Resume ATS Checker: How to Pass Applicant Tracking Systems
Table of Contents
- What is an ATS?
- Common ATS Rejection Reasons
- How to Pass ATS Screening
- 1. Use Standard Formatting - Single-column layout - Standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) - No tables, text boxes, or columns - Simple bullet points (• or -)
- 2. Match Keywords from the Job Description - Read the job posting carefully - Include exact phrases from the requirements - Use both acronyms and full terms (e.g., "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)")
- 3. Use the Right File Format - PDF (if the ATS supports it) or .docx - Test with ToolPilot's [Resume ATS Checker](/tools/resume-ats-checker)
- 4. Structure Properly - Clear section headers: "Experience", "Education", "Skills" - Reverse chronological order - Consistent date formatting
- Using ToolPilot's ATS Checker
- Steps: 1. Paste your resume text or upload file 2. Optionally paste the job description 3. Get your ATS score and recommendations 4. Fix issues and re-check
- ATS-Friendly Resume Template
- Conclusion
# Resume ATS Checker: How to Pass Applicant Tracking Systems
Over 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before a human ever sees them. Here's how to make sure yours gets through.
What is an ATS?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that:
- Scans resumes for keywords
- Filters candidates based on qualifications
- Ranks applicants by relevance
- Stores resumes in a database
Popular ATS tools: Taleo, Greenhouse, Lever, Workday, iCIMS.
Common ATS Rejection Reasons
| Issue | Why It Fails |
|---|---|
| Fancy formatting | ATS can't read tables, columns, text boxes |
| Missing keywords | No match against job description |
| Wrong file format | .doc or .pages may not parse correctly |
| Headers/footers | Content in these areas is often ignored |
| Images/graphics | ATS reads text only |
How to Pass ATS Screening
1. Use Standard Formatting - Single-column layout - Standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) - No tables, text boxes, or columns - Simple bullet points (• or -)
2. Match Keywords from the Job Description - Read the job posting carefully - Include exact phrases from the requirements - Use both acronyms and full terms (e.g., "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)")
3. Use the Right File Format - PDF (if the ATS supports it) or .docx - Test with ToolPilot's Resume ATS Checker
4. Structure Properly - Clear section headers: "Experience", "Education", "Skills" - Reverse chronological order - Consistent date formatting
Using ToolPilot's ATS Checker
Our Resume ATS Checker analyzes your resume for:
- Formatting issues
- Missing keywords
- ATS compatibility score
- Improvement suggestions
Steps: 1. Paste your resume text or upload file 2. Optionally paste the job description 3. Get your ATS score and recommendations 4. Fix issues and re-check
ATS-Friendly Resume Template
```
[Full Name]
[Email] | [Phone] | [LinkedIn] | [Location]
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
[2-3 sentences with keywords from job description]
EXPERIENCE
Job Title | Company | Dates
- Achievement with quantifiable result
- Achievement with quantifiable result
EDUCATION
Degree | University | Year
SKILLS
Skill 1, Skill 2, Skill 3, Skill 4, Skill 5
```
Conclusion
Before submitting your next application, run your resume through ToolPilot's Resume ATS Checker to make sure it passes the first gate.
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