10 min read
How to Build an ATS-Friendly Resume
Create a resume that passes Applicant Tracking Systems and gets you more interviews.
Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes before a human sees them. If your resume is not ATS-friendly, even great experience can be overlooked. This guide shows you how to build a resume that gets through the bots and impresses recruiters.
What Makes a Resume ATS-Friendly?
- Simple formatting — avoid tables, columns, and graphics
- Standard fonts — Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman work best
- Clear section headings — Experience, Education, Skills
- Relevant keywords — match skills from the job description
- PDF or Word format — both are widely accepted
Step-by-Step Resume Build
- Start with your contact information at the top.
- Write a short professional summary focused on the role.
- List work experience with measurable achievements.
- Add education, certifications, and relevant skills.
- Save as a clean PDF using the Word to PDF tool.
Download a Resume Template
Speed up the process with our Professional Resume Template. It is formatted for ATS readability and easy to customize.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a resume ATS-friendly?
Simple formatting, standard fonts, clear headings, and relevant keywords help ATS parse your resume correctly.
Should I use tables or graphics?
No, avoid tables, columns, and graphics because many ATS cannot read them.
Can I download a resume template?
Yes, ToolBox offers a professional resume template formatted for ATS readability.