How to Beat Applicant Tracking Systems
Ever applied for a job and heard nothing back? You’re not alone. About 75% of resumes never make it past an applicant tracking system (ATS)—the software that scans applications before a human ever sees them.
If you’re qualified but getting ghosted, your resume may not be ATS-friendly. That means it’s missing the right keywords, format, or structure to pass the system’s filters.
So, what is an ATS, and why does it decide who moves forward in the hiring process? More importantly, how can you optimize your resume to ensure it lands in front of a real recruiter?
Let’s break it down and show you exactly how to beat the ATS and boost your chances of getting hired.
What Is an Applicant Tracking System?
An applicant tracking system is software companies use to sort, filter, and rank job applicants. It automates resume screening by scanning applications for specific keywords, qualifications, and formats to determine which candidates move forward.
Over 99% of Fortune 500 companies and 75% of large businesses rely on ATS software. Even small and mid-sized businesses use it to handle high application volumes.
But here’s the problem: ATS software isn’t perfect. That’s why understanding how it works is crucial. If your resume isn’t optimized, it might never reach a hiring manager—even if you’re the best person for the job.
Why You Need to Beat the ATS to Get an Interview
To land an interview, your resume needs to make it past ATS filters. Even highly qualified candidates can get rejected automatically for reasons like:
- Not using the right keywords: The ATS scans for exact matches from the job description. If you don’t include them, your resume might not rank high enough.
- Non-ATS-friendly formatting: Using multiple columns, tables, or fancy fonts can make your resume unreadable to the system.
- Submitting the wrong file type: While PDFs are usually safe, some ATS systems require Word documents. Always check the job posting for instructions.
- Falling short of experience filters: If a job asks for 10 years of experience and you list 9, the ATS might reject you—even though a human recruiter would probably still consider you.
Because you can’t control how a company’s ATS is set up, the best strategy is to optimize your resume for ATS approval. That way, you increase your chances of getting seen by a real recruiter and moving forward in the hiring process.
14 Proven Tips to Beat Applicant Tracking Systems
1. Apply for jobs you’re actually qualified for
No amount of resume hacks will help if you’re not truly qualified for the job. The ATS is designed to filter out unqualified applicants, so if your experience doesn’t match, you’re unlikely to move forward.
While it’s tempting to apply for as many jobs as possible, focus on roles where you meet at least 70-80% of the listed qualifications. If you’re slightly underqualified but still interested, networking or submitting a letter of inquiry might be a smarter approach.
If you want to work at a specific company but don’t see the perfect job opening, reach out to a recruiter or hiring manager on LinkedIn instead of applying to multiple roles blindly.
2. Use the right keywords from the job description
An ATS prioritizes resumes that match the keywords and phrases in the job description. If your resume doesn’t include the right terms, it may never reach a recruiter—even if you have the right skills.
How to find the right keywords:
- Look at the job posting and identify hard skills, certifications, job titles, and industry terms that seem important.
- Use exact matches where possible. If the job description says “project management experience,” don’t just write “managed projects”—use the same wording.
- Incorporate both long-form and abbreviated terms (e.g., “Search Engine Optimization (SEO)” and “SEO”).
For example, if the job posting asks for “proficient in Microsoft Excel and data analysis,” your resume should include “proficient in Microsoft Excel, data analysis, and financial modeling.”
3. Avoid keyword stuffing—make it natural
While keywords are essential, overloading your resume with them can backfire. ATS software can detect when candidates try to game the system by cramming in too many keywords unnaturally.
Bad example (keyword stuffing):
“Marketing expert skilled in social media marketing, email marketing, digital marketing, and content marketing. Marketing strategy and marketing analytics experience.”
Good example (natural use of keywords):
“Developed and executed digital marketing campaigns, leveraging social media, email marketing, and content strategy to increase engagement by 40%.”
Your resume should be readable and recruiter-friendly. Even if you pass the ATS, an actual person still needs to be impressed.
4. Tailor your resume for each job application
Even if you’re applying for similar positions, don’t submit the exact same resume everywhere. Different companies use different ATS software, each programmed to screen for unique criteria.
How to tailor your resume effectively:
- Use the job description as a guide. Mirror the wording of key qualifications and skills.
- Prioritize relevant experience by highlighting achievements that match what the employer values most.
- Adjust your summary. If a role emphasizes leadership, focus on that. If it’s more technical, highlight your hard skills.
Applying for a marketing manager job? One company may value SEO expertise, while another prioritizes social media skills. Adjust your resume accordingly.
5. Stick to a standard, ATS-friendly resume format
Creative resume designs might look impressive, but they can confuse an ATS. If your formatting is too complex, the system might not read your resume properly, leading to rejection.
Best ATS-friendly resume format:
- Chronological layout (list jobs from most recent to oldest)
- Standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
- One-column format (avoid sidebars and multi-column layouts)
- No graphics, images, or tables
Avoid resumes with decorative elements or text boxes. If the ATS can’t read it, a recruiter never will.
6. Keep your resume simple and easy to scan
Recruiters spend only a few seconds scanning a resume. If your content is too dense or hard to read, it won’t stand out—even if you pass the ATS.
How to improve readability:
- Use clear section headings (e.g., “Work Experience,” “Education,” “Skills”)
- Keep bullet points short (ideally one to two lines each)
- Stick to a one-page resume (two pages if you have over 10 years of experience)
If your job title is unique to your company, consider using a more standard title that aligns with industry norms.
7. Use the right file format
Some ATS software struggles with PDFs, while others require them. If you use the wrong file type, your resume might not be read at all.
Best file formats for ATS:
- .doc or .docx (Microsoft Word) is universally accepted by all ATS software.
- PDF is safe if the job posting specifies it, but some ATS struggle with PDFs.
If the job application doesn’t specify a file format, submit a Word document to ensure compatibility.
8. Write in clear, plain language
An ATS scans text for exact matches—it doesn’t interpret context. Keep your writing simple and avoid industry jargon unless necessary.
- Use direct, clear language.
- Spell out acronyms on first use, then use the abbreviation.
- Avoid overused buzzwords like “results-driven” or “go-getter.”
Bad example (too much jargon):
“Leveraged multi-channel digital synergies to enhance KPI alignment within B2B ecosystems.”
Good example (clear and effective):
“Managed digital marketing campaigns that increased B2B lead conversions by 30%.”
9. Spell out acronyms (then use the abbreviation)
ATS software may not recognize acronyms unless they match exactly what’s in the job description.
Correct usage:
“Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH),” then “CEH” later in the resume.
“Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software” before using “CRM” alone.
Incorrect usage:
“Managed CRM software” (without spelling it out first).
10. Add a dedicated skills section
A skills section helps an ATS identify key qualifications quickly.
How to format your skills section:
- Use bullet points or a short list.
- Include hard skills (e.g., SQL, project management) and relevant certifications (e.g., PMP Certification, Google Analytics Certified).
- Mirror terms from the job posting.
Here is a full breakdown of how to write a resume skills section with examples of the different layouts to use.
11. Consider adding a resume summary
A resume summary is a short, two- to three-sentence introduction at the top of your resume that highlights your key qualifications.
Example:
“Digital marketing professional with five years of experience in SEO, paid advertising, and social media strategy. Proven track record of increasing online engagement by 40% and generating high-converting leads. Certified in Google Ads and HubSpot Marketing.”
12. Double-check for grammar and spelling errors
Some ATS software struggles with misspelled words, which means even a small typo could hurt your chances.
- Use spell-check tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Word.
- Have a trusted friend or mentor review your resume.
- Read your resume out loud to catch awkward phrasing.
13. Don’t use ‘black hat’ tricks
Some job seekers try to trick ATS software by pasting job descriptions in white text or stuffing keywords. This doesn’t work and can lead to automatic rejection.
Instead of trying to outsmart the ATS, focus on writing a strong, keyword-optimized resume that’s easy for both software and recruiters to read.
14. Be selective about how many jobs you apply for at one company
ATS software tracks applicant activity so recruiters can see how many jobs you’ve applied for. Submitting multiple applications for unrelated roles can make you seem unfocused.
Instead, apply to one or two positions that best fit your experience. If you’re interested in a company but don’t see a perfect fit, consider networking with a recruiter instead.
Applicant tracking systems can be tricky, but by working within their rules rather than trying to find a way around them, you’ll have a better chance of getting noticed and landing the job you want.
