10 ATS Resume Tips to Pass Automated Screening in 2026

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can be intimidating, but with the right strategies, you can ensure your resume makes it past these digital gatekeepers. Here are 10 essential tips to optimize your resume for ATS.

1. Use Standard Section Headings

ATS software looks for specific section names. Use these standard headings:

• Work Experience (not "Professional Journey")
• Education (not "Academic Background")
• Skills (not "Core Competencies")
• Certifications (not "Professional Credentials")

2. Choose the Right File Format

Most ATS systems prefer:

• .docx (Microsoft Word) - Most compatible
• .pdf - Generally safe for modern ATS
• Avoid: .pages, .odt, or image files

Pro tip: Check the job posting for specific format requirements.

3. Avoid Complex Formatting

ATS struggles with fancy designs:

• ❌ Headers and footers
• ❌ Tables and text boxes
• ❌ Images and graphics
• ❌ Multiple columns
• ✅ Simple, clean layout with standard formatting

4. Include Both Acronyms and Full Terms

Help ATS and humans find your skills:

• "Project Management Professional (PMP)"
• "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)"
• "Customer Relationship Management (CRM)"

5. Mirror Job Description Language

Pay attention to how skills are described:

• Job says "project management" → Use "project management"
• Job says "managed projects" → Include both phrasings
• Match their terminology exactly when possible

6. Optimize Your Contact Information

Place contact details at the top in a simple format:

John Doe
john.doe@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | LinkedIn.com/in/johndoe
San Francisco, CA

7. Use Relevant Keywords Throughout

Distribute keywords naturally:

• Professional summary
• Work experience bullets
• Skills section
• Certifications and education

Warning: Don't keyword stuff. Use keywords naturally in context.

8. Quantify Your Achievements

Numbers help ATS identify strong candidates:

• "Increased sales by 45% in Q1 2024"
• "Managed team of 12 developers"
• "Reduced costs by $50,000 annually"

9. Include a Skills Section

Create a dedicated skills section with:

• Technical skills
• Soft skills mentioned in the job description
• Industry-specific tools and technologies

Example:

Skills: Python, JavaScript, Project Management, 
Agile Methodology, Team Leadership, SQL, AWS

10. Proofread and Test

Before submitting:

• Run spell check
• Remove special characters that might confuse ATS
• Test your resume with free ATS scanners
• Have someone else review it

Common ATS Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using images instead of text
2. Putting important information in headers/footers
3. Using unusual fonts
4. Including graphics or logos
5. Submitting in the wrong file format

How Job Tact Makes ATS Optimization Easy

Instead of manually checking all these factors, Job Tact's AI automatically:

• Analyzes your resume for ATS compatibility
• Identifies missing keywords from job descriptions
• Suggests formatting improvements
• Provides a compatibility score

Stop guessing whether your resume will pass ATS screening. Use Job Tact to optimize your resume and increase your chances of landing interviews.

Related Reading

• Complete Resume Optimization Guide