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How to Write a Resume That Beats ATS Systems in 2025
- Gerald Fisher
- Oct 2, 2025
- 2 min read
Write a Resume That Beats the ATS
If you’re applying for jobs online, chances are your resume isn’t landing directly in the hands of a hiring manager right away. Instead, it’s being scanned by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). These systems filter resumes before a recruiter even sees them—meaning if your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, you may never get called in for an interview.
So, how do you write a resume that beats ATS systems in 2025? Let’s break it down.
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Use the Right Keywords
ATS software scans resumes for keywords that match the job description.
Study the job posting carefully.
Include exact phrases (like “project management” or “data analysis”) where they fit naturally.
Avoid keyword stuffing—it looks forced and can backfire.
Keep Formatting Simple
ATS systems struggle with overly designed resumes. To stay safe:
Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman).
Avoid graphics, tables, and text boxes.
Stick to traditional resume sections: Summary, Skills, Experience, Education.
Optimize Job Titles and Skills
Use the job title from the posting if it matches your experience.
List both hard skills (SQL, accounting, project planning) and soft skills (leadership, communication, adaptability).
Tailor your skills section to each job you apply for.
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Save Your Resume in the Right Format
Most ATS systems read .docx and PDF files, but some older systems may struggle with PDFs.
Unless the employer specifies, a Word document is the safest option.
Customize for Every Application
The days of one-size-fits-all resumes are gone. To beat ATS in 2025, tweak your resume for every job posting. The closer your language matches the employer’s needs, the better your chances.
Test Your Resume Against ATS
There are free online tools that simulate ATS scans. Upload your resume and see how it scores for keyword matches, formatting, and readability.
Write a Resume for ATS Final Thoughts
An ATS-friendly resume doesn’t just help you get past the system—it also makes your application clearer and more effective for human recruiters. By focusing on keywords, formatting, and customization, you’ll boost your chances of landing that interview in 2025.
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I totally agree! The days of one-size-fits-all resumes are gone. To beat the job hunt in 2025, you have to be a "drift boss" of your own career path. Skillfully tweak your resume for every job posting. The closer your language matches the employer’s needs, the better your chances. Each customized resume is like a spectacular drift that gets you past the ATS and straight to the finish line!
This is a super insightful post! I didn’t realize how much formatting and keyword use could affect ATS results. I’ve been updating my resume lately and even thought about finding someone to pay someone to write my product descriptions through PaysomeoneTo. To its amazing how much strategy writing really takes!
This guide on optimising résumés for Applicant Tracking Systems is spot-on—simple formatting and targeted keywords are key. I'm applying for a technical role that requires an ATS-friendly résumé, but I have no time to tailor it because my final Computer Science dissertation is consuming all my focus My real goal is developing software for accessibility, and this academic barrier is blocking my career I've realised the best solution is to get someone to write my dissertation for me so I can concentrate on my job search and portfolio
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This article offers outstanding guidance on optimizing resumes and ATS it is very clear, actionable, and pertinent. It brought to mind a time when I was uncertain about whom to trust to write my Accounting dissertation, particularly regarding structure and originality. I appreciate your insights on these crucial writing standards.