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Why Your Resume Isn't Getting Seen: The Power of an ATS-Smart Format

By Annie Pelissier, SHRM-SCP | Founder, Elevate Consultings, LLC

If you’ve ever applied to a job online and never heard back, your resume might not have even made it to a human.
In today’s job market, it’s not just about what you say, it’s about how your resume is formatted and submitted. That’s because most companies, even small ones, use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan, score, and rank resumes before they’re ever read by a recruiter.
As someone who has worked in Human Resources for over 20 years, interviewing, screening, and coaching thousands of candidates, I’ve seen it all. Resumes filled with potential that never got opened. Strong candidates who were overlooked because of formatting errors. And more than anything, I’ve seen how a few small changes can lead to major breakthroughs.
Let’s talk about what makes a resume ATS-smart and why it could be the game-changer your career needs.

What Is an ATS and Why Does It Matter?

An Applicant Tracking System is software used by employers to manage job applications. It helps recruiters quickly filter through hundreds or even thousands of applicants by using keywords, formatting rules, and ranking algorithms.
Here’s the kicker: Over 95% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS, and as of 2024, nearly 70% of small businesses have adopted ATS systems according to JobScan.
So, if your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, it may never reach the hands of a hiring manager.

2024–2025 Resume Stats That Might Shock You

• 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before they’re seen by a human (Forbes, Jan 2024)
• Resumes with proper formatting and keyword optimization are 3x more likely to be shortlisted
• ATS-compliant resumes are 40% more likely to get interview callbacks compared to visually designed resumes that confuse the scanner (LinkedIn Talent Blog, 2025)

What Makes a Resume ATS-Smart?

Here’s what I look for and what ATS systems prioritize:

✔ Use Standard Fonts & Headings
Stick to fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman. Bold your section headings clearly: Experience, Education, Skills, etc.
✔ Avoid Tables, Text Boxes & Graphics
These might look great to the eye but they confuse ATS software. Your content may get jumbled or skipped altogether.
✔ Include Job-Specific Keywords
Study the job description and mirror the language. If it says, “project management” or “data analysis,” make sure those terms appear naturally in your resume especially under skills and experience.
✔ Save It as a Word Document or Plain PDF
Unless specified otherwise, .docx is often the safest file format. Some ATS systems don’t properly scan PDFs or images.
✔ Quantify Results Wherever Possible
Instead of saying “Managed a team,” say “Managed a team of 6 and increased productivity by 25% within six months.” ATS systems love numbers and so do recruiters.

What I’ve Seen in 20+ Years

I've reviewed resumes from C-suite executives to entry-level candidates. And the biggest differentiator? Those who present their experience in a clean, targeted, and ATS-friendly format get interviews. Period.
I've seen candidates with average experience land interviews because their resume was well-structured and tailored. I’ve also watched highly qualified people get ignored because they used an overly designed template with irrelevant fluff.
Resumes are not art projects, they’re marketing documents. And if yours doesn’t pass the software scan, it won’t matter how good you are.

Want to Help Others Create Winning Resumes?

If you're the go-to person in your circle for resume help, why not turn that into a certified skill?
At Elevate Consultings, LLC, I offer a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) course that teaches you how to:
✔ Write powerful, ATS-optimized resumes
✔ Build a real portfolio and serve diverse populations
✔ Use AI tools ethically and effectively
✔ Launch your own side business or add resume writing to your current offerings
You can complete the certification in as little as 8 to 10 weeks, and I personally walk you through every step of the process. This is real training backed by real-world experience—not theory.

📩 Ready to elevate your skills or help others land the job they deserve?
👉 Become a Certified Resume Writer Today

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