What is an ATS?
An applicant tracking system reads the text in your resume and pulls out your name, contact details, job titles, dates, education and skills. Recruiters then search and filter candidates using that information. If the system can't read your resume, you may never appear in their search.
Rules for an ATS-friendly resume
- Use a text PDF (or Word file), not a scanned page or an image.
- Use standard headings — Work experience, Education, Skills — so the system knows what each part is.
- Keep the layout simple. One or two columns are fine; avoid text inside images, charts or text boxes.
- Put contact details in the main text, not only in a header or footer.
- Use the job description's words for skills you genuinely have — systems match keywords.
- Write dates clearly, e.g. "Jun 2022 – Present".
- Avoid unusual fonts and symbols for important information.
Two PDFs from one resume
The free SetuWork resume builder gives you both: a protected PDF that keeps your design exactly as made (great for emailing or printing), and an ATS-friendly PDF — a text PDF for job portals. The ATS Simple template is plain black and white, built for applicant tracking systems.