The Modern Resume: 10 Steps to Get Past ATS and Into Recruiters' Hands

In 2026, most companies use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to screen resumes before a recruiter ever looks at them. That doesn't mean your resume has to be robotic. With a strategic approach, you can design a resume that is both machine-readable and compelling to human readers.

"A resume's job is to get you the interview—not to tell your life story."

Why this matters: If your resume isn't parsed correctly by an ATS, it might never make it to a recruiter's inbox. Conversely, a resume that looks great but omits the right keywords will underperform in searches. The balance is optimizing for both the algorithm and the human eye.

1. Start with a clear header

Your name should be the largest element. Directly beneath, include a professional email address and a phone number. Avoid including home address details; city and state are sufficient. If you include links to a portfolio or LinkedIn profile, ensure they are short and live.

2. Use a simple, ATS-friendly layout

Avoid complex graphics, text boxes, columns, and unusual fonts. Stick to common typefaces like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Use standard section headings such as "Experience," "Education," and "Skills"; ATS systems look for these cues when parsing content.

3. Lead with a concise professional summary

Write a 2–4 sentence summary that states who you are, your key domain expertise, and the outcomes you regularly produce. Use metrics (e.g., "increased revenue by 30%") rather than vague buzzwords.

4. Quantify accomplishments

Recruiters want results. Replace generic responsibilities with achievement statements. For example: "Managed a cross-functional team of 8 to deliver a mobile app that achieved 50,000 downloads in six months." Numbers capture attention and provide context.

5. Mirror the job description—strategically

Use language from the job posting to ensure your resume contains relevant keywords. But don't keyword-stuff. Integrate terms naturally into your accomplishment statements so they read like real experience rather than a list of search terms.

6. Emphasize relevant technical and soft skills

Create a separate "Skills" section that includes both hard skills (e.g., Python, SQL, AWS) and soft skills (e.g., stakeholder management, negotiation). Prioritize the hard skills that match the job description to improve ATS scores.

7. Optimize for scanning

Recruiters often spend only 6–8 seconds on a resume during the initial scan. Use bullet points, short sentences, and bolded role titles to make the document skimmable. Put your most impactful accomplishments at the top of each role.

8. Keep education concise

For early-career candidates, list degrees, honors, and relevant coursework. For mid-career and senior professionals, focus on degrees, certifications, and learning experiences that are directly relevant to the role. No need to list graduation dates older than 10–12 years unless they add value.

9. Include relevant links and projects

If you work in product, design, engineering, or content, link to a portfolio or code samples. Use short, readable URLs and ensure each link opens to a polished, updated example of your work. Broken or stale links can hurt your chances.

10. Iterate and test

Before you start applying en masse, run your resume through a free ATS-simulating tool or ask a recruiter for feedback. Save your resume in both PDF and DOCX formats; some ATS platforms prefer one over the other. Use A/B testing: apply with two variations for similar roles and note which one gets more traction.

Final checklist

• Simple layout and readable font
• Clear contact information and live links
• Keyword alignment with job descriptions
• Quantified achievements, not duties
• Separate skills section prioritized by relevance
• Short, skimmable bullets and bold role titles
• Proofread for grammar and formatting consistency

Remember: Your resume is a marketing document designed to earn an interview. Treat it as a living asset—refine it for each application, keep it concise, and emphasize impact. With these 10 steps, your resume will be technically ATS-friendly and persuasive to hiring managers.