If you're serious about landing a job in 2025, creating an ATS-friendly resume is no longer optional, it's a requirement. With over 90% of large companies now using an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to streamline the hiring process, your resume must be built to satisfy both robots and recruiters. In a digital-first hiring world, writing a resume that is keyword-optimized, properly formatted, and modified to each job description is the key to getting noticed.

What is an ATS and Why Does it Matter in 2025?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by employers and recruitment agencies to collect, scan, and rank resumes. The ATS acts as a gatekeeper between you and the recruiter, filtering applications based on relevant keywords, skills, job titles, and formatting structure It also helps match you with the right job on platform like myjobb. If your resume is not ATS-compliant, it might never reach a hiring manager, even if you're highly qualified. In 2025, ATS software has become more sophisticated, but it still favors resumes that are clean, well-organized, and keyword-rich.

Use Job-Specific Keywords Throughout Your Resume

To make your resume stand out in an ATS scan, you need to include targeted keywords that match the language of the job posting. These include hard skills (like Python, SEO, Excel, Performance Marketing), soft skills (such as communication, problem-solving, leadership), and job-specific terminology (like UX design, digital content strategy, Hard core sales). Instead of stuffing your resume with random buzzwords, ensure each keyword naturally aligns with your actual experience and achievements. Using both the acronym and the full phrase (for example, “SEO (Search Engine Optimization)”) helps increase keyword match rates with the system.

Structure Your Resume with ATS-Compatible Formatting

The best resume format for ATS is simple and straightforward. Avoid using fancy designs, images, icons, columns, or tables. These elements can confuse the ATS parser and cause your information to get jumbled or ignored. Instead, stick with standard resume layouts that use common fonts such as Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman, and clearly label each section using terms like "Work Experience," "Education," "Certifications," and "Skills." Resumes that include non-traditional headings like “Where I’ve Worked” or “What I Bring” may be visually appealing but are often ignored by ATS bots. Save your resume as a .docx file, or as a PDF only if the employer accepts it. PDFs can sometimes be incompatible with older ATS software.

Improvise Your Resume for Each Job Application

One of the most common reasons resumes get rejected by ATS systems is because they’re too generic. In 2025, customization is king. Before submitting your application, study the job description carefully and adjust your resume to reflect the same keywords, job titles, qualifications, and industry terminology. For instance, if a job ad emphasizes “campaign management” and “Google Ads,” ensure those phrases are present in your resume. Modifying your resume not only improves your ATS ranking but also helps you to find relevant jobs on myjobb and shows hiring manager that you understand the role and align with their expectations.

Highlight Relevant Skills in a Separate Skills Section

The ATS often scans the "Skills" section of your resume first, so make sure it’s packed with relevant and updated capabilities. Separate your hard skills (e.g., HTML5, Tableau, SEM, project management) from your soft skills (e.g., teamwork, time management, adaptability). In 2025, employers are especially interested in skills related to AI tools, remote collaboration, cybersecurity, data visualization, CRM software, and content automation platforms. Be honest about your proficiency and consider adding proficiency levels like “Advanced,” “Intermediate,” or “Beginner” to help recruiters gauge your capabilities.

Optimize Your Job Titles and Work Descriptions

Ensure that your job titles are industry-standard and easily recognized by both ATS bots and recruiters. Instead of using creative titles like “Marketing Ninja” or “Customer Happiness Hero,” stick with recognized terms like “Digital Marketing Manager” or “Customer Service Representative.” Your bullet points under each role should begin with action verbs (e.g., “Developed,” “Led,” “Analyzed,” “Launched”) and should include measurable results whenever possible. Quantifying your accomplishments with data like “Increased lead generation by 35% through targeted SEO content strategy” can improve both ATS scoring and human engagement.

Don’t Forget to Include Certifications and Education

An ATS resume in 2025 should clearly list your academic background and professional certifications. These details should be formatted in a standard way and include dates, degree names, institutions, and relevant coursework or honors. If you’ve completed certifications from platforms like Google, Simplilearn, LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or Udemy, include those under a "Certifications" section. Certifications in areas like data analysis, UX/UI design, digital marketing, and cloud computing can give your resume a major edge especially when applying for technical or hybrid roles.

Write a Strong Resume Summary that Grabs Attention

Your resume should open with a compelling professional summary, 2 to 4 summary lines that highlight your experience, key skills, and career goals. This section acts like a hook for recruiters and a metadata scan for ATS. Use strategic keywords and pack in value by summarizing what you bring to the table. Example: “Result-driven digital marketer with 5+ years of experience in SEO strategy, lead generation, and campaign optimization. Proven ability to increase ROI using Google Ads and content automation.”

Keep Your Resume Length Appropriate and Content Focused

While resume length isn't strictly penalized by ATS software, it's recommended to keep your resume between one and two pages depending on your experience level. Entry-level applicants should focus on relevant internships, projects, and technical skills, while experienced professionals can include multiple roles, leadership achievements, and industry certifications. Keep your content focused and avoid fluff. Every line should support your fit for the job and improve your chances of getting past ATS filters.

Example of Best ATS-Friendly Resume

#1. General Resume Template

#2. Tech Resume Template

Conclusion

The job market in 2025 is more competitive, digital, and AI-driven than ever. If your resume isn't ATS-optimized, you're putting yourself at a major disadvantage, no matter how qualified you are. A winning resume today must go beyond aesthetics and be built with strategic keywords, clean formatting, tailored job targeting, and content that clearly aligns with each employer's needs.

By applying the best practices outlined in this blog, from using job-specific keywords to choosing the right file format, and from structuring your skills and experience properly to tailoring each application, you dramatically increase your chances of passing ATS scans and landing more interviews.

FAQs

1) What is an ATS and how does it work?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software tool used by recruiters and employers to scan, filter, and rank resumes. It parses your resume content to look for relevant keywords, job titles, education, experience, and skills that match a specific job description.

2) How do I make my resume ATS-friendly in 2025?

To make your resume ATS-friendly in 2025, use standard fonts and clean formatting, include relevant keywords from the job description, save your file as a .docx or PDF (if accepted), avoid using images, tables, columns, or text boxes, use common section headers like “Work Experience” and “Education,” and modify your resume for each specific job application.

3) Do graphics, logos, or icons affect ATS readability?

Yes, they do. ATS software struggles with graphics, logos, symbols, and decorative formatting. These can cause critical information to be skipped or misread. Use plain text only and avoid templates with complex designs.

4) What are the best keywords to use in an ATS resume?

The best keywords are the ones used in the job listing. These may include:

Technical skills (e.g., SQL, Python, SEO)
Job titles (e.g., Product Manager, Data Analyst)
Certifications (e.g., PMP, Google Analytics Certified)
Soft skills (e.g., communication, leadership, problem-solving)

Tools like Jobscan, Resumeworded, or LinkedIn job match insights can help identify the right keywords.

5) Can I use a Canva or creative resume template for an ATS resume?

While creative templates look appealing, most of them are not ATS-friendly. Canva resumes often use graphics, columns, or unconventional formatting that confuses ATS scanners. For best results, use a basic, single-column format with clearly labeled sections.