How to make an ATS-friendly resume

Most mid-size and large employers run resumes through an applicant tracking system (ATS) before a human reads them. If the software can't parse your resume or doesn't see the right keywords, a qualified application can be filtered out. Here's how to make sure yours gets through — then a free tool to check it.

Check your resume vs. a job post → Build an ATS-safe resume

How an ATS reads your resume

The system parses your file into structured fields — contact, work history, education, skills — then scores it against the job description, largely by matching keywords. Two things get you filtered out: a layout it can't parse, and missing the terms the role asks for.

Formatting: keep it parseable

Do: a single-column layout; standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills); a common font; real bullet points; dates as MM/YYYY; save as .docx or a simple text-based PDF.

Don't: put key info in tables, columns, text boxes, headers/footers, or images; use exotic fonts or graphics for content; rely on icons to convey meaning. Many parsers drop or scramble these.

Keywords: mirror the posting

Use the exact terms from the job description — write "JavaScript," not "JS," if that's what the posting says. Matching is literal.
Put core skills in a dedicated Skills section and show them in your experience bullets.
Spell out then abbreviate once: "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)" catches both forms.
Never invent skills or keyword-stuff — once you clear the ATS, a human reads it, and an interview will expose padding.

Check your match in seconds

Paste your resume and the job description into the free ATS resume checker — it shows your keyword match score and the important terms you're missing, so you can tailor the resume before you apply. Everything runs in your browser; nothing is uploaded.

Build a resume that's ATS-safe by default

The free resume builder outputs a clean, single-column resume with standard headings and real text — exactly the structure parsers handle best — and a one-click PDF. Pair it with a cover letter and you've got a complete, tailored application.

Run the ATS checker →