ATS Guides

How Applicant Tracking Systems actually screen resumes, and the specific changes that get more of them past the filter.

Frequently asked questions

What is an ATS?

An Applicant Tracking System is software that scans and ranks resumes for keyword and format matches before a recruiter ever opens them — most mid-size and large employers use one.

Does a fancy resume design hurt my ATS score?

Often yes — multi-column layouts, text boxes, and graphics can be parsed incorrectly or skipped entirely, so the safest format is a single column with standard section headings.

How do I know if my resume is ATS-friendly?

Run it through a free ATS check to see the same kind of keyword and format scan an employer's system would apply, rather than guessing.