How to Write an ATS-Friendly Resume
Most applications are screened by an applicant tracking system (ATS) before a recruiter ever sees them. The good news: writing a resume that both software and people love comes down to a few repeatable rules. This guide walks through each one — and you can turn what you learn into a finished PDF in minutes with the free AI resume builder.
1. Use a simple, single-column layout
Tables, text boxes, and multi-column designs confuse many parsers. Stick to a single column with clear, standard section headings like Experience, Education, and Skills so the ATS reads every line in the right order.
2. Mirror the language of the job description
An ATS ranks resumes by how well they match the posting. Reuse the exact terms a role asks for — the tools, titles, and skills — wherever they are genuinely true of you. Avoid keyword stuffing; write naturally and let the overlap happen.
3. Lead every bullet with impact
Start each bullet with a strong verb and, where you can, a number. “Cut onboarding time 40% by rewriting the setup guide” beats “Responsible for documentation.” Recruiters skim for results, and quantified wins stand out.
4. Save it as a clean PDF
Export a text-based PDF (not a scanned image) so the ATS can extract every word. Every resume built with Drafted is exported this way automatically.
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Frequently asked questions
What is an ATS?
An applicant tracking system is software that parses, stores, and ranks resumes so recruiters can search them. A clean, text-based layout helps it read your resume correctly.
Do I need a special template for an ATS?
No. You need a simple, single-column, text-based layout with standard section headings. Drafted produces exactly that automatically.
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