If you’re applying for jobs today, chances are your resume isn’t being read by a person first. It’s being scanned by AI-powered Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). It’s the software recruiters and employers use to filter candidates before they ever see a human eye.

That means if your resume can’t be read or understood by ATS, it might never even reach the hiring manager, no matter how skilled you are.

So, how do you make sure your resume beats the bots and helps you land your dream job? Here’s a guide to building an ATS-friendly resume that gets noticed.

What is an ATS resume?

An ATS resume is a resume designed to be easily read by Applicant Tracking Systems. These systems scan for specific keywords, formats, and structures to decide whether a candidate moves to the next stage.

In simple terms: an ATS is less impressed by pretty design and more focused on whether it can find the right words, job titles, and experiences in your document.

What does an ATS resume look like?

The best ATS resumes are clean, simple, and structured. They usually:

• Stick to plain fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
• Use black text on a white background
• Avoid graphics, shapes, text boxes, or multiple columns
• Stick to clear section headings like Experience, Skills, Education

While that may sound boring, remember: the goal is to get your resume seen by a recruiter. Once you pass the AI filter, your skills and story do the rest.

What should an ATS resume include?

To pass the ATS test, your resume should:

• Use keywords from the job description → If the role asks for “project management,” “budgeting,” or “client relations,” mirror those exact terms.
  
• List skills in both short form and context → Example: Instead of just writing “SEO,” write “Improved website SEO ranking by 45%.”
  
• Include clear job titles and dates → ATS software often sorts candidates by work history consistency.
  
• Highlight measurable achievements → Numbers catch attention, both for ATS and human recruiters.
  

What should an ATS resume highlight?

1. Core skills and competencies. Both hard and soft.
2. Career progression. Show growth across roles.
3. Impact. Highlight results, not just responsibilities.
4. Relevance. Tailor each resume to the role instead of sending a generic one.
   

Pro tip: If you’re applying for multiple roles, keep a “master resume” with all your experience and then create role-specific versions by pulling the most relevant skills.

Best practices for an ATS-friendly resume

• Less design, more content.
  Avoid photos, logos, shapes, or heavy colors. These confuse ATS scanners.
  
• Stick to standard headings.
  Use “Experience” instead of “Career Adventures” or “Education” instead of “Where I Learned.”
  
• Save it in the right format.
  Most ATS systems prefer Word (.docx) or simple PDFs. Avoid fancy templates.
  
• Keep it simple if you’re creative.
  If you’re a designer, animator, or editor, don’t use your resume to show off your creativity, that’s what your portfolio is for. Your resume should focus on clarity.
  
• Proofread.
  Typos don’t just look bad, they can throw off keyword searches.
  

Why this matters more than ever:

As AI continues to play a bigger role in recruitment, having an ATS-friendly resume isn’t optional. It’s the first filter between you and your dream job. Without it, even the most talented candidates risk being overlooked.

The good thing is, once you learn how to format and tailor your resume, you’ll stand out when your application finally lands in a recruiter’s inbox.

Connect it to your career growth.

Landing your dream job isn’t just about applying smarter, it’s also about being in the right network. That’s why we created Filta’s Talent Network.

By joining, you’ll get:

• Early access to remote job openings across marketing, IT, finance, creative services, and more.
  
• The chance to work with global clients from the US, UK, Australia, and beyond, without leaving home.
  
• Personalized job matching so the right opportunities come to you.
  

Whether you’re actively job-hunting or just open to future roles, joining the Talent Network ensures you never miss out.

Join Filta’s Talent Network today and let the right opportunities come to you.

Bottom line

If AI can’t read your resume, it won’t matter how talented you are. Building an ATS-friendly resume is the first step to getting noticed, and landing your dream job.

And if you want more than just tips, join a network that actively connects you to remote opportunities worldwide.

For more career insights and practical tips on thriving in global roles, visit filtaglobal.com