Your resume is usually the first thing a potential employer sees, but if it’s not landing interviews, there might be a few fixes you need to make. The job market is competitive, and many companies don’t even read resumes manually at first. Instead, they use ATS(Applicant Tracking Systems) software that scans resumes before a human ever looks at them.
What’s an ATS and Why Does It Matter?
An ATS is a tool recruiters use to filter resumes quickly. It scans your document for keywords related to the job, such as skills, experience, and qualifications. If your resume doesn’t include the right words or is formatted in a way that confuses the system, it might get rejected automatically, no matter how good you are.
Step 1: Fix Your Resume for ATS and Humans
Keep it simple and keyword-friendly:
- Use standard section headings like Work Experience, Education, and Skills.
- Avoid fancy tables, graphics, or unusual fonts, ATS can’t always read those.
- Use keywords from the job description naturally throughout your resume.
- Save your resume as a Word document or PDF (if the job posting allows).
Write clear bullet points focused on results:
Instead of “Responsible for sales,” try “Increased sales by 30% in one year through targeted client outreach.” This highlights what you accomplished, not just what you did.
Step 2: Tailor Your Resume to Each Job
Don’t send a generic resume. Customize it based on the job you’re applying for by:
- Including specific skills and qualifications the employer wants.
- Reordering your experiences to highlight the most relevant ones.
- Using the same language as the job description, so ATS flags your resume as a strong match.
Step 3: Keep It Visually Clean
While ATS is important, your resume will eventually be seen by a human, so it needs to look good, too:
- Use consistent formatting, clean fonts, and plenty of white space.
- Avoid overcrowded text or long paragraphs.
- Stick to one or two pages max.
The Real Power Move? LinkedIn
Your resume is essential, but if you want to get noticed beyond the initial screening, LinkedIn is where you need to be.
Here’s why LinkedIn should be your go-to:
- Recruiters search LinkedIn directly to find candidates with specific skills.
- You can showcase more than just your resume, add recommendations, work samples, and even videos.
- You can network with hiring managers, industry pros, and peers who might open doors.
- Many job postings appear on LinkedIn first, giving you an edge.
How to Make Your LinkedIn Profile Shine
- Upload a professional, friendly photo.
- Write a headline that clearly states your role or career goals.
- Use the summary section to tell your story — what drives you and what you bring to the table.
- Detail your experience with achievements and measurable results.
- Stay active: comment, share content, and join industry groups.
Below are a few of my results from optimizing my LinkedIn.
Final Thoughts
Fixing your resume with ATS in mind will get your foot in the door, but LinkedIn is the place to build relationships and show the full picture of who you are professionally. When your resume and LinkedIn profile work together, you’re not just applying to jobs; you’re building a career network.
Need help crafting an ATS-friendly resume or upgrading your LinkedIn profile? I’ve got you covered, just let me know!
