Resume, ATS & Career Tips
Free, expert-written tips to help you beat ATS filters, write stronger bullets, ace interviews, and land more offers. Updated every week.
Score my resume free →8 quick tips that actually move the needle
Match keywords from the job description exactly
ATS software looks for literal keyword matches. If the JD says 'project management', don't write 'managed projects'. Mirror the phrasing.
Stick to a single-column layout
Tables, text boxes, and multi-column designs break ATS parsers. A clean single column with clear headings parses best.
Quantify every achievement
Numbers stand out: 'Increased revenue 42%' beats 'Increased revenue'. Add %, $, time saved, or team size wherever possible.
Use standard section headings
Use 'Experience', 'Education', 'Skills' — not 'Where I've Been' or 'My Journey'. ATS looks for the standard labels.
Save as .docx or PDF (text-based)
Avoid image-based PDFs and never submit .pages or .jpg. A text-based PDF or Word doc is safest for parsing.
Front-load bullets with action verbs
Start every bullet with a strong verb — Led, Built, Reduced, Launched, Automated — not 'Responsible for'.
Keep it to 1–2 pages
One page for under 10 years of experience; two pages max for senior roles. Recruiters spend ~7 seconds on first pass.
Tailor for every application
A generic resume scores ~40% match. A tailored one scores 75%+. Change your summary and top skills for each role.
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