What is an ATS and Why Does It Matter?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by over 98% of Fortune 500 companies and 75% of all employers to filter, scan, and rank job applications. Before a human ever sees your resume, it must pass through this digital gatekeeper.

The harsh reality: Up to 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before a hiring manager ever sees them.

How ATS Systems Actually Work

Understanding the mechanics helps you optimize effectively:

1. Keyword Matching

ATS systems scan for specific keywords from the job description. They look for:

Technical skills (Python, React, AWS)

Soft skills (leadership, communication)

Certifications (PMP, AWS Certified)

Job titles (Software Engineer, Product Manager)

2. Parsing Your Resume

The ATS extracts text and categorizes it into fields:

Contact information

Work experience

Education

Skills

3. Ranking Candidates

Based on keyword matches and relevance, the ATS assigns a score. Only top-scoring candidates move forward.

10 Strategies to Beat ATS in 2026

1. Mirror the Job Description Keywords

Use the exact phrases from the job posting. If they say "project management," don't write "managing projects."

Pro tip: Use our free ATS Keyword Extractor to automatically identify missing keywords.

2. Use a Clean, Simple Format

Stick to standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)

Avoid tables, graphics, and columns

Use standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills)

3. Save as the Right File Type

.docx is the safest choice for most ATS

.pdf works but can cause parsing issues

Never use .jpg, .png, or creative formats

4. Include Both Acronyms and Full Terms

Write "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)" to match both search variations.

5. Don't Stuff Keywords

Modern ATS systems detect keyword stuffing. Use keywords naturally within context.

6. Tailor for Each Application

One resume doesn't fit all. Customize keywords for each job posting.

7. Use Standard Section Headings

ATS looks for conventional headings:

✅ "Work Experience" not "My Journey"

✅ "Education" not "Learning Adventures"

✅ "Skills" not "Superpowers"

8. Include Relevant Certifications

Certifications are high-value keywords that ATS prioritizes.

9. Quantify Achievements

Numbers parse well and impress humans too:

"Increased sales by 40%"

"Managed team of 12 engineers"

"Reduced load time by 60%"

10. Test Your Resume

Before applying, run your resume through an ATS checker to identify gaps.

Common ATS Myths Debunked

Myth: "I need to hide keywords in white text"

Truth: Modern ATS detects this and may flag your application as spam.

Myth: "Graphics make my resume stand out"

Truth: ATS can't read graphics; they just see blank space.

Myth: "One perfect resume works for all jobs"

Truth: Tailored resumes score 40% higher on average.

The Bottom Line

Beating ATS systems isn't about gaming the system—it's about clearly communicating your qualifications in a format that both machines and humans can understand.

Use tools like our ATS Keyword Matcher to identify gaps, then focus on presenting your genuine experience in an optimized format.

Ready to optimize your resume? Try our free ATS Keyword Extractor and see exactly which keywords you're missing.