In today’s fast-paced job market, how do you get noticed when your first hurdle isn’t even a human being? The answer lies in understanding the system—an AI-powered Applicant Tracking System (ATS). What is ATS? ATS is software for recruiters and employers to track candidates throughout the recruiting and hiring process, and at least 90% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS to screen résumés. These systems scan résumés for specific criteria, filtering out the ones that don’t make the cut before a recruiter even has a chance to glance at them. That’s right, your résumé could be left behind, even if you’re highly qualified.

So, the question is: How do you ensure your résumé makes it past the machine and lands in front of human eyes?

1. Are You Showcasing Yourself As A Product On Your Résumé?

What sets you apart? Whether I’ve spoken with employees at large organizations or students at educational institutions in the U.S. and abroad, the question of branding always comes up. You need to think of yourself as a product. Just like a company markets its unique selling points, you need to highlight your strengths and experiences in a way that grabs attention. It’s not just about listing tasks—it’s about showing why you’re the perfect fit for the job.

If your résumé doesn’t tell that story clearly and succinctly, it’s going to get lost in the shuffle, no matter how great your background is.

2. Are You Using The Right Keywords In Your Résumé?

When was the last time you really studied a job description? AI systems scan résumés for specific keywords, which means you need to match the language of the job posting. But don’t get carried away—keyword stuffing isn’t the answer. Lesley Hamilton, a nursing recruiter I spoke with, emphasized that it’s about finding the balance. She pointed out how in fields like nursing, professionals need to use the exact terms listed in job postings like “Registered Nurse (RN)” or “Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)” to ensure the ATS flags their résumé. The same is true for any industry.

So, are you paying attention to the language employers are using? Does your résumé reflect those critical terms naturally?

3. Is Your Résumé Artificial Intelligence-Friendly?

Imagine submitting your résumé only to have the system skip over half of it because it couldn’t read your fancy formatting. One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is getting too creative with fonts, graphics, or layouts. While those elements might catch a human’s eye, AI isn’t impressed. Keep it clean, simple, and easy to scan. Stick to fonts like Arial or Times New Roman, and avoid using tables or images that could mess with the system’s ability to process your information.

If the system can’t read it, your chances are cut off before you’ve even begun.

4. Are You Showcasing Hard Skills And Soft Skills?

AI systems are designed to prioritize hard skills—those that are concrete and measurable. While soft skills like leadership and communication are extremely important, ATS focuses more on specific qualifications that align directly with the job. For example, in administrative roles, terms like “project management,” “data entry,” or “calendar management” should be listed prominently in a dedicated skills section. This approach is especially common and effective for lower to mid-level roles, as it highlights key competencies, making it easier for both AI and human recruiters to find them quickly. Although less common for higher-level roles, a dedicated skills section can still be valuable if the position requires specialized technical expertise. Be sure to also integrate these skills naturally into your job descriptions to ensure the system picks them up throughout.

Are your most valuable skills easy for both AI and recruiters to find?

5. Why Does Artificial Intelligence Resume Screening Matter To Recruiters And Human Resources?

HR professionals are swamped with résumés. AI is a tool that helps them quickly narrow down candidates, but it’s not without its flaws. Many HR leaders know that even the best candidates can get missed if they don’t use the right format or keywords. Optimizing your résumé for AI isn’t bypassing human judgment; it’s about making sure you get to the stage where a human evaluates your qualifications. Once you get there, you can show them why you’re the right fit.

Have you made it easy for HR to find you by speaking the AI’s language first?

6. Can You Quantify Your Work-Related Achievements?

Numbers matter. It’s not enough to say you “improved efficiency”—how much did you improve it by? Saying you “increased office productivity by 20% over six months” gives both AI and recruiters concrete evidence of your impact. The more specific you are, the better. If you are in sales, for instance, metrics and measurable outcomes are essential in proving value. Showcasing results in numbers, percentages, or other quantifiable terms makes your résumé stand out.

Are you putting real numbers on your achievements?

7. Are You Using The Right File Format For Your Résumé?

This one might seem small, but it’s critical. Most ATS systems prefer standard formats like .docx or .pdf, but did you know some systems struggle with PDFs? Apple users especially can run into trouble if they submit résumés in the .pages format. Always check the application instructions. When in doubt, save it as a .docx—it’s universally accepted.

Have you double-checked that your résumé is in the format the system can actually read?

8. Do Your Job Titles And Dates Stand Out On Your Résumé?

One of the things I see people get tripped up on is creative job titles. While “Chief Curiosity Officer” might sound appealing, it could confuse an AI system. You want to make sure your job titles and employment dates are clearly listed and easy to understand. Stick to standard industry terms like “Office Manager” or “Administrative Assistant” so that ATS can accurately assess your experience level.

Are your job titles clear and consistent with what the system is looking for?

9. Are You Keeping Your Résumé Human?

Even though we’re optimizing for AI, at the end of the day, it’s a human who makes the final decision. Once your résumé gets through the ATS, you still need to tell a story. Use concise, clear language that reflects your journey and shows why you’re the right fit for the role. Remember, AI might get you through the door, but it’s your personality, achievements, and ability to connect with the hiring manager that will seal the deal.

Does your résumé still reflect your unique story?

10. Are You Showcasing Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives On Your Résumé?

More companies are looking for candidates who can help them build diverse and inclusive teams. If you’ve been involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives—whether through volunteering, mentorship, or other relevant experience—make sure to highlight it. Many ATS systems are designed to flag candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to fostering diversity.

Are you showcasing your involvement in creating inclusive environments?

Conclusion

In today’s job market, making it past the initial AI screening isn’t just about having the right experience—it’s about knowing how to present that experience. By optimizing your résumé for ATS, you’re not just increasing your chances of being seen; you’re ensuring that your skills and achievements are recognized by both machines and humans alike. Whether it’s aligning your résumé with the right keywords or choosing the correct format, these small adjustments can make a big difference in standing out from the competition.



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