Applicant tracking systems (ATS) scan your resume before any recruiter does. In 2026, getting past them is mostly about clean structure and the right keywords.
1. Use a simple, single-column layout
Fancy templates with tables and graphics confuse parsers. Stick to clear section headings: Summary, Experience, Education, Skills.
2. Mirror the job description
Pull the exact skills and titles from the posting and use them naturally in your experience bullets.
3. Quantify everything
"Cut load time by 55%" beats "worked on performance." Numbers survive parsing and catch a recruiter's eye.
4. Save as PDF (unless told otherwise)
A text-based PDF preserves your layout and stays machine-readable.
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