Top 10 Tips for Writing an ATS-Friendly Resume in 2025

Darasimi Ademola

• 3 min read
ATS-friendly resume on laptop using Preplink.ai Resume Builder

Why You Need an ATS-Friendly Resume in 2025

You could be the perfect fit for a role but if your resume doesn’t make it past the Applicant Tracking System (ATS), a recruiter might never even see it.

In the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and beyond, most companies now rely on an ATS to filter applications automatically. That means if your resume isn’t structured correctly, it may never reach a human.

The good news? You can fix that today. Let’s break down how the ATS works, why it matters, and how to create a resume that gets noticed, not filtered out.

What Is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software employers use to scan, sort, and rank resumes before they reach a recruiter.

When you apply online, the ATS searches for:

  • Relevant keywords from the job description
  • Experience and skills that match the role
  • Clear section headings and readable formatting
  • Job titles, dates, and education history

If your resume doesn’t align with what the system looks for, it might never make it to the hiring manager’s desk.

How the ATS Scans Your Resume

Think of the ATS as a digital gatekeeper. It doesn’t interpret visuals or designs, it reads plain text line by line.

So while a colorful, graphic-filled resume might impress a designer friend, it can confuse the software. Charts, images, or tables can break the file’s readability.

If the system can’t read your resume, it can’t rank you properly. And if it can’t rank you, your application is automatically rejected.

How to Structure Your Resume for the ATS

1. Keep Your Format Simple and Clean

Use standard fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid tables, text boxes, or graphics. Label sections clearly (e.g., Experience, Education, Skills). Save your file as .docx or .pdf (if the site allows it).

2. Use Keywords From the Job Description

The ATS filters resumes based on keyword relevance. Read the job listing carefully and include important words naturally across your summary, experience, and skills.

Example: If the posting mentions “content strategy” or “project management,” make sure those phrases appear (only if relevant to your experience).

For more examples of structuring strong, keyword-rich answers, see: Top 10 Behavioral Interview Questions and Best Sample Answers (2025 Guide)

3. Write a Strong Professional Summary

Start with a 3–4 line overview that highlights your expertise, years of experience, and career focus.

Example: “Digital Marketing Specialist with 5+ years of experience in paid ads, social media growth, and content strategy. Skilled in data-driven campaigns and client acquisition across global markets.”

This summary gives the ATS keyword signals while quickly showing your value to recruiters.

4. Show Measurable Achievements

Avoid generic duties, focus on impact and results.

Example: ❌ “Managed company social media.” ✅ “Increased social media engagement by 120% and generated 35% more qualified leads within six months.”

Numbers tell your story better than adjectives.

For guidance on how to talk about results in interviews, check out: How to Use the STAR Method to Answer Behavioral Interview Questions

5. Add a Skills Section

The ATS prioritizes keyword-heavy skills lists. Include 8–12 relevant skills aligned with your target role.

Examples:

  • Data Analysis
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
  • Paid Advertising
  • Strategic Planning
  • Content Marketing
  • Leadership & Team Management

6. Keep Your File Name Professional

Before uploading, rename your document clearly: “Sarah_James_Marketing_Manager_Resume.docx”

It looks professional and helps recruiters find you faster.

Common Mistakes That Make a Resume ATS-Unfriendly

Avoid these common pitfalls that can block your resume from being read:

  • Embedding contact info in images
  • Using tables or charts
  • Uploading scanned or photo-based resumes
  • Writing long, unformatted paragraphs
  • Using uncommon abbreviations or jargon

The Easier Way: Build an ATS-Optimized Resume with Preplink.ai

You don’t need to figure out ATS formatting by yourself.

With Preplink.ai’s Resume Builder, you can:

  • Automatically structure your resume in an ATS-friendly format
  • Optimize it with real job descriptions and industry keywords
  • Generate bullet points that show measurable achievements
  • Download and apply directly to global job portals

Whether you’re applying in the U.S., U.K., Canada, or globally, Preplink helps you stand out where it matters most,  in the recruiter’s shortlist.

Build Your ATS-Friendly Resume Now with Preplink.ai

Final Thoughts

An ATS-friendly resume isn’t about fancy design, it’s about clarity, structure, and relevance. When you use the right keywords, clean formatting, and measurable results, you give yourself the best chance to get seen, shortlisted, and hired.

Start building your optimized resume today with Preplink.ai’s Resume Builder, your shortcut to getting noticed by recruiters, not filtered out by software.