How to ATS-Proof Your Resume

Posted on by Camille Dumont

If you鈥檝e been applying for jobs and not hearing back, your resume may not be making it past the first review. In many cases, that review happens before a hiring manager ever sees your name. Understanding how applicant tracking systems work is one of the most important resume tips you can apply. When you know how your resume is being evaluated, you can present your experience clearly, use language intentionally, and position yourself more聽strategically.

What Is an ATS?

An ATS, or applicant tracking system, is software employers use to collect, organize, and sort job applications. Instead of manually reviewing every resume from the start, organizations rely on these systems to manage volume efficiently. Although applicant tracking systems were once more common among , organizations of many sizes now use them. Their purpose is not necessarily to eliminate candidates immediately, but to categorize applications and highlight those that most closely align with the job聽description.

What Do Applicant Tracking Systems Look聽For?

Although each ATS is different, most are programmed to scan resumes for alignment with the job posting. They recognize structured sections, specific terminology, and consistent聽formatting.

This means clarity matters. The way you label sections, describe responsibilities, and present skills influences how your information is categorized within the聽system.

Most applicant tracking systems look聽for:

  • Skills that match the job聽description
  • Relevant terminology used in the聽posting
  • Job titles and level of聽responsibility
  • Education, certifications, and聽credentials
  • Clear section headings, such as Work Experience and聽Education
  • Accurate spelling and consistent聽formatting

Keywords should only be used when they reflect real experience. The strongest resumes use language to validate what you have actually done, not to suggest qualifications that are not聽there.

5 ATS-Friendly Resume Tips to Help You Stand Out

Optimizing your resume does not require complicated design. In fact, simplicity works in your favor. These resume tips focus on alignment, structure, and accuracy so your qualifications are recognized by both applicant tracking systems and hiring聽managers.

Resume tips for optimizing your resume for applicant tracking systems

 

Resume Tip 1: Align with the Job Description

Review the job posting carefully and identify the skills and responsibilities that genuinely match your background. Use the same terminology when it accurately reflects your experience. If you have led projects, say that. If you have not, do not force language into your resume. Tools like can help you see where your resume aligns, but no tool replaces thinking carefully about your experience and tailoring your resume with聽intention.

Resume Tip 2: Use Standard Section Headings

Applicant tracking systems are designed to recognize common headings such as Work Experience, Education, and Skills. Creative titles may confuse the system and cause information to be miscategorized. Keeping your structure straightforward ensures your resume is parsed correctly and organized in a way a hiring manager can easily聽review.

Resume Tip 3: Keep Formatting Simple

Avoid text boxes, graphics, multiple columns, and unusual fonts. Many ATS platforms cannot read complex designs accurately. A clean single-column format with standard bullet points improves readability and helps ensure that your information is captured聽correctly.

Resume Tip 4: Focus on Results

Instead of listing responsibilities alone, highlight measurable outcomes. Quantifiable results such as improved efficiency, increased enrollment, or reduced processing time demonstrate impact. Results strengthen your resume for both applicant tracking systems and hiring managers because they show evidence, not just聽activity.

Resume Tip 5: Proofread Carefully

Spelling errors and inconsistent terminology can prevent important skills from being recognized. Review your resume thoroughly before submitting it. Reading it aloud or asking a trusted colleague to review it can help catch mistakes that software and hiring managers will聽notice.

3 Pitfalls to Avoid

Just as important as knowing what to include is understanding what can weaken a resume. These common mistakes can limit how effectively your application performs within an applicant tracking聽system.

Pitfall 1: Using Graphics or聽Images

Visual elements such as logos, icons, or charts may look polished, but most applicant tracking systems cannot interpret them. If critical information is embedded in a graphic, it may not be processed at all. Keep essential content in text聽format.

Pitfall 2: Overusing Keywords

Including keywords without demonstrated experience can create problems later in the hiring process. Repetition alone does not strengthen your application. Use terminology strategically and only when it accurately reflects your聽background.

Pitfall 3: Ignoring Instructions

Employers may specify preferred file types or formatting guidelines. Failing to follow directions can create unnecessary barriers. Review application instructions carefully before submitting your聽resume.

Your Resume Is Only One Part of the Strategy

Optimizing your resume for an ATS is important, but it isn鈥檛 the only factor in securing an interview. Networking, thoughtful follow-up, and connecting with professionals inside an organization can increase your chances. When possible, consider identifying someone within the company who can offer insight into the role. Your resume opens the door; professional outreach and relationship building often help you move through聽it.

Start Your (Next) Career with Excelsior

A strong resume matters, but expanding your knowledge and skills can also increase your opportunities. For more than 50 years, 每日大瓜 has helped working adults earn degrees through flexible programs designed to fit real聽life.

Whether you鈥檙e looking to start a career in a new field or strengthen your position in your current one, Excelsior offers more than 40 flexible, career-focused programs. Students have access to comprehensive Career Readiness resources that support resume development, interview preparation, and professional聽growth.

Whether you鈥檙e considering going back to school or exploring different areas of study, the right education can strengthen your qualifications and position you more competitively in today鈥檚 job聽market.

Ever Upward: Brian Pervis and the Power of Teaching

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

During his capstone project in his 尘补蝉迟别谤鈥檚 program, Brian Pervis realized something important: Education, when done well, has a lasting impact on direct practice. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 when I realized I wanted to teach,鈥� he says. 鈥淣ot just content鈥攂ut confidence, competence, and critical thinking.鈥�

In January 2022, Pervis joined 每日大瓜 as a part-time faculty member, then transitioned to full-time teaching, and now serves as a department chair in the School of Nursing. Now in his fifth year, he oversees several important associate nursing courses that hundreds of students take each year.

Pervis earned his Associate of Science in Nursing in 2009 and passed the NCLEX-RN to become a registered nurse on his first attempt. Leveraging transfer credit from his associate degree, he also earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts with Excelsior in 2009, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing Education in 2011. The journey to becoming a department chair began more than 20 years ago when he became an emergency medical technician at his mother鈥檚 suggestion.

Called to Education

He enjoyed the fast-paced atmosphere of being an EMT and helping others, but he wanted to pursue a different career. So, he became a licensed practical nurse in 2001 and began working for various health care networks in New Haven, Connecticut. Still, the urge to learn and grow nagged at Pervis. A visiting representative of 每日大瓜鈥攖hen College鈥攖o Pervis鈥� workplace convinced him to 鈥済ive it a shot.鈥� Three degrees later, Pervis not only supervises but also teaches several nursing courses, like NUR 104 and NUR 105.

鈥淭he part that I like about teaching 鈥� is the students,鈥� he says. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e trying to get better and better themselves鈥擫PN students that are going up to become RNs 鈥� [and then] going further to get their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. We鈥檙e also seeing paramedics that are transitioning to becoming nurses.鈥� He adds that it becomes personal when students reach out to thank him for his mentorship and teaching.

That connection is especially evident during Commencement ceremonies, which Pervis describes as his favorite moments of the year. In a mostly asynchronous learning environment, Commencement is where virtual relationships become personal. 鈥淲hen you see students, they say, 鈥楬ey, you鈥檙e Dr. Pervis.鈥� It鈥檚 that personal connection. And they鈥檙e so thankful. They鈥檙e so grateful,鈥� he says.

Having attended multiple Commencement ceremonies as a student, he also understands the excitement. 鈥淚t gives me butterflies,鈥� he admits. 鈥淚 know what they鈥檙e going through. I know how meaningful this is.鈥�

Adult learners, Pervis also notes, often juggle work, family, and school, so he says it鈥檚 important to believe you can get to that finishing line. In fact, he says, dedication is a defining trait of successful Excelsior students. He tells his own: 鈥淏e dedicated to your studies. Don鈥檛 take the shortcut. Take the long way. 鈥� Students who are truly dedicated, that show up every day, they put the work in鈥攜ou鈥檙e going to leave Excelsior better than [how] you came in.鈥�

Meeting Students Where They Are

Pervis鈥� deep understanding of the adult learning experience has helped him reimagine how clinical and laboratory skills are taught in the distance-learning model. For instance, in the nursing lab courses, students demonstrate skills such as head-to-toe assessments or IV administration by recording themselves practicing on consenting family members or friends. Faculty members then provide detailed feedback aligned with structured rubrics.

鈥淲e don鈥檛 see too many people doing that right now because it meets the student where they鈥檙e at,鈥� explains Pervis. 鈥淚t allows the students [to perform] in the comfort of their home.鈥�

Pervis鈥� commitment to teaching also shapes how he views higher education鈥檚 future. For instance, the use of artificial intelligence continues to expand, and today鈥檚 students must learn how to responsibly interact with it. 鈥淚t鈥檚 more about responsible AI use because health care systems are using AI,鈥� Pervis says. 鈥淎nd if we don鈥檛 adapt to that, our students are going to be behind. So we have to kind of understand that and kind of gear ourselves towards that.鈥�

Needing to adapt is why Pervis believes lifelong learning is essential, not optional. 鈥淲e have to get better. We have to adapt to the changes. So, you have to be a lifelong learner.鈥�

Preparing the Next Generation of Nurses

Believing in lifelong learning means putting ideas into action, and Pervis takes that message straight to students. Recently, Camille Dumont, associate director for Career Readiness at 每日大瓜, featured Pervis in a Career Caf茅鈥攁n interactive webinar connecting students and alumni with career resources and professionals across industries.

During the session, Pervis challenged attendees to think intentionally about their futures. 鈥淲hat kind of nurse do you want to be remembered as?鈥� he asked. 鈥淒o you want to be this nurse or that kind of nurse? So, just answer that question. It鈥檚 going to help you determine your career path.鈥�

Pervis talked about how nursing careers are layered and that growth requires planning, humility, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning. He touched on how depth matters more than speed; it鈥檚 important not to rush your development. Pervis also discussed how success in nursing also means building your reputation thoughtfully, exploring entrepreneurship strategically, and protecting your well-being.


Pervis reminds students that learning is not confined to degrees earned or titles achieved. It is a mindset and a belief that growth is always possible. And with education, you can transform not only your career but also lives. 鈥淸Students] are going to be the future leaders. My job is going to be gone,鈥� he reflects. 鈥淪o, dedicate yourself to your studies and everything that you鈥檙e doing. 鈥� You can make an impact on education, society, and your family鈥攁nd just change it right the way you want to see it be changed.鈥�