How to Craft a Resume That Speaks to Recruiter Algorithms and Humans Alike

In today’s job market, your résumé must cater to two very different audiences: Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and human recruiters. ATS software is designed to scan and filter résumés based on specific keywords and formatting, helping hiring managers quickly sift through thousands of applications. However, once your résumé makes it past this digital gatekeeper, it still needs to impress the human eye with a well-crafted design and clear, engaging content.

Balancing these two needs can feel challenging, but with the right strategy, you can create a résumé that appeals to both ATS algorithms and human recruiters. In this guide, we'll explore how to craft a résumé that is ATS-friendly while remaining visually appealing and easy for humans to read.

Why ATS Optimization Matters

Before we dive into specific tips, let’s understand why optimizing for ATS is crucial. Most medium to large companies use ATS software to streamline their hiring process. ATS automatically screens résumés by scanning for keywords that match the job description, eliminating résumés that don’t fit. While this saves time for recruiters, it means that many qualified candidates are filtered out if their résumés aren’t optimized for ATS.

Therefore, creating an ATS-friendly résumé is no longer optional—it’s a necessity if you want your application to be seen. At the same time, once your résumé lands in the hands of a recruiter, it needs to tell your career story in a compelling, human-readable way.

The Anatomy of an ATS-Friendly Résumé

The key to balancing ATS and human readability lies in understanding how ATS works and structuring your résumé accordingly. Below are some important tips for crafting a résumé that speaks to both algorithms and humans:

1. Use Standard Formatting

ATS systems often have trouble reading complex or creative résumé formats. Avoid using non-standard fonts, graphics, images, or intricate layouts that may confuse the software.

What to Avoid:

• Fancy fonts (stick to basics like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri)
• Tables, text boxes, or columns (some ATS cannot read content inside tables or columns)
• Embedded graphics or logos
• Header and footer text (ATS often skips these sections)

What to Use:

• Simple, clean layouts
• Standard headings (e.g., Work Experience, Education, Skills)
• Bullet points for easy readability

2. Include Keywords Strategically

ATS scans résumés for specific keywords related to the job description. If your résumé lacks these terms, it may never make it to the hiring manager’s desk. Incorporating job-specific keywords throughout your résumé is essential.

How to Find Keywords:

• Analyze the job description: Look for repeated phrases, skills, or responsibilities.
• Use variations: If the job description mentions “project management,” make sure to include variations like “project manager” and “managed projects” in your résumé.

However, avoid keyword stuffing—adding too many keywords without context. This can make your résumé look robotic and unappealing to human recruiters.

3. Use Chronological or Hybrid Format

ATS software is programmed to read résumés in a standard, logical order. A reverse-chronological résumé (listing your most recent job first) or a hybrid format (combining chronological and skills-based sections) works best.

Chronological Format:

• Work Experience: List your roles in reverse chronological order.
• Skills: Include a skills section highlighting both hard and soft skills relevant to the job.
• Education: Include this at the end, unless you are a recent graduate.

A functional or skills-based résumé format, while appealing to some candidates, is less ATS-friendly since it doesn’t present your career path in a straightforward manner.

4. Use Plain Text for Section Headings

ATS relies on common section headings to understand the structure of your résumé. Using non-standard or creative headings can confuse the system, leading to incomplete résumé parsing.

ATS-Friendly Headings:

• Professional Experience (or Work Experience)
• Education
• Skills
• Certifications
• Contact Information

Avoid headings like “Professional Journey” or “My Story,” as they may confuse the ATS.

5. Stick to Common File Formats

Ensure your résumé is saved in a file format that ATS can easily read. The most widely accepted formats are Word (.doc or .docx) and PDF.

Some ATS systems can struggle with PDF formatting, so when in doubt, opt for a Word document unless the job posting specifically requests a PDF file.

Creating a Human-Readable Résumé That Engages Recruiters

While optimizing your résumé for ATS is critical, don’t forget that it will eventually be read by a real person. Once your résumé makes it through the algorithm, it needs to convey your professional story in a way that is engaging and persuasive to human recruiters.

Here are some strategies to make sure your résumé stands out once it reaches human hands:

1. Craft a Compelling Summary

At the top of your résumé, include a short professional summary (also known as a career summary or objective) that immediately captures attention. This section should provide a snapshot of your professional background, skills, and what you bring to the role.

Example: “Experienced project manager with 8+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams in delivering high-impact technology solutions. Proven ability to drive revenue growth, streamline operations, and manage large-scale projects from conception to completion.”

2. Use Action-Oriented Language

When describing your work experience, focus on action verbs that highlight what you achieved, not just what you were responsible for. Recruiters want to see results, so frame your past accomplishments in terms of the impact you made.

Example:

• Led a cross-functional team that increased efficiency by 25% through process improvements.
• Managed a $1M budget to deliver a new CRM platform, resulting in a 20% boost in customer retention.

3. Prioritize Readability

While ATS requires plain formatting, your résumé can still be visually engaging and easy to read for human recruiters.

Tips for Readability:

• Use consistent font sizes and spacing.
• Break up long sections of text with bullet points.
• Use bolding and italics sparingly to draw attention to key achievements or metrics.

4. Showcase Metrics and Results

Recruiters love to see quantifiable achievements. Use numbers to demonstrate the value you’ve brought to previous roles, whether it’s a percentage increase in sales, a reduction in costs, or the number of projects successfully completed.

Example:

• Increased client satisfaction scores by 15% through enhanced service delivery.
• Reduced operational costs by 10% by implementing lean processes.

5. Customize for Each Job Application

Tailoring your résumé for each job you apply to is crucial. This not only helps with ATS keyword matching but also ensures that your résumé speaks directly to the job’s specific requirements.

How to Customize:

• Reorder your bullet points to emphasize the experience most relevant to the job.
• Highlight the skills and achievements that directly align with the job description.

Balancing ATS Requirements and Human Appeal

The challenge of modern résumé writing is creating a document that satisfies both the technical requirements of an ATS and the human need for clarity and storytelling. Here’s how to strike the right balance:

ATS Optimization Checklist:

• Use simple, standard formatting without graphics or tables.
• Incorporate job-specific keywords naturally throughout your résumé.
• Use a reverse-chronological or hybrid format.
• Stick to common file formats (Word or PDF).
• Avoid non-standard section headings and fonts.

Human-Readable Checklist:

• Write a compelling professional summary.
• Use action-oriented, results-driven language.
• Include metrics and quantifiable achievements.
• Ensure readability with clear fonts, bullet points, and consistent formatting.
• Tailor your résumé for each job application to maximize relevance.

By crafting a résumé that is both ATS-friendly and engaging to human recruiters, you can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview. Remember, it’s not about choosing between ATS optimization and human appeal—it’s about creating a résumé that excels at both.