How to Write the Best ATS Resume for Any Industry
Did you know that 75% of resumes are rejected by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) before they ever reach a human? Whether you’re applying for a tech role in Silicon Valley, a healthcare position in New York, or an engineering job in Dubai, your resume must first pass the ATS gauntlet. In this guide, you’ll learn how to craft the best ATS resume for any industry, with actionable tips, industry-specific templates, and expert insights to ensure your application stands out.
What is an ATS Resume (And Why Does It Matter)?
An ATS resume is a document optimized to bypass automated recruitment software used by 99% of Fortune 500 companies and 75% of mid-sized firms. Unlike traditional resumes, it prioritizes:
- Machine readability over creative design
- Keyword alignment with job descriptions
- ATS-friendly formatting to avoid parsing errors
“Applicants who optimize their resumes for ATS see a 60% higher interview rate,” says Jane Carter, HR Director at LinkedIn.
How to Write the Best ATS Resume: 5 Proven Steps
Step 1: Choose the Right ATS-Friendly Format
Do:
- Use reverse-chronological order (most ATS-friendly)
- Stick to standard headings: Work Experience, Education, Skills
- Save as a Word (.docx) or PDF file (unless specified otherwise)
Don’t:
- Use tables, columns, or graphics
- Include headers/footers (ATS often ignores them)
Step 2: Optimize for ATS Keywords
ATS scans for hard skills (e.g., “Python programming”) and industry jargon (e.g., “SEO optimization”). Here’s how to find them:
- Copy the job description into WordClouds to identify frequent terms.
- Use tools like Jobscan to match your resume to the job.
Example for Marketing Roles:
- Job Description Keyword: “CRM management”
- Your Resume: “Managed HubSpot CRM, increasing lead conversion by 27%.”
Step 3: Tailor Content to Your Industry
Tech Industry
- Focus on: Technical certifications (AWS, CISSP), programming languages, project outcomes.
- Use keywords like “Agile development” or “cloud migration.”
Healthcare Industry
- Highlight: Licenses (RN, BLS), patient care metrics, EHR systems.
- Include keywords like “HIPAA compliance” or “patient satisfaction scores.”
Step 4: Quantify Achievements (Numbers Beat Buzzwords)
WeakATS-Friendly Version“Improved sales performance”“Boosted Q3 sales by 34% through CRM optimization”“Managed social media”“Grew Instagram followers by 12K in 6 months”
Step 5: Test Your Resume
Run your resume through these free ATS checkers:
Industry-Specific Strategies for the Best ATS Resume
1. Finance & Accounting
- Keywords: GAAP compliance, ROI analysis, financial modeling
- Tip: Highlight software proficiency (QuickBooks, SAP).
2. Education
- Keywords: Curriculum development, classroom management, LMS platforms
- Tip: Use metrics like “Improved student pass rates by 22%.”
3. Engineering
- Keywords: CAD design, Six Sigma, prototyping
- Tip: List patents or project budgets managed.
5 ATS Resume Mistakes That Get You Rejected
- Using creative fonts: Stick to Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
- Ignoring job title alignment: Mirror the job title in your resume header.
- Keyword stuffing: Keep density under 5-10%.
- Submitting image-based PDFs: ATS can’t read text in images.
- Omitting certifications: CPA, PMP, or OSHA matter to ATS.
Best ATS Resume Tools & Templates
- Google Docs ATS Template: Minimalist design, compatible with all systems. Download here.
- Zety Resume Builder: Auto-suggests industry-specific keywords.
- LinkedIn Resume Assistant: Powered by Microsoft, matches job descriptions.
FAQ: Writing the Best ATS Resume
Q: Should I include a resume summary for ATS?
A: Yes, but only if it includes keywords. Example: “Certified Project Manager (PMP) with 8+ years in Agile software development.”
Q: How long should an ATS resume be?
A: 1 page for <10 years of experience; 2 pages for executives or technical roles.
Q: Can I use color in an ATS resume?
A: Avoid it. Most ATS systems struggle to parse colored text.
Q: How do I list freelance work for ATS?
A: Use a “Freelance Projects” section with client names and quantifiable results.
Final Tips for the Best ATS Resume
Writing an ATS-friendly resume isn’t about tricking the system – it’s about clear, keyword-driven communication. Whether you’re in healthcare, tech, or finance, follow these steps:
- Prioritize machine readability over design flair.
- Customize keywords for every application.
- Test your resume with ATS scanners.
Ready to put these tips into action? Book a free resume review with our ATS optimization experts today!
