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September 25, 2025

Is your resume ATS proof? Here’s how to pass the ATS test

FirstResume Research Team
Career research team

Pass the ATS test and land your dream job faster

You might have applied for thousands of jobs but heard nothing back. No calls. No emails. Why? The truth is, your resume might be stuck in the Applicant Tracking System, getting filtered out before a real person ever sees it.


What is ATS and why is it important?

ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System. It is a software use to manage all the resumes they receive. ATS helps recruiters filter and organize applicants so they can easily find best candidates for the job. 

ATS is important because it saves recruiters time and effort. Instead of reading every resume, ATS scans them for keywords, skills, and job titles that match the job description. Resumes that match well get passed on to recruiters. Others may be filtered out.

How to make your resume ATS friendly

ATS software works like an initial reviewer. It looks for candidates who best match what the job needs, before a human even checks. Your success depends on speaking the ATS’s language  keywords, formatting, and clarity.

Step 1: Understand the job description

  • Find Keywords: Look for important skills, tools, qualifications, and action words used again and again.
  • Use Exact Job Titles: Use the same job titles from the posting in your resume headline and summary. ATS gives better scores when titles match.
  • Match Requirements: Align your resume’s skills and responsibilities with the job description, without copying blindly.

Step 2: Use keywords well

  • Add keywords naturally in your summary, skills, and work experience.
  • Use acronyms and full terms, like “Search Engine Optimization (SEO)”.
  • Don’t overuse keywords — that can make your resume sound forced or spammy.
  • ATS looks at how often you use keywords and where you place them.

Step 3: Keep formatting simple

  • Use common fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
  • Don’t use tables, columns, graphics, or fancy borders.
  • Use simple headers like Summary, Skills, Experience, Education.
  • Avoid putting important info in headers or footers — ATS often skips those areas.
  • Use bullet points to list achievements clearly.

Step 4: Submit the right file

  • Most ATS work best with Word documents (.docx).
  • PDFs can look nicer but sometimes ATS don’t read them correctly.
  • Follow the application instructions carefully.

Step 5: Show your impact

  • Use numbers and facts to show results: “Increased social media engagement by 40% in 6 months.”
  • This shows you used skills well and helps both ATS and human readers.

Step 6: Tailor your resume each time

  • Don’t send the same resume everywhere.
  • Read the job ad again before applying.
  • Change your skills and achievements to fit the role.
  • Stay truthful but highlight what fits best.

Common ATS myths

  • ATS doesn’t reject you just for missing keywords.
  • There are no bots rating your resume — ATS just breaks down text.
  • Humans make the final hiring decision.
  • Fonts and colors don’t usually cause issues; complex graphics can.
  • Some ATS are better than others; not all work the same.

Ready to pass the ATS test?

Firstresume.ai’s AI-powered resume builder helps you make a resume that works for both ATS and recruiters by:

  • Finding the best keywords from job ads
  • Formatting perfectly for ATS reading
  • Writing achievement-focused bullet points
  • Saving time with automatic optimizations

Stop waiting for random job interviews. Start applying strategically with Firstresume.ai to move closer to your dream job.

Career Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Answering Different Types of Job Interview Questions: Must-Know Tips for Students

Job interviews can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure what kind of questions might come your way. But here’s some good news: interviews aren’t some impossible test you need to “ace” in one go. Instead, they’re an opportunity to show employers who you are, how you think, and why you’d be a great fit for their team.Even better? You don’t have to know everything to succeed. Employers aren’t expecting perfection—they’re looking for potential. They want to understand how you think, solve problems, and communicate under unexpected scenarios.In fact, according to LinkedIn’s Global talent trends report, 92% of companies surveyed reported that human capabilities matter as much or more than hard skills in today’s business world. This means that even if you’re new to the job market, you can stand out by showing how you approach challenges and work with others.In this blog, we’ll dive into three common types of interview questions—behavioral, situational, and analytical—and show you how to answer them effectively. We’ll also include plenty of examples and tips so you feel prepared and confident for your next interview.By the end, you’ll know exactly how to approach even the trickiest questions and leave a lasting impression on your interviewer—even if it’s your first ever job interview.

FirstResume Research Team

Career research team

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need tailored job applications? Isn't one general resume enough?

Tailored job applications are crucial in today's competitive job market for several reasons:

1. Stand out from the crowd: Generic resumes often get lost in the sea of applications.

2. A tailored resume highlights your most relevant skills and experiences for each specific job.

3. Beat Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Many companies use ATS to screen resumes. Tailored applications that include job-specific keywords are more likely to pass these initial screenings.

4. Show genuine interest: Customizing your application demonstrates that you've taken the time to understand the role and company, showing your enthusiasm and dedication.

5. Address specific requirements: Each job has unique requirements. Tailoring allows you to directly address how you meet these specific needs.

6. Improve relevance: By emphasizing your most pertinent qualifications for each role, you make it easier for hiring managers to see why you're a great fit.

7. Increase interview chances: Tailored applications that closely match job descriptions are more likely to impress recruiters and lead to interview invitations.

FirstResumeAI makes this crucial tailoring process quick and effortless, giving you a competitive edge in your job search without the time-consuming work of manual customization.

Is it cheating? Will my employer know?

No, using FirstResume is not cheating at all. It's a tool to help you present your true skills and experiences in the best possible light. Here's why:

1. We don't add false information: All content on your resume remains factual and based on the information you provide. We simply help you articulate your experiences more effectively.

2. It's about presentation, not fabrication: Our AI helps you highlight your relevant skills and achievements for each specific job application, much like a professional resume writer would do.

3. Tailored, not altered: We tailor your existing information to each job application, emphasizing the most relevant aspects of your background.

4. Industry-standard practice: Using tools or services to improve your resume is a common and accepted practice, similar to hiring a professional resume writer or career coach.

5. Employer perspective: Employers expect well-crafted, tailored resumes. They're interested in finding the best match for their position, and a well-presented resume helps them do that.

6. Cost-effective personalization: Unlike one-off professional editing services, we provide ongoing, job-specific tailoring at a fraction of the cost.

Remember, FirstResume is about empowering you to showcase your true potential effectively. It's a modern solution to the age-old challenge of presenting yourself confidently in a competitive job market.

Can I use FirstResume for different industries or job types?

Yes, our AI is designed to optimize your resume for various industries and job types. It adapts to the specific requirements of each job description you input.

How does FirstResumeAI ensure my resume is ATS-friendly?

Our AI optimizes your resume by using industry-standard formatting, appropriate keywords from the job description, and a clean, easy-to-read layout that ATS systems can easily parse.

Is my data secure?

Yes, we use bank-level encryption to protect your personal information and do not share it with third parties.

Can I edit the AI-generated documents?

Absolutely! You have full control to review and edit all generated content before using it.

Can I import my existing LinkedIn profile instead of uploading a resume?

LinkedIn profile import is coming soon! This feature will allow you to easily bring your professional information into FirstResumeAI. For now, you can manually input your information or upload a resume.

Can I save different versions of my resume for future use?

Yes, FirstResumeAI allows you to save multiple versions of your tailored resumes. This feature enables you to quickly access and update previously created resumes for similar job applications in the future.

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