{"id":1729,"date":"2025-10-14T11:35:48","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T06:05:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getsetresumes.com\/blog\/?p=1729"},"modified":"2025-10-29T12:31:55","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T07:01:55","slug":"how-to-write-an-ats-resume-with-steps-template-and-samples","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getsetresumes.com\/blog\/how-to-write-an-ats-resume-with-steps-template-and-samples\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Write An ATS Resume (With Steps, Template, And Samples)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>You might have the right skills, solid experience, and an impressive career story but if your resume isn\u2019t optimized for modern hiring systems, it may never even reach the recruiter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s because most companies today use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes before they\u2019re ever seen by a human. Studies show that over 75% of recruiters rely on ATS software to scan applications for keywords, skills, and qualifications that match the job description.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So even if you\u2019re the perfect fit, a poorly formatted or keyword-missing resume can stop you from getting shortlisted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide will help you understand how to write an ATS-friendly resume step-by-step from layout to keyword use and includes a ready-to-use template you can easily adapt. By the end, you\u2019ll know how to make your resume both machine-readable and human-impactful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Is an ATS Resume?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An ATS resume is a resume specifically designed to pass through an Applicant Tracking System, which recruiters use to manage large volumes of job applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Think of it as a digital screening tool that scans your document for specific keywords, skills, and relevant experience. The system ranks your resume based on how closely it matches the job posting. Only the top-ranked resumes move forward for review by a recruiter or hiring manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An ATS-friendly resume ensures your hard work isn\u2019t lost in the shuffle as it helps you get noticed for the right reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getsetresumes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image.jpeg\" alt=\"How To Write An ATS Resume (With Steps, Template, And Samples)\" class=\"wp-image-1754\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getsetresumes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.getsetresumes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.getsetresumes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">How To Write An ATS Resume (With Steps, Template, And Samples)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why ATS Optimization Matters?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Optimizing your resume for ATS is not just a technical step; it\u2019s a smart career move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s why:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Increases visibility: The right keywords help your resume appear in more recruiter searches.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Shows relevance: Tailoring your resume proves you understand the company\u2019s needs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Improves chances of short listing: Your resume ranks higher in ATS results, giving you a competitive edge.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In short, an ATS-friendly resume helps you get past the filters and positions you as a strong candidate for the role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step-by-Step Guide to Writing an ATS Resume<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Writing an ATS resume is less about being fancy and more about being strategic. Here\u2019s how you can build one that works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 1: Start With a Simple, Clean Format<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>ATS systems don\u2019t read visuals, they read text. So, skip the design-heavy templates or graphics.<br>Stick to a clean layout that focuses on content clarity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Keep font size between 10\u201312 points<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Avoid tables, images, and icons<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Use simple headings such as \u2018Work Experience,\u2019 \u2018Education,\u2019 and \u2018Skills\u2019<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A clutter-free resume is easier for the ATS to scan and understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 2: Use Keywords From the Job Description<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where most candidates miss out. Every job posting contains specific keywords that describe the ideal candidate\u2019s skills and experience. The ATS scans your resume for these exact terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To find them, carefully review the job description and highlight recurring phrases like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>&#8220;Project management&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&#8220;Team leadership&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&#8220;Budget forecasting&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&#8220;Client relationship management&#8221;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Once identified, naturally include them throughout your resume especially in your professional summary, skills, and experience sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pro tip: Don\u2019t overdo it. The goal is to sound authentic, not robotic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 3: Write a Strong Professional Summary<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your professional summary is the first thing both the ATS and the hiring manager see. It should briefly introduce who you are, your experience level, and what value you bring. Keep it short for about 3 to 4 lines and results-driven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example: \u2018Marketing Manager with 10+ years of experience driving brand growth and digital engagement. Skilled in campaign strategy, lead generation, and cross-functional team leadership. Proven record of increasing ROI by 35% through data-driven marketing initiatives.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A clear summary like this immediately communicates your expertise and relevance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 4: Highlight Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>ATS systems prioritize quantifiable results. Instead of just listing what you did, show what you achieved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Weak: &#8220;Managed a team of sales executives.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Strong: &#8220;Led a team of 10 sales executives to exceed annual revenue targets by 25%.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using action verbs (like led, developed, increased, implemented) paired with measurable outcomes creates a stronger impact and helps both the system and the recruiter identify your value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 5: Create a Dedicated Skills Sectio<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Adding a core skills section improves your resume\u2019s keyword match rate.<br>Include both technical and soft skills that align with the job description.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s take an example for Strategic Planning<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Project Management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Budget Forecasting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stakeholder Engagement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Data Analysis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CRM Tools (Salesforce, HubSpot)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This section gives the ATS a quick overview of your expertise while making your resume visually skimmable for human readers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 6: Save in the Right File Format<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Always double-check the employer\u2019s preferred format. Most modern ATS software accepts both .docx and PDF files, but some older systems can\u2019t read PDFs properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When in doubt, use .docx to stay safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>ATS Resume Template<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a simple, professional template you can adapt:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>[Your Full Name] [Phone Number] | [Email Address] | [LinkedIn Profile] | [Location]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Professional Summary<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A results-driven [Your Profession] with [X years] of experience in [industry\/field]. Skilled in [key skills]. Proven ability to deliver [specific results or achievements]. Seeking to contribute to [Company Name] as a [Job Title] by leveraging expertise in [core area].<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Core Skills<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>[Skill 1]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>[Skill 2]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>[Skill 3]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>[Skill 4]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>[Skill 5]<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Professional Experience<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>[Job Title] &#8211; [Company Name] [Month, Year] \u2013 [Month, Year]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>[Achievement\/Responsibility #1 with data or measurable outcome]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>[Achievement\/Responsibility #2 with action verb and result]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>[Achievement\/Responsibility #3 relevant to target role]<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>[Previous Job Title] \u2014 [Previous Company Name]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>[Achievement\/Responsibility #1]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>[Achievement\/Responsibility #2]<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Education<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>[Degree Name], [University Name] \u2014 [Year]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Certifications (Optional)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>[Degree Name], [University Name] \u2014 [Year]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>[Certification Name] \u2014 [Issuing Organization, Year]<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Common Mistakes To Avoid<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even well-qualified candidates often make small mistakes that can ruin their chances. Avoid these:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Using images or tables &#8211; ATS can\u2019t read them properly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Forgetting keywords &#8211; Missing key terms can make your resume invisible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Writing long paragraphs &#8211; Use bullet points for clarity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using abbreviations only &#8211; Spell out important terms at least once (e.g., \u2018Search Engine Optimization (SEO)\u2019).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overloading information &#8211; Keep your resume concise (1-2 pages).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getsetresumes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-1-790x1024.png\" alt=\"An ATS optimised resume of a senior business leader \" class=\"wp-image-1755\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getsetresumes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-1-790x1024.png 790w, https:\/\/www.getsetresumes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-1-231x300.png 231w, https:\/\/www.getsetresumes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-1-768x996.png 768w, https:\/\/www.getsetresumes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-1-1185x1536.png 1185w, https:\/\/www.getsetresumes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-1.png 1342w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Writing an ATS resume isn\u2019t just about pleasing a system, it\u2019s about communicating your value clearly.<br>When your resume is structured well, uses the right keywords, and focuses on measurable achievements, you naturally stand out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In today\u2019s competitive job market, clarity is your best strategy. A clean, keyword-optimized resume doesn\u2019t just get through ATS filters but it lands you closer to the interview table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So the next time you update your resume, think beyond design. Think about strategy, simplicity, and relevance, which are the three pillars of an ATS-friendly resume that works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getsetresumes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/GetSetResumes.gif\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You might have the right skills, solid experience, and an impressive career story but if your resume isn\u2019t optimized for modern hiring systems, it may never even reach the recruiter. That\u2019s because most companies today use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes before they\u2019re ever seen by a human. Studies show that over 75% of recruiters rely on ATS software to scan applications for keywords, skills, and qualifications that match the job description. So even if you\u2019re the perfect fit, a poorly formatted or keyword-missing resume can stop you from getting shortlisted. This guide will help you understand how&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":1730,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[365],"tags":[76,32],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getsetresumes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1729"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getsetresumes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getsetresumes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getsetresumes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getsetresumes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1729"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.getsetresumes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1729\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1756,"href":"https:\/\/www.getsetresumes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1729\/revisions\/1756"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getsetresumes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1730"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getsetresumes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1729"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getsetresumes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1729"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getsetresumes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1729"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}