What is an ATS (Applicant Tracking System)?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that automates the hiring process by scanning, parsing, and ranking resumes before they reach human recruiters. 98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS to filter the hundreds or thousands of applications they receive for each position.

Why do companies use ATS?

Companies use ATS to save time and money. A typical job posting receives 250+ applications, and reviewing each manually would take weeks. ATS automatically filters out unqualified candidates, ranks applicants by relevance, and helps recruiters focus on the most promising candidates.

What percentage of resumes are rejected by ATS?

Studies show that 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before a human ever sees them. This happens due to poor formatting, missing keywords, incorrect file format, or non-standard section headings that the ATS cannot parse correctly.

How do I know if my resume is ATS-friendly?

An ATS-friendly resume uses simple formatting with no tables or columns, includes relevant keywords from the job description, uses standard section headings, is saved in .docx or PDF format, and uses standard fonts. You can test your resume with an ATS checker tool or use an ATS-optimized template.

What are ATS keywords and how do I find them?

ATS keywords are specific terms, skills, qualifications, and phrases from the job description that the ATS is programmed to look for. Find them by carefully reading the job posting and identifying required skills, qualifications, technologies, and industry-specific terms. Include these exact phrases naturally throughout your resume.

Should I use a PDF or Word document for ATS?

Both .docx (Word) and PDF formats work with most modern ATS systems. However, .docx is generally safer as some older ATS systems have trouble parsing PDFs. If the job posting doesn't specify a format, .docx is the safest choice. Never use .pages, .odt, or image files.

Can ATS read graphics and images?

No. ATS systems cannot read graphics, images, charts, or photos. Any important information in images will be completely ignored. This is why you should avoid infographic resumes, logos, profile photos, and any text embedded in images. Stick to plain text that ATS can parse.

How do I beat ATS systems?

To beat ATS: 1) Use simple, clean formatting without tables or columns, 2) Include relevant keywords from the job description, 3) Use standard section headings, 4) Choose standard fonts (Arial, Calibri), 5) Save as .docx or PDF, 6) Spell out acronyms, 7) Use an ATS-friendly template, and 8) Tailor your resume for each application.

The Complete ATS Guide

Beat the Robots:
Master Applicant Tracking Systems

75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before reaching a human. Learn how to be in the 25% that gets through.

98% of Fortune 500

companies use ATS to filter resumes

Create ATS-Friendly Resume Now

92% ATS pass rate • Free forever • No signup

75%

Resumes Rejected

250+

Apps Per Job

6 sec

First Scan Time

92%

Our Pass Rate

What is an Applicant Tracking System?

Understanding the system that stands between you and your dream job

Simple Definition

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that companies use to automatically:

Collect and store resumes from job applications
Scan and parse resume content into a database
Filter out unqualified candidates automatically
Rank remaining candidates by relevance
Help recruiters manage the hiring pipeline

Why Companies Use ATS

Save Time
250+ applications per job is normal
Reduce Costs
Automation is cheaper than manual review
Find Best Fit
Algorithmic matching of skills to requirements
Legal Compliance
Track hiring decisions for audits

The Problem for Job Seekers

75% Rejection Rate
Most resumes never reach a human
Formatting Issues
ATS can't read complex layouts
Missing Keywords
No keywords = automatic rejection
Non-Standard Format
Creative resumes confuse the system

Popular ATS Systems Companies Use

Workday

Greenhouse

Lever

iCIMS

Taleo

BambooHR

JazzHR

SmartRecruiters

While each ATS is slightly different, the optimization strategies in this guide work for all of them.

ATS Frequently Asked Questions

Everything else you need to know about ATS

Can ATS read PDF files?

Most modern ATS systems can read PDFs, but .docx is generally safer. Some older systems struggle with PDFs, especially if they contain images or complex formatting. When in doubt, use .docx unless the job posting specifically requests PDF.

Should I submit multiple versions of my resume?

No. Submit one tailored version. Some applicants try to 'keyword stuff' by submitting multiple resumes, but ATS flags this as spam. Instead, create one strong, keyword-optimized resume for each specific job you apply to.

How long do resumes stay in the ATS database?

Most companies keep resumes in their ATS for 6 months to 2 years. Some keep them indefinitely. This means you might be considered for future positions even if you're not selected initially.

Can I trick the ATS with white text keywords?

No, and don't try. This 'white text' trick (hiding keywords in white font) is easily detected by modern ATS and will get you blacklisted. Focus on genuine optimization instead.

Do I need a different resume for every job?

Yes, ideally. At minimum, customize your professional summary and ensure you include keywords specific to each job. The more tailored your resume, the better it will perform in ATS and with human recruiters.

What if I don't have all the required keywords?

Be honest. Include the keywords/skills you do have and demonstrate how your related experience makes you a strong candidate. Never lie about skills—it will be discovered during interviews or background checks.

92% ATS Pass Rate

Stop Worrying About ATS.
Start Getting Interviews.

Our AI-powered builder automatically optimizes your resume for ATS. Real-time scoring shows exactly what to improve.

Create My ATS-Friendly Resume Free

No Signup

100% Free

Real-time ATS Score

Instant Download

50,000+ resumes created with our ATS-optimized templates

Beat the Robots:Master Applicant Tracking Systems