5 Secret Resume Hacks to Pass Any Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

Does your resume keep getting stuck in the ATS black hole? You’re not alone.

In today’s competitive job market, submitting resumes online feels like launching them into a void. You apply to dozens of jobs, and despite being qualified, you hear nothing back.

And it’s NOT that companies don’t want you - it’s that 75% of resumes never even make it past the initial

Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

The good news?

You don’t have to play guessing games anymore.

By following these 5 secret resume hacks, you can bypass the ATS filters and

finally get your resume into the hands of recruiters.

Hack # 1 – Use Exact Keywords from the Job Description to Pass Any Applicant Tracking System

The Problem:

If your resume doesn’t contain the right keywords, the ATS will automatically reject it.

ATS systems are designed to scan resumes for specific skills and qualifications, and if you’re not speaking its language, you’re not even in the conversation.

The Fix:

Mirror the job description.

Scan the posting for keywords, especially in the skills and qualifications sections, and use them exactly as they appear.

For example,

if the job requires “project management experience,”

don’t write “oversaw projects”

use their exact words: “project management.”

Keep it natural though - no keyword stuffing (we’ll get to that).

Bonus Tip:

Use a tool like Jobscan to compare your resume against the job description and see how well it matches. This can give you insight into which keywords you might be missing.

Hack # 2 – Keep the Format Simple

The Problem:

ATS systems aren’t fans of fancy. When you add complex formatting, tables, or non-standard fonts, the ATS might get confused. This can cause critical information to get overlooked or, worse, cause your resume to be tossed out completely.

The Fix:

Stick to clean, simple formatting. Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid graphics, tables, images, and special characters—these can make your resume impossible for ATS software to parse.

Bonus Tip:

Before submitting your resume, test it in plain text (like in Notepad). If it’s still readable and well-organized, chances are it’ll get through the ATS. If it turns into a scrambled mess, you’ve got some cleaning up to do.

Hack # 3 – Use Standard Section Headings

The Problem:

ATS systems are programmed to search for specific section headings, such as "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills."

If you decide to get creative and use headings like “My Journey” or “Career Adventures,” you’re confusing the system, which might miss key parts of your resume.

The Fix:

Stick to traditional section titles:

• Work Experience

• Skills

• Education

• Certifications

Using unconventional headings could cause the ATS to misinterpret or completely skip sections of your resume, decreasing your chances of moving forward.

Bonus Tip:

Avoid headers like “Professional Snapshot” or “Where I’ve Been.” It might seem cool to a human, but the ATS won’t get it,and it won't help you pass the applicant tracking system.

Hack # 4 – Don’t Overstuff with Keywords

The Problem:

We’ve all heard that keywords are essential to getting through ATS filters, but there’s such a thing as overstuffing. Cramming too many keywords unnaturally into your resume can get you flagged as spammy by both the ATS and human recruiters.

The Fix:

Use keywords organically. Incorporate them naturally into your job duties, accomplishments, and experience. Don’t just list them. For example, instead of “project management, leadership, strategic planning,” write: “Led a team of 10 in strategic planning and project management to achieve a 25% reduction in turnaround time.”

Bonus Tip:

Aim for a keyword density of 2-3%—that’s enough to be effective without coming across as forced.

Hack # 5 – Tailor Your Resume for Each Job

The Problem:

A one-size-fits-all resume rarely works. Some ATS systems might pass you through, but others will filter you out if you don’t match the exact skills and requirements of the job posting.

The Fix:

Customize your resume for every single job application. You don’t need to rewrite it from scratch, but tweaking your skills, experience, and summary to match the language in the job description is essential.

Bonus Tip:

Create a master resume with all of your experience and skills, then quickly adapt it for each role by updating keywords, job titles, and responsibilities to match each job posting. This saves time while still keeping your resume tailored and effective.