ATS and You: Make a resume that works in 2025!

As a fresh graduate, making a resume that gets noticed is important. But in an Artificial Intelligence (AI) era, using an AI tool is commonplace. So, have you ever wondered why you’re not getting interview calls despite having the right skills? The answer might lie in how your resume is read — by a robot.  Today, most companies use AI-powered tools called Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes before a human sees them. If your CV isn’t designed to pass this digital gatekeeper, it could be rejected in seconds. But don’t worry — making your resume ATS-friendly is easier than you think.

So, how do you make sure your CV makes it through the first round?

What is an ATS?

It is software that helps recruiters manage large volumes of job applications.  It scans resumes for keywords, formats, and relevant information. If the system doesn’t find what it’s looking for, your resume could be filtered out. Hence, it is necessary to make your CV ATS-friendly.  And how?

Read the job description carefully.  Use the same terms and phrases the employer uses.  For example, if the job asks for ‘project management’, include that exact term if it fits your experience.

Avoid graphics, tables, or unusual fonts.  Use standard headings like ‘work experience’, ‘education’, and ‘skills’.  Please save your resume as a .docx or .pdf, unless the job posting specifies a different format.

Some ATS tools can’t read content placed in headers or footers; avoid doing this.  Keep all important information in the body of your document.

Don’t send the same CV for every job.  Customise it to match each role.  Highlight skills and experiences that are most relevant.

Present your experience in clear bullet points.  Start with action verbs like ‘led’, ‘developed’, or ‘managed’.  This type of syntax helps both ATS and human readers scan easily.

According to Dr Chhaya Wadhwa, Assistant Professor, Human Resources & Communication, Appejay School of Management, Dwarka, who has over 25-plus years of experience, if you’re a fresher entering the job market, crafting an ATS-friendly resume can feel overwhelming.

“But it doesn’t have to be. Start with a clean, easy-to-read format. Use standard fonts like Arial or Calibri and keep font sizes between 10 and 12 points. Stick to simple section headings — Education, Internships, Projects, Skills, and Certifications work well. Focus on using keywords from the job description. If the role highlights “data analysis” or “client communication,” and you have completed similar work in a college project or internship, please be sure to include it. Finally, proofread your resume thoroughly. Spelling errors can confuse ATS software.  Remember, a well-structured resume not only passes the bots — it impresses recruiters too,” Dr Wadhwa explained.

Your resume is your first impression.  In a world where AI is part of the hiring process, adapting your CV to match modern tools is not just helpful — it’s essential.  Be clear, be relevant, and be ready.  A well-structured resume can help you beat the bots and get one step closer to your dream job.