How to Keep Your Resume from Getting Buried in the ATS Graveyard
Ever wonder what really happens to your resume when you submit it online?
Before a recruiter even sees it, your resume typically takes a detour through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)—a behind-the-scenes tool used by 90% of employers and nearly all Fortune 500 companies to streamline the hiring process.
Its job? To sift through applications, score them based on how well they align with the job requirements, and help recruiters focus on the most promising candidates. But here’s the truth: the ATS isn’t out to get you—it just needs the right information in the right format to find you.
Let’s take a closer look at how these systems work, where the myths come in, and what you can do to make sure your resume rises to the top instead of getting lost in the shuffle.
How Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) Work
When you click “Submit,” the ATS takes your carefully formatted resume and turns it into a plain text document. All that carefully designed formatting? Gone! What remains are letters, numbers, symbols, and punctuation.
Then, the ATS scans and scores your resume based on how well it aligns with the criteria set by the employer. Keywords, phrases, and relevant experience take center stage. The goal? To rank candidates and help recruiters focus on those who are likely to be the right fit.
Contrary to popular belief, An ATS score is not the final deciding factor in whether you get an interview. Recruiters often review resumes manually, even if they don’t score perfectly on the ATS. They’re evaluating the full picture—not just a keyword match.
The Problem with ATS Scores
Online resume scanners often promise to tell you how your resume will “score” in an ATS. However, these tools may not be as reliable as the companies would like you to believe. Here's why:
Every ATS is different. There are hundreds of ATS systems in use, all of which work in slightly different ways. A resume that does well with one company’s system might score very low on another, even if both systems are technically looking for similar skills.
The human element. Contrary to popular belief, ATS systems don’t automatically reject resumes—humans still play a key role in the hiring process. Recruiters often review resumes manually, even if they didn’t score perfectly. They’re evaluating the full picture—not just a keyword match.
False reassurance—or despair. A high ATS score on an external tool doesn't guarantee you'll get an interview, and a low score doesn't necessarily mean you'll be rejected. These tools can be a helpful starting point, but they should never be the sole basis for your resume strategy.
Is the ATS Where Resumes Go to Die?
Not quite. If your resume isn’t getting noticed, it’s probably because it’s not speaking the language the ATS is tuned to—not because a bot is ghosting you.
You might have the right experience, but if your resume is missing the keywords and phrases the ATS is looking for, you’ll probably wind up with a low score and not get an interview.
How to Improve Your Resume’s ATS Ranking (and Human Appeal)
If the sound of crickets is typically the response to your job applications, it's time to fine-tune your resume strategy. Instead of obsessing over a potentially misleading ATS score, focus on the things you can control— making your resume both ATS-friendly and recruiter-ready:
1. Tailor Every Resume
Generic resumes don’t stand a chance. Customize yours for each submission:
Carefully analyze the job description: Highlight key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities. Note the specific language used and any mention of specific software programs or methodologies.
Mirror the language from the posting—but naturally: Weave keywords and phrases into your resume, but don’t overdo it. Repeating them too often is unnatural and could lower your score. Most ATS platforms understand synonyms, so feel free to use variations when appropriate.
Avoid keyword stuffing: Trying to game the system by jamming in every possible keyword can hurt your chances. It makes your resume look unnatural and spammy, both to the ATS and to a human reader. Quality and context are far more important than sheer quantity.
Prioritize your most relevant experience: Your branding triad (headline, branding statement, and branding summary) and the first 3 bullets in each employment entry should showcase the specific attributes and accomplishments the employer is seeking.
2. Format for ATS Compatibility
Even a well-written resume won’t perform if the ATS can’t read it. Use these formatting best practices:
Name and contact info: Only your name should appear on the top line of your resume, with your geographic location (if desired) and contact info directly below it. Never place it in headers, footers, or side columns.
Section headings: The ATS will identify content by its section heading, so use conventional, simple labels like “Work Experience” or “Education.”
Work history: List your jobs in reverse chronological order (starting with the most recent) and position dates of employment either next to the job title or at the right margin.
Avoid columns, text boxes, and photos: These may not be readable by the ATS. Stick with tables or tabs.
Graphics: Fine for human eyes, but the ATS will ignore them. If you're using visuals, ensure all critical info appears in plain text, too.
Text enhancements: Bolding, italics, and color are great for human readers, but they have no impact on your ATS score. For bullet points, use simple characters like round bullets or dashes.
File type: Use a .docx file (Microsoft Word) unless a PDF is requested.
3. Use Keywords Wisely
Incorporate keywords from the job posting throughout your resume—but avoid overdoing it. Make sure the terms appear naturally and in context.
4. Showcase Your Achievements (with Numbers!)
Don’t just list responsibilities—describe how you made an impact, and do so quantitatively, if possible. For example, instead of “Managed customer service team,” try:
“Improved customer satisfaction ratings by 18% in one year by streamlining team workflows and launching a new support ticket system.”
5. Address the Gaps Thoughtfully
You don’t need to match every requirement in the job posting—it’s rare that anyone does. If you check off at least two-thirds of them, your resume stands a good chance of being reviewed by a recruiter.
If you’re missing a specific skill but have related experience or relevant transferable skills, make sure they’re in your resume.
6. Proofread Like Your Career Depends on It
Even small typos or grammatical errors can hurt your credibility or confuse the ATS. Avoid costly mistakes by:
Using spell check and grammar check: Tools like Grammarly and ProWritingAid are helpful, but they're not perfect. Be careful not to rely on them solely.
Reading it aloud: This can help you catch awkward phrasing or missed words your eye might miss.
Getting a second (or third) opinion: Ask someone you trust to proofread it. A fresh perspective can often spot mistakes you've overlooked.
7. Be Careful with Acronyms and Abbreviations
When referencing certifications and licenses, software, company names, job titles, etc., spell them out the first time you use them, followed by the acronym or abbreviation (e.g., “Certified Public Accountant (CPA)”).
Final Thoughts: Don't Forget the Human Connection
While ATS optimizing your resume is important, it’s not your only path to an interview. Networking can often open doors faster—and bypass that pesky ATS entirely. Invest time in building your network by:
Attending industry events: Meet people in your field at conferences, workshops, networking events, and local meet-ups.
Connecting on LinkedIn: Build your professional network, follow industry leaders, and comment on their posts.
Scheduling informational interviews: Learn from professionals in your target field—and build relationships.
Asking for referrals: Employee referrals often bypass ATS and fast-track your application.
By focusing on these practical strategies, you can significantly improve your chances of getting your resume seen and increase your odds of landing an interview, regardless of what any algorithm says.
Want Help Making Your Resume Stand Out?
Whether you're unsure how to tailor your resume or want feedback on your current draft, I’m here to help. Schedule a complimentary call and we’ll walk through it together.