ATS Basics
This type of software is used by employers to collect, sort, and rank job applications before a human sees them.
What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?
ATS cannot read this design element — avoid it in your resume even if it looks visually appealing.
What are tables, text boxes, or columns?
To pass ATS, your resume language should mirror this document provided by the employer.
What is the job description (or job posting)?
Using multiple font styles and sizes in your resume signals this to a potential employer.
What is disorganization or poor attention to detail?
After tailoring your resume for a role, you should update this online professional profile to match the same language and focus areas.
What is your LinkedIn profile?
ATS software scans for these — specific terms from the job posting like job titles, skills, and certifications.
What are keywords?
This is the recommended layout for an ATS-friendly resume — one column, standard fonts, clean headers.
What is a single-column, simple format?
If a job posting uses "CRM," your resume should use this exact term rather than the vague alternative "client service."
What is "CRM" or "customer relationship management"?
This type of resume — one that is not customized for a specific role — significantly reduces your chances of standing out.
What is a generic resume?
This document tool functions as a personal database of ALL your professional experiences, which you then draw from to customize tailored resumes.
What is a master resume?
This percentage of resumes are estimated to be rejected by ATS before a recruiter reviews them.
What is 75%?
This creative section header should be replaced with the standard "Work Experience" to help ATS recognize the section.
What is "Where I've Been Employed" (or any non-standard header)?
This section of your resume is especially important for ATS keyword matching and should list both hard and soft skills relevant to the job.
What is the Skills section?
Instead of writing "Responsible for managing social media," include this type of detail to make the bullet point stronger.
What is a specific, quantified result (e.g., "resulting in a 30% increase in engagement")?
This action — taking breaks between writing and editing sessions — helps you approach your documents with what?
What is fresh eyes (or a fresh perspective)?
Even after ATS filters candidates, this type of professional still makes the final hiring decision.
Who is a human recruiter?
ATS is programmed to recognize these standard section labels in a resume. Name at least three.
What are Professional Summary, Work Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications?
Applying strategically means targeting roles where you meet this percentage of the required qualifications.
What is 70–80%?
This is one effective proofreading technique that helps you catch errors you might miss when reading silently.
What is reading your resume aloud?
You should use cloud storage tools like Google Drive or Dropbox for this important reason related to your master resume.
What is easy access and version control?
This ATS function stores your resume in a centralized database so employers can search for you in the future using filters or keywords.
What is resume database storage?
True or false: A visually stunning resume with graphics and columns will always perform better in ATS than a plain text version.
What is False — graphics and columns can prevent ATS from reading the content correctly?
Combining a keyword-optimized resume with this adds a human touch and significantly improves your chances of securing an interview.
What is strategic networking (or a LinkedIn follow-up / internal referral)?
Name the three major categories of common resume mistakes covered in this lesson.
What are formatting errors, generic/untailored content, and grammatical mistakes/typos?
Name three specific tips for an effective Skills section that improves both ATS performance and human reviewer interest.
What are: use bullet points or a clean list; include industry-specific tools AND soft skills; prioritize skills listed in the job description?