How to make your resume stand out in 2025

As the recruitment landscape becomes increasingly digital, understanding how Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) work has become essential for job seekers. Today, over 95% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS software to streamline candidate screening.

If your resume isn't ATS-friendly, it might never reach a human recruiter, even if you're fully qualified. Curious how yours performs? Run your resume through avua and get instant feedback using AI.

This newsletter breaks down how ATS works, common mistakes job seekers make, and how to structure your resume to stand out in both digital and human reviews.

What is an ATS and why does it matter?

An Applicant Tracking System is software used by employers to manage large volumes of job applications. It scans resumes, ranks candidates based on keyword matches, and filters out those that don’t meet specific criteria.

While this improves recruiters' efficiency, it creates a barrier for candidates, especially those unaware of how to tailor their resumes for these systems.

Common reasons resumes get rejected by ATS

Even highly qualified professionals can be overlooked due to formatting issues or keyword mismatches. Here are some of the most common errors:

• Overuse of Graphics or Tables: ATS systems struggle to read text embedded in visuals or columns.
• Uncommon File Formats: Submitting a PDF when the system prefers DOCX or TXT.
• Missing Keywords: Not mirroring job description language (e.g., using “customer liaison” instead of “customer success manager”).
• Unstructured Information: Lacking clear sections like Work Experience, Education, and Skills.

How to make your resume ATS-Friendly

Follow these best practices to optimize your resume for ATS and increase your chances of getting shortlisted:

1. Use a Clean, Standard Format

• Stick to a reverse-chronological structure
• Use standard headings like Work Experience, Education, and Skills
• Avoid text boxes, columns, and images

2. Tailor Each Resume to the Job

• Extract relevant keywords from the job description
• Integrate those keywords naturally into your resume
• Prioritize hard skills (e.g., Python, SEO, Salesforce) over vague soft skills

3. Include Role-Specific Metrics

• Use quantifiable achievements like: “Increased sales by 35% in Q2 2024” or “Reduced churn by 18% in 6 months”

4. Stick to ATS-Compatible Fonts

• Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
• Keep font size between 10–12 pt

5. Submit the Right File Type

• Unless specified otherwise, DOCX is generally safer than PDF

How avua can help

avua’s AI-powered CV analysis tool is built to mimic ATS logic scanning for formatting, keyword density, section structure, and more. Here’s how it supports your job search:

• Get a targeted CV score based on your desired role
• Receive keyword suggestions aligned with specific job descriptions
• Identify formatting issues that could be reducing your visibility
• Access AI-powered recommendations to improve content, clarity, and alignment

Understanding how ATS works gives you an edge. It helps you break through digital filters and land interviews faster.

Could you upload your resume to avua today and see how it performs through the lens of a real-world ATS?