Applicant tracking systems help employers organise applications. There is no single “ATS score,” but a simple, readable resume gives both software and people a better chance of understanding your experience.
Content checklist
- Use a clear target role that matches the job you want.
- Include current contact details and a professional email address.
- Write a short, honest summary tailored to the role.
- List your degree, college and expected graduation year.
- Describe one or two projects with the tools used and a result.
- Include only skills you can discuss in an interview.
- Use relevant words from the job description naturally.
Formatting checklist
- Keep your resume to one page when you are starting out.
- Use simple headings such as Profile, Education, Skills and Projects.
- Use readable text, consistent dates and standard bullet points.
- Avoid charts, logos, text boxes and images that can make parsing harder.
- Proofread names, links, phone number and spelling before exporting.
- Save the final version as a PDF unless the employer asks for another format.
Final five-minute check
Read your resume once as a recruiter: can you see the role, degree, strongest skills and project proof in under 20 seconds? Then compare it with the job description one last time.