confuse ATS parsers.
Save as PDF or DOCX
Most modern ATS can read PDF and DOCX files. Avoid older formats or images.
Common ATS Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don't Do
- • Use images or graphics for text
- • Include contact info in headers/footers
- • Use fancy fonts or colors
- • Submit as PNG or JPG files
- • Use tables for layout
✅ Do This
- • Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri)
- • Include keywords naturally
- • Use bullet points for lists
- • Save as PDF or DOCX
- • Keep formatting simple
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