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To write a resume that gets noticed, you must optimize it for both automated applicant tracking systems (ATS) and the human recruiter's brief glance. The key is a concise, keyword-rich document that immediately communicates your value, typically confined to one or two pages. Based on our assessment experience, focusing on plain text, strategic keywords, and brevity significantly increases your chance of securing an interview.
What is the best format for a resume to pass an ATS?
The first hurdle your resume faces is often an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), which is software used by employers to manage and filter job applications. These systems scan resumes for specific keywords and are not designed to interpret complex formatting. Fancy graphics, columns, or unusual fonts can cause parsing errors, leading to your application being rejected before a human ever sees it.
The most effective approach is to use a simple, clean format. Draft your resume in a standard word processor for spelling and grammar checks, then paste it into a plain text editor like Notepad to strip away any hidden formatting. Saving this as a plain text file gives it the highest probability of being accurately read by any ATS. Kevin Hoult, a business services manager, confirms that "A plain text resume has the best chance of surviving all of the storage, retrieval and automatic review processes resumes are put through today."
How can you use bullet points and keywords to demonstrate value?
Once the ATS-compatible format is set, the content must be strategically crafted. Instead of dense paragraphs, use bullet points to present your achievements clearly. A powerful technique is to include a career summary at the top of your resume. This section should feature 2-3 bullet points that highlight your most relevant skills and the value you offer, directly incorporating keywords from the job description.
As David Esposito, a managing partner, notes, this not only appeals to the ATS but also forces you to refine your professional pitch. For each previous position, list your accomplishments in bullet points, prioritizing them by relevance to the job you want, not strictly chronologically. Focus on quantifiable results (e.g., "increased sales by 15%") to demonstrate impact effectively.
When should you cut content to keep your resume concise?
In today's fast-paced hiring environment, recruiters may spend only seconds reviewing a resume. The principle of "tl;dr" (too long; didn't read) is a real consideration. Your resume must convey your value proposition instantly. This requires ruthless editing.
Carefully evaluate the relevance of each piece of information. Early career experience that isn't pertinent to the current role can be summarized briefly with a single bullet point per job or omitted entirely. The same applies to college details; unless you held a significant leadership role or received honors, listing extracurricular activities is often unnecessary. The goal is to cut the clutter so your most impressive qualifications stand out at a glance. Rewrite continuously until every word serves a purpose.
Getting a professional review is a final, critical step. It's challenging to be objective about your own career history. A service like ok.com's Resume Writing Service can provide a free, objective evaluation, offering feedback on both content and presentation to predict a recruiter's first impression.
To ensure your resume is short, sweet, and successful, remember these key points:
