ATSJob SearchOptimization

5 Tips to Pass the ATS Filter Every Single Time

M

Marcus Aurelius

February 5, 2026 • 5 min read

5 Tips to Pass the ATS Filter Every Single Time

You've spent hours on your resume, but you're not getting any interviews. The culprit? The ATS. Here is how to beat the machines.

1. Use Simple Formatting

ATS often struggle with complex layouts, tables, and unusual fonts. Stick to clean, modular designs that AI parsers can easily read.

2. Keywords are King

Analyze the job description and make sure the exact skills and tools mentioned are present in your resume. AI tools can help you identify these gaps automatically.

3. Standard Section Headings

Don't get creative with "My Journey" or "Expertise". Use "Experience" and "Skills". The ATS is programmed to look for these specific headers.

4. The Power of PDF vs. DOCX

While PDF is generally preferred for humans, some older ATS still prefer .DOCX. Resumindr AI provides both formats optimized for parsing.

5. Avoid Images for Critical Info

Never put your contact information or key skills inside an image or an icon. The ATS sees only blank space there.