How to Write an ATS-Friendly Resume That Gets Results-
- Orbit Writers
- Sep 29
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 15
In today’s digital hiring landscape, more than 75% of recruiters use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter and shortlist resumes. If your resume isn’t optimized for these systems, it may never reach a human recruiter — no matter how qualified you are.
At Orbit Writers, we specialize in creating ATS-friendly resumes that not only pass through these filters but also impress hiring managers with clarity, relevance, and impact. Here’s how you can ensure your resume gets the attention it deserves.
🧠 What Is an ATS and Why Does It Matter?
An Applicant Tracking System is software that helps companies manage job applications. It scans, parses, and ranks resumes based on keywords, formatting, and content relevance.
If your resume doesn’t match the job’s keyword structure or uses complex formatting, the ATS might misread or discard it — meaning your resume could get rejected before anyone ever sees it.
🚫 Common Mistakes That Get Resumes Rejected by ATS
Before we talk about what works, let’s look at what doesn’t.Here are the top mistakes job seekers make:
Overly designed templates – Graphics, icons, and tables often confuse the ATS parser.
Wrong file format – Always submit in .docx or .pdf (if the job portal allows).
No keywords – Failing to include job-specific keywords makes the resume appear irrelevant.
Headers and footers – Important details in these areas might not be read by ATS.
Unclear section titles – Use conventional ones like Experience, Education, and Skills.
Keyword stuffing – Repeating terms unnaturally can reduce readability and credibility.
Orbit Writers avoids all these issues by crafting clean, keyword-optimized documents that balance ATS compatibility with visual appeal.
Step-by-Step: How to Build an ATS-Friendly Resume
1. Start with the Right Structure
Use a simple, logical layout:
Contact Information
Professional Summary
Key Skills
Work Experience
Education
Certifications / Awards
Avoid columns or graphics. Use bullet points and consistent alignment.
2. Choose ATS-Compatible Fonts
Stick to standard, legible fonts:
Arial
Calibri
Times New Roman
Verdana
Size should be 10–12 points for content, and 14–16 for headings.Orbit Writers’ templates are tested to ensure perfect parsing on major ATS platforms like Workday, Taleo, and Greenhouse.
3. Optimize Keywords Naturally
Your resume must reflect the exact language used in the job description.Example:
Job posting says: “Project management, Agile methodologies, and stakeholder coordination.”Your resume should say: “Managed projects using Agile methodologies; coordinated with stakeholders to ensure on-time delivery.”
💡 Tip: Use the keywords 2–3 times throughout — in your summary, skills, and experience sections.
4. Craft a Strong Professional Summary
A compelling summary helps both ATS and recruiters instantly understand your value.
Bad Example:
Hardworking individual seeking a challenging role.
Good Example:
Certified Project Manager with 6+ years of experience leading Agile teams, delivering multi-million-dollar projects, and improving operational efficiency by 25%.
This version uses measurable results and role-specific keywords — making it both ATS-friendly and recruiter-friendly.
5. Use Standard Headings and Bullet Points
ATS systems scan for predictable section headers. Use:
Experience (not “Career Journey”)
Education (not “Academic Path”)
Skills (not “Toolbox” or “Core Strengths”)
Bullet points should start with action verbs like Developed, Led, Implemented, Optimized, Achieved.
6. Quantify Your Achievements
Numbers make your impact clear — and ATS algorithms favor measurable data.
Examples:
Increased website traffic by 45% in 6 months.
Managed 12-member team across 3 departments.
Cut processing time by 30% using automation tools.
Quantified results grab attention instantly.
7. Avoid Fancy Formatting Tricks
Don’t use:
Text boxes
Columns
Icons
Infographics
They may look attractive but often cause parsing errors.At Orbit Writers, we design modern, ATS-compliant layouts that still appear visually appealing to human recruiters — a perfect balance of form and function.
8. Include a Targeted Skills Section
The skills section helps ATS match your resume to the job.Example:
Technical Skills: Python, Excel, Tableau, SQL, Power BISoft Skills: Leadership, Time Management, Communication, Problem Solving
Orbit Writers tailors skill lists for every client, based on their industry, experience level, and job goals.
9. Save in the Right Format
Preferred: .docx (most ATS-friendly)
Acceptable: .pdf (only if specified)
Avoid: .jpg, .png, or other graphic files
Before submission, rename your file professionally — for example:John_Doe_Resume_OrbitWriters.docx
💼 ATS Optimization vs Human Appeal — Finding the Right Balance
An ATS-friendly resume should never read like it was written by a robot.Once the document passes the system filter, it must also impress real recruiters.
That’s where Orbit Writers excels — every resume we create:
Uses ATS-approved structure
Highlights measurable achievements
Tells a compelling career story
Matches the tone of your target industry
🧭 Final Checklist: Is Your Resume ATS-Ready?
✅ Correct format (.docx)
✅ Uses standard fonts & structure
✅ Includes keywords naturally
✅ Quantified results where possible
✅ Avoids graphics, tables, and columns
✅ Clear section headers
✅ Proofread for errors
If even one of these is missing, your resume may underperform — no matter your qualifications.
Why Choose Orbit Writers for ATS Optimization
We combine technology insights with professional writing to help clients land interviews faster.Here’s what sets Orbit Writers apart:
Customized keyword mapping for every job target
ATS simulation tests before delivery
Industry-specific resume writers for IT, marketing, finance, and healthcare
Free LinkedIn alignment check with every resume package
Ongoing resume updates for 6 months
Our team ensures your resume doesn’t just get seen — it gets remembered.
✍️ Ready to Beat the Bots?
Your dream job shouldn’t slip away because of formatting or keyword errors.Let Orbit Writers craft an ATS-friendly, recruiter-approved resume that opens real career opportunities.
👉 Contact us today to get your resume professionally written, edited, and optimized.
Comments