9 practical ways to get your resume past applicant tracking systems 

With most large employers and an increasing number of SMEs filtering CVs through software, your first “interviewer” is likely an algorithm. Here’s how to make sure it says yes. 

Why does the ATS matter? 

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) sift through hundreds of applications in seconds, rejecting roughly three‑quarters of them before a human ever looks at the pile. More than 90 % of multinationals and two‑thirds of large local firms rely on these tools. Pass the scan and you jump straight into the top 25 % of candidates. 

How the software screens you:  

1. Standardises your CV: ATS converts every resume into plain text to level the playing field. 

2. Compares against the job ad: It matches skills, titles and other keywords specified by the hiring team. 

3. Ranks candidates: Recruiters then review only those that meet the keyword threshold. 

Fast fact: Nike, Microsoft, Amazon, Coca‑Cola, Adobe and even Google and Meta with in‑house systems use ATS globally, including for roles based in Singapore. 

9 ATS‑friendly resume tweaks 

1. Mirror critical keywords: Identify phrases repeated in the job description and weave them naturally into your work history and skills sections—ideally two to three times each. 

2. Stick to Word or PDF: Exotic file types can choke the parser; .docx and .pdf are safest. 

3. Ditch tables and columns: The parser may scramble information laid out in grids. 

4. Choose classic fonts: Arial, Times New Roman, Helvetica, Garamond and Georgia render reliably. 

5. Skip images and icons: The system reads words, not pictures—logos or infographics are invisible. 

6. Use clear headings: “Work Experience” and “Education” beat quirky labels like “Career Journey”. 

7. Avoid headers and footers: Key details placed there often disappear during parsing. 

8. Keep formatting simple: Bullet points and bold are fine; ornate design elements are not. 

9. Write for humans too: Once you clear the software, a recruiter must still find the document engaging and easy to skim. 

Know the limitations of ATS 

ATS saves recruiters hours but can inadvertently screen out great talent whose resumes aren’t optimised. Creative roles may still value visually rich CVs, and some niche job boards bypass ATS entirely. Tailor your approach to each application. 

This article is contributed by Careers Compass by MyCareersFuture.