ATS Resume Guide: Get Past Applicant Tracking Systems in 2025

How to Create an ATS-Friendly Resume

To pass ATS filters, make your resume ATS-friendly by using keywords and simple formatting. Start by tailoring each resume to the job posting: include the exact job title and relevant skills listed in the description (use both full terms and common acronyms). Applicant systems commonly scan for specific keywords like skills, education, certifications and titles, so mirroring the job ad language greatly improves your match score.

When formatting:

Use a clean, standard layout (reverse-chronological or hybrid format). Avoid "functional" layouts or creative designs – they can confuse ATS. Stick to common fonts (Arial, Calibri, etc.) and one‑inch margins.

**Keep it simple:** Don't use headers/footers, tables, graphics or unusual section headings. These elements often break parsing. Instead, use clear section titles like "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills."

Save as a Word (.docx) or PDF (if allowed). Both formats are readable by most ATS. Always proofread and follow any file-type instructions from the employer.

Finally, check your work: tools like Jobscan's free resume checker or Enhancv's resume optimization tool can scan your draft, highlight missing keywords, and flag formatting issues. By using the right keywords and an ATS-friendly layout, you'll improve your chances of making it through the screening system.

Are Professional Resume Writing Services Worth It?

Many job seekers find professional resume writers a worthwhile investment, but it depends. Research indicates professionally crafted resumes can significantly boost your results: for example, one report found candidates with professionally written resumes saw a 32% higher success rate in landing jobs and earned about 7% more in salary than those who did their own resume. Another source notes a polished, ATS-optimized resume can increase interview chances by up to 40%. A good resume writer can highlight your strengths, optimize keywords, and present your experience clearly.

However, services vary in quality and cost (from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars). Be cautious of generic services – these often offer templated resumes that don't stand out. To get a positive ROI, choose reputable writers (look for certifications or reviews) and provide them with detailed information. Ultimately, a well-written resume from a qualified professional can pay for itself by helping you land higher-paying jobs faster, but it should be seen as one part of your job search strategy.

Building a Resume with No Work Experience

If you're new to the workforce, focus on transferable experiences and skills instead of formal jobs. Include any relevant activity that shows responsibility and ability: part-time jobs (e.g. babysitting, lawn care), internships, volunteer projects, extracurricular clubs, or personal projects. For each, write bullet points highlighting what you did and achieved (for example: "Managed five lawn-care clients weekly, using customer-service skills to build referrals"). This demonstrates qualities like reliability, communication, and initiative.

Also, place your education section near the top. List your school, GPA (if strong), relevant coursework or projects, honors, and club leadership. Include skills (hard skills and soft skills) learned in school or activities. Tailor everything to the job: review the job description and emphasize how your background (even academic or volunteer work) matches the required skills. By showcasing your abilities and achievements outside of paid work, you can create a compelling first resume even with little or no official experience.

Should You Include References in 2025?

No. Modern advice is not to list references on your resume. Employers expect that you'll provide professional references separately when they're needed, so adding them wastes valuable space. Including a "references available upon request" line is also unnecessary – recruiters know this already. Instead, use that space to highlight your skills, accomplishments and qualifications, which are more important in screening.

If an employer wants references, they will ask for them (typically later in the interview process). At that point, you can give them a separate reference sheet. In the meantime, make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and has recommendations – these serve as easily accessible "references" for recruiters.

Free Resume Building Tools

Many online tools let you create a resume at no cost. For example, Indeed's free Resume Builder provides several templates and an easy editor. Similarly, Resume.com (an Indeed-owned site) offers entirely free resume templates and instant downloads – you can build, edit and export your resume without paying. Job search platforms like SimplyHired and Glassdoor also have free resume tools to quickly draft a resume online. In addition, sites like Canva (graphic-design templates) and Novorésumé offer free basic resume templates that you can customize (with optional premium upgrades).

Don't forget classic options: you can use the free resume templates in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, and there are free resume builders on LinkedIn (LinkedIn lets you build a resume from your profile). Our own AI-Powered Resume Maker platform provides a free AI-powered resume builder to help craft and download a professional resume with guidance. Whichever tool you choose, focus on a clean layout and the right keywords for your field.

Sources: Authoritative career and hiring guides were used to ensure up-to-date, expert advice from TopResume, LiveCareer, Indeed, CVWizard, JobScan, Resume Professional Writers, and The Interview Guys.