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Resume Writing: How to Develop an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Optimized Resume

By following the guidelines given below and incorporating relevant keywords, you can increase the chances of your resume being successfully parsed and shortlisted by Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software: 

1. Keywords: Carefully read the job description and incorporate relevant keywords and phrases that are usually used in the Job Description of the position that you are targeting throughout your resume. For instance, skills, job titles, qualifications, and specific industry terms used by you in the resume are typically mentioned in the job listing for the job that you are applying for.

2. Choose a Simple and Clean Format: Use a straightforward format that ATS software can easily parse. Avoid complex layouts with tables, graphics, or unusual fonts. Simple format, standard fonts (Arial, Times New Roman), consistent headings, and bullet points.

3. Use Standard Headings: Use conventional headings such as "Work Experience," "Education," "Skills," "Certifications," and "Contact Information" to ensure the ATS can recognize and categorize your information.

4. Include Relevant Job Titles: Use job titles from the job listing that match or closely resemble those in the job descriptions concerning the position you are seeking to increase your resume's relevance score.

5. Optimize Your Skills Section: List both hard and soft skills relevant to the position, ensuring that you match the terminology used in the job description. For instance, technical skills, soft skills, and industry-specific skills.

6. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job Application: Customize your resume for each job you apply to, reflecting the specific requirements, tailored content, and keywords of each job description.

7. Use Standard File Formats: Save and submit your resume in ATS-friendly formats like .docx or .pdf.

8. Include Contact Information at the Top: Place your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile at the top of your resume.

9. Quantify your Achievements: Use numbers and metrics to highlight your achievements and impact in previous roles.

10. Avoid Graphics and Images: ATS software often cannot read graphics, images, or logos, so omit these elements from your resume. Use only text, no images, no graphics.

Example of Constituents of an ATS-Friendly Resume Section

Work Experience

Marketing Manager | ABC Corporation | June 2018 – Present

  • Developed and executed marketing strategies that increased sales by 20%.
  • Managed a team of 10 marketing professionals, overseeing all campaigns.
  • Utilized SEO and content marketing to drive website traffic by 30%.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Marketing | XYZ University | Graduated May 2018

Skills

  • Digital Marketing
  • SEO Optimization
  • Content Marketing
  • Team Leadership
  • Data Analysis

Dr. Karminder Ghuman, Head of MBA Department, LM Thapar School of Management, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (Deemed to be University), Patiala

Based on contents from the book: "The Art and Science of Effective and Impactful Business  Communication" 


https://shorturl.at/z77CE

Location: India

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