ATS Resume Guide12 min read

How to Create ATS Friendly Resume & CV: Complete Guide 2025

Learn how to create an ATS-friendly resume and CV that passes applicant tracking systems. Get expert tips, templates, and step-by-step guide to optimize your resume/CV for ATS success with our professional resume builder and CV builder!

By NeuraCV TeamUpdated Jan 2025

In 2025, creating a resume or CV that passes Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) is crucial to improving your chances of getting noticed by employers. More than 75% of large companies rely on ATS to screen candidates, meaning your resume needs to be optimized not only for human readers but also for ATS algorithms.

The good news? You don't need to be a tech expert to create an ATS-friendly resume. With the right resume builder or CV builder tools, you can easily craft a professional document that passes through these systems while still looking great to human recruiters. Let's dive into everything you need to know.

Quick ATS Success Stats

75%
of large companies use ATS
52%
of resumes are rejected by ATS
3x
more likely to get interviews with ATS-optimized resumes

What is ATS and Why Does It Matter?

ATS, or Applicant Tracking Systems, are software applications that companies use to streamline the hiring process by automatically filtering resumes and CVs. These systems scan documents for relevant keywords, experience, and formatting to determine whether a candidate is suitable for the job.

If your resume or CV isn't optimized for ATS, it could be rejected even if you're fully qualified. This comprehensive guide will show you how to create an ATS-friendly resume using modern techniques and tools, ensuring that you make it past the initial filtering stages.

Think of ATS as a digital gatekeeper that decides whether your resume gets seen by human eyes. When you submit your resume through job boards, company websites, or recruitment platforms, it first goes through this automated screening process. The system scans your document for specific keywords, skills, and formatting that match the job requirements.

Here's the thing - most people don't realize their resume is being filtered out before a human ever sees it. That's why using a professional resume builder or CV builder with ATS optimization features is so important. These tools understand how ATS systems work and help you create documents that pass the initial screening.

Essential ATS Optimization Strategies

Keyword Optimization

Use relevant keywords from the job description throughout your resume/CV. Include industry-specific terms, skills, and qualifications that match the position you're applying for.

Proper Formatting

Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid graphics, tables, or complex formatting that ATS systems might not read correctly. Keep your layout clean and simple.

Section Headers

Use clear, standard section headers like "Work Experience," "Education," "Skills," and "Contact Information." Avoid creative or non-standard headers that ATS might not recognize.

File Format

Save your resume/CV as a PDF or Word document. Avoid using images or scanned documents, as ATS systems have difficulty reading these formats.

Why ATS Optimization Matters More Than Ever

The job market has become incredibly competitive, and ATS systems have become more sophisticated. What worked five years ago might not work today. That's why having access to modern resume builder and CV builder tools with ATS optimization is crucial for job seekers.

Consider this: when you apply for a job online, your resume competes with hundreds, sometimes thousands of other applications. The ATS system acts as the first filter, eliminating candidates who don't meet the basic requirements. If your resume isn't properly formatted or doesn't contain the right keywords, you'll be eliminated before a human recruiter ever sees your application.

This is where professional resume builder tools make all the difference. They're designed with ATS compatibility in mind, ensuring your resume passes the initial screening and reaches the hands of hiring managers who can appreciate your qualifications.

Use ATS Resume Builder & CV Builder Tools

Our platform offers a comprehensive ATS resume checker and CV checker that analyzes your document against the most up-to-date ATS standards. It evaluates your resume/CV for keyword usage, formatting issues, and readability, ensuring that your document is ready to pass any ATS test.

The beauty of using an ATS resume builder is that it takes the guesswork out of optimization. Instead of wondering whether your resume will pass ATS screening, you get real-time feedback and suggestions for improvement. This saves you time and increases your chances of landing interviews.

Key Features of Our ATS Resume Builder & CV Builder:

  • AI-powered keyword suggestions based on job descriptions
  • Real-time ATS compatibility checking
  • Professional templates optimized for ATS systems
  • Industry-specific content suggestions

Step-by-Step ATS Optimization Process

Step 1: Analyze the Job Description

Read the job posting carefully and identify key skills, qualifications, and keywords. Make a list of important terms that appear multiple times in the job description.

Step 2: Update Your Resume/CV Content

Incorporate the identified keywords naturally into your resume/CV. Update your skills section, work experience descriptions, and summary to match the job requirements.

Step 3: Use Our ATS Resume Builder

Upload your resume/CV to our ATS checker to identify any formatting issues or missing keywords. Our AI-powered resume builder will provide specific suggestions for improvement.

Step 4: Test and Refine

Run your updated resume/CV through our ATS checker again to ensure it passes all compatibility tests. Make final adjustments based on the feedback provided.

Real-World ATS Success Stories

Let's talk about real results. Sarah, a marketing professional, was struggling to get interviews despite having excellent qualifications. After using our ATS resume builder to optimize her CV, she went from getting 0 responses to landing 5 interviews in just two weeks. The difference? Her resume was now passing ATS screening and reaching human recruiters.

Another user, Michael, a software engineer, was applying for jobs for months without success. He discovered that his creative resume design, while visually appealing, was completely incompatible with ATS systems. After switching to our professional CV builder with ATS optimization, he started getting callbacks within days.

These stories aren't unique - they happen every day when job seekers discover the power of ATS-optimized resumes. The key is understanding that your resume needs to work for both machines and humans, and that's exactly what our resume builder and CV builder tools help you achieve.

Common ATS Mistakes to Avoid

Using images, graphics, or complex formatting
Including headers or footers that ATS can't read
Using non-standard section names
Submitting scanned documents or images
Using creative fonts or colors that ATS can't process

The Psychology Behind ATS Optimization

Understanding how ATS systems work is like learning a new language. These systems don't read your resume the way humans do - they scan for specific patterns, keywords, and formatting cues. When you use a professional resume builder or CV builder, you're essentially speaking their language.

Think of it this way: if you were applying for a job in a foreign country, you'd want to communicate in the local language, right? ATS optimization is similar - you need to format and structure your resume in a way that these systems can understand and process effectively.

The good news is that once you understand the basics, creating ATS-friendly resumes becomes second nature. And with the right resume builder tools, you don't have to become an expert - the software does the heavy lifting for you while you focus on showcasing your skills and experience.

Best Practices for ATS Success

Pro Tips for ATS Optimization

  • Use standard section headers: "Work Experience," "Education," "Skills"
  • Include relevant keywords from the job description
  • Use bullet points for easy scanning
  • Keep formatting simple and clean
  • Save as PDF or Word document

Your Next Steps to ATS Success

Now that you understand the importance of ATS optimization, it's time to take action. The job market isn't going to wait for you to figure out ATS compatibility on your own. Every day you delay optimizing your resume is another day of missed opportunities.

The solution? Start using a professional resume builder or CV builder that's designed with ATS optimization in mind. These tools take the complexity out of the process and ensure your resume passes the initial screening every time.

Remember, your resume is often the first impression you make on potential employers. Make sure it's an impression that gets you noticed for all the right reasons. With the right tools and knowledge, you can create a resume that works for both ATS systems and human recruiters.

Ready to Transform Your Job Search?

Don't let your resume get lost in the ATS black hole. Our professional resume builder and CV builder tools are specifically designed to help you create ATS-optimized documents that get results.

  • ATS-compatible templates that pass screening
  • AI-powered keyword suggestions
  • Real-time ATS compatibility checking
  • Professional formatting that impresses recruiters

Ready to Create Your ATS-Friendly Resume & CV?

Join 50,000+ professionals who trust NeuraCV for their resume and CV building needs. Create ATS-optimized resumes and CVs with our professional resume builder and CV builder!