Yes, you should run your resume through an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) if you are applying to jobs at companies that use one—and most mid-sized and large employers do. Running your resume through an ATS means checking how well your resume is parsed and read by the software that many companies use to filter job applications before a human ever sees them. The goal is to make sure your resume is both machine-readable and optimized for the specific job description, so you don’t get automatically rejected due to formatting or missing keywords.
What Is an ATS and Why Do Employers Use It?
An Applicant Tracking System is software that helps employers manage the flood of applications they receive for every open position. Instead of manually reading hundreds of resumes, recruiters use the ATS to store, search, and rank candidates. The system parses your resume—extracting your name, contact info, work history, education, and skills—and then stores that data in a searchable database. Recruiters can then search for candidates by keywords (like “project management” or “Python”) or use automated filters to rank applicants based on how well their resume matches the job description. According to a widely cited estimate, over 90% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS, and many smaller companies use similar tools. For the applicant, this means that if your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, it may never be seen by a human.
How ATS Parsing Works: The Technical Side
When you upload your resume, the ATS uses parsing technology to read the text and convert it into structured fields. It looks for common sections like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills” and then extracts the details. The parser relies on standard fonts and simple layouts to do this accurately. If your resume uses a multi-column layout, text boxes, tables, or graphics, the parser may read the content in the wrong order or miss it entirely. For example, a two-column resume with your skills in a sidebar might cause the parser to read the left column first, then the right, which can scramble your work history. Similarly, a header with your name in a graphic or a table for your job duties can confuse the parser. The safest approach is a single-column, text-based resume with standard section headings and a common font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
How to Run Your Resume Through an ATS
You have a few options for testing your resume against an ATS. Many online job boards and career sites offer free ATS resume checkers, and some ATS vendors provide free trials or demo versions of their software. To run a basic check, you can also do a simple test: copy the text from your resume into a plain text editor (like Notepad) and see if it reads logically from top to bottom. If the text is jumbled or missing sections, the ATS will likely have the same problem. Here are the steps for a more thorough check:
- Find a free ATS resume scanner online (search for “free ATS resume checker”).
- Upload your resume in the format you plan to submit (usually PDF or DOCX).
- Review the parsed output: check if your name, contact info, job titles, dates, and skills are extracted correctly.
- Compare the keywords in your resume to the job description—are you using the exact same terms the employer used?
- Make adjustments if you see errors, then re-run the test.
Remember that no online checker perfectly replicates every ATS, but it gives you a good sense of how a typical parser will handle your resume.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
The most frequent issues that cause resumes to fail ATS parsing include:
- Complex formatting: Tables, text boxes, columns, and graphics confuse parsers. Use a single column with standard headings.
- Uncommon fonts: Stick to Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 10–12 point size.
- Headers and footers: Some ATS don’t read text in headers/footers, so keep your contact info in the body of the document.
- Spelling out acronyms inconsistently: If the job description says “SEO,” use “SEO” in your resume, not just “Search Engine Optimization.”
- Missing standard section titles: Use clear headings like “Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills” so the parser knows where to put the information.
- PDF issues: While PDFs are generally fine, some older ATS can’t read them. If you’re unsure, use a .docx file.
To fix these, simplify your resume layout, use standard headings, and include both the full term and the acronym for important keywords (e.g., “Customer Relationship Management (CRM)”).
ATS Keywords: Matching the Job Description
Keywords are the most important factor in ATS screening. The system compares your resume to the job description and looks for matching terms. If the job description lists “project management,” “budgeting,” and “stakeholder communication,” your resume should include those exact phrases (if you genuinely have that experience). Don’t just copy the entire job description—that’s dishonest and often gets flagged. Instead, tailor your resume for each application by incorporating the key skills and qualifications that appear in the posting. For example, if the job says “5+ years of experience in digital marketing,” your resume should say “5+ years of experience in digital marketing” in your summary or experience section. Also, use the same abbreviations as the job description (e.g., “B2B” vs. “business-to-business”).
ATS vs. Human Review: Balancing Both
While optimizing for ATS is important, don’t forget that a human will eventually read your resume if you pass the initial screening. The best resume is both ATS-friendly and compelling to a person. This means you should use standard formatting, but also write clear, achievement-oriented bullet points that highlight your impact. Avoid stuffing keywords in a way that makes the resume read awkwardly—use them naturally in your descriptions. For example, instead of a list of skills at the bottom, integrate key terms into your work experience bullets. A resume that is a wall of text with no visual hierarchy will be hard for a human to skim, even if the ATS parses it perfectly. Use bold for job titles, keep bullet points concise, and leave white space.
Costs and Tools: Free vs. Paid ATS Checkers
There are many free ATS resume checkers online, and they are sufficient for most job seekers. They typically give you a score, highlight missing keywords, and point out formatting issues. Paid services often offer more detailed feedback, such as line-by-line suggestions or a comparison to a specific job description, but they are not necessary for most people. If you are applying to many jobs, you might benefit from a paid tool that lets you upload multiple resumes, but start with free options. Also, some ATS vendors (like Jobscan or VMock) offer free trials—use them to get a more accurate read on your resume. Remember that no tool can guarantee you’ll get an interview; they just help you avoid being filtered out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all companies use ATS? No, but many do. Large companies and those that receive many applications are more likely to use an ATS. Small businesses might not, but it’s still a good practice to have an ATS-friendly resume because you never know.
Should I submit my resume as a PDF or Word doc? In general, a .docx file is the safest because it’s readable by all ATS. PDFs are also fine if they are text-based (not scanned images), but some older ATS have trouble with PDFs. Check the job posting for specific instructions—if they ask for a PDF, use that.
Can I use a creative resume with graphics and columns? It’s risky. If you’re applying to a creative field (like graphic design), you might want to show design skills, but you should also have a plain text version available. For most industries, a simple, clean layout is best.
How many keywords should I include? There’s no magic number. Instead, focus on including the most important skills and qualifications from the job description. Usually, 10–15 relevant keywords spread naturally throughout your resume is enough.
Is it cheating to tailor my resume to each job? No, it’s expected. Tailoring your resume shows that you’ve read the job description and have the relevant skills. Just don’t lie or exaggerate your experience.
ATS Resume Template
Below is a simple, ATS-friendly resume template you can copy and fill in. Use single column, standard headings, and a common font.
| Section | Content |
|---|---|
| Name | _________________________ |
| Phone | _________________________ |
| _________________________ | |
| _________________________ | |
| Professional Summary | ___________________________________________ |
| Work Experience | Job Title, Company, Dates • Responsibility/achievement • Responsibility/achievement |
| Education | Degree, Major, School, Year |
| Skills | List of relevant skills |
Sample (fictional):
Jane Doe
555-123-4567 | jane.doe@email.com | linkedin.com/in/janedoe
Professional Summary: Marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in digital campaigns and SEO.
Work Experience: Marketing Manager, ABC Corp, 2020–Present
• Increased organic traffic by 40% through SEO optimization.
Education: B.A. in Marketing, State University, 2018
Skills: SEO, Google Analytics, Content Strategy, Email Marketing
If you have specific questions about your resume or job search, consider consulting a career counselor or a professional resume writer. They can give personalized advice, but always verify their credentials.