An ATS-friendly resume helps your experience reach both recruitment software and the person making the hiring decision. Whether you are applying in Australia or the United States, the goal is the same: make your resume easy to scan, relevant to the role and grounded in clear evidence.

What is an ATS-friendly resume?

An applicant tracking system (ATS) stores applications and helps employers search or filter candidates. It does not require a dull resume, but it does reward simple structure, recognisable headings and language that matches the job advertisement.

1. Start with the job advertisement

Read the advertisement carefully and note the repeated skills, qualifications, tools and responsibilities. Use the same accurate terms in your resume when they genuinely describe your background. Never add keywords for experience you do not have.

2. Use a clean, predictable structure

• Contact details
• Professional summary
• Key skills
• Employment history
• Education, licences and certifications

Keep headings direct and avoid placing essential information inside decorative graphics. A well-designed layout should guide the reader without making the document difficult for software to interpret.

3. Write achievement-focused bullet points

Replace vague duty statements with concise evidence. Start with a strong action verb, explain what you did and add a result where possible. For example, “Managed customer enquiries” becomes “Resolved an average of 35 customer enquiries per day while maintaining a 95% satisfaction rating.”

4. Adapt spelling and terminology

Australian applicants should normally use Australian English and terms familiar to local employers. American applicants should use US English, such as “resume” rather than “résumé” and “organization” where appropriate. Always follow the language used by the employer.

5. Keep formatting consistent

Use consistent dates, spacing, bullet styles and job-title formatting. Avoid overly small text, crowded columns and long paragraphs. Export a PDF when the employer accepts it, and keep a DOCX version available when specifically requested.

6. Check the final document

• Confirm every date and contact detail.
• Remove spelling and grammar errors.
• Check that important keywords appear naturally.
• Make sure the first page communicates your strongest value quickly.
• Use a clear filename containing your name and the word resume.

Build and update your resume online

You do not need Microsoft Word to create a professional resume. With $10 Resumes, you can build your resume online, choose a design, download it and return later to update your information. US job seekers can also visit our resume builder for America.

Ready to begin? Start building a clear, ATS-friendly resume online today.