12 minutes reading time

ATS Optimization

Confidently master applicant tracking systems

ATS Optimization
2025 Essential
Advanced

98%

Fortune-500 companies use ATS

Automated pre-screening is standard.

75%

CVs are filtered

Only a quarter reach recruiters.

6s

Scan per resume

Seconds determine your score.

What is an ATS?

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) collect, parse, and evaluate applications before they reach recruiters. To get through the filter, you need a clean structure and precise keywords.

  • Document parsing extracts plain text
  • Keyword matching compares against the job posting
  • Scoring evaluates the match
  • Ranking sorts applications by score
  • Filtering forwards only top profiles

ATS-friendly formatting

Works reliably

  • Standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times)
  • Single-column layout without tables
  • Clear headings (Work Experience, Skills)
  • Bullets instead of icons
  • File format .docx or .pdf (text-based)
  • Black text on a white background

Avoid

  • Graphic elements & logos
  • Multi-column layouts
  • Tables for positioning
  • Headers and footers with important info
  • Decorative fonts
  • Colored text or backgrounds

Keyword Optimization

Adopt relevant terms from the job posting — exactly as written.

Hard Skills

  • React.js, Python, AWS, SQL, Machine Learning

Soft Skills

  • Teamwork, Communication, Problem Solving, Leadership

Industry terms

  • Agile, DevOps, Project Management, Quality Assurance

Qualifications

  • Bachelor, Certifications, 5+ years experience, Leadership responsibility

Use the exact terms from the job posting — ATS systems look for matches, not synonyms.

Common ATS pitfalls

Understand the impact and have solutions ready.

Graphic elements

High risk

  • Systems ignore logos and icons
  • Use plain text formatting

Tables & columns

High risk

  • Parsing loses order
  • Prefer a linear layout

Headers and footers

Medium risk

  • ATS often doesn't read them
  • Put contact details in the main body

Missing keywords

Critical

  • Score drops dramatically
  • Systematically analyze the job posting

Testing & Validation

How to check your ATS score before you send.

Copy-paste test

  • Copy resume into a text editor
  • Check formatting and order
  • Identify missing characters

Online scanners

  • Jobscan, Resume Worded, TopResume
  • Interpret score feedback
  • Iteratively add keywords

Ready for ATS optimization?

Use the Talent CV Editor with built-in ATS analysis.

Optimize CV now
ATS Optimization 2025 | Career Wiki