8 resume hacks that will get you noticed by applicant tracking systems

Most students and recent grads don’t realize that their first “interview” isn’t with a recruiter or hiring manager. It’s with software. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are designed to scan resumes, rank candidates, and decide whose applications get in front of human eyes. That means if your resume isn’t optimized for ATS, it may never even be read by a person.

The good news? Getting your resume past ATS isn’t about tricking the system. It’s about clarity, relevance, and alignment with what employers actually want. Here are eight ways to make sure your resume gets noticed.

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Use Keywords That Match the Job Description

ATS software is designed to look for alignment. If a job description asks for “customer service,” don’t replace that with “client relations” on your resume. Use the same words and phrases the employer uses. Skim each posting, identify the recurring skills and terms, and incorporate them naturally into your bullet points.

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Keep Formatting Simple

That fancy resume template you downloaded might look great to you, but it might confuse ATS software. Stick with clean, straightforward formatting. Use standard fonts like Arial or Calibri, avoid tables and graphics, and keep section headers conventional (like “Experience” and “Education”).

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Ditch the Images and Icons

Logos, profile photos, and creative icons are resume clutter when it comes to ATS. The software can’t interpret them, which means key information could get lost. Keep it text-based and professional. Save the visuals for your LinkedIn profile.

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Spell Out Acronyms

If you know Excel, don’t just write “MS Excel.” Spell out “Microsoft Excel” too. The same goes for certifications or organizations. ATS systems may not recognize abbreviations the way a human would, so cover your bases.

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Optimize Your Job Titles

If you held a role as “Campus Brand Ambassador,” that might not match what ATS is searching for. Adjust job titles slightly so they align with industry standards while still reflecting your experience. For example: “Campus Brand Ambassador (Marketing Intern).”

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Don’t Overstuff Keywords

Some candidates think the trick is to copy-paste entire job descriptions into their resumes. ATS systems are smarter than that. Overstuffing keywords will make your resume sound robotic and may even flag it as spam. Balance is key.

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Save in the Right Format

Unless the employer says otherwise, use a Word document (.docx). While PDFs are often fine, some ATS systems still struggle with them. A Word file is the safest bet to ensure your resume uploads cleanly.

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Tailor Every Resume You Send

The single most important hack is customization. A one-size-fits-all resume rarely works, especially with ATS. Take the time to tweak your resume for each application. Even small changes, like reordering bullet points or adjusting phrasing, can significantly increase your chances of being seen.

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Why This Matters

Employers receive hundreds of applications for entry-level roles. ATS software helps them manage that flood of resumes. But that also means qualified candidates can slip through the cracks if their resumes aren’t optimized. By following these eight steps, you’re not gaming the system—you’re giving yourself a fair chance to be considered.

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Next Step

Now that your resume is ready to beat ATS filters, it’s time to put it to work. Start your job search on College Recruiter, where thousands of internships and entry-level jobs are posted every day.