How can I make my resume pass ATS screening?

If your resume looks polished but keeps disappearing into online application systems, the problem may not be your experience. It may be how your resume is being read by applicant tracking software. An ATS resume service checks whether your document is readable, keyword aligned and formatted in a way that still works when an employer uploads it into their recruitment platform.

For Australian job seekers, ATS screening is common across government, healthcare, mining, corporate, education, retail, technology and recruitment agency applications. The goal is not to trick the system. The goal is to make your resume clear enough for the software and convincing enough for the person who reads it next.

What is ATS screening?

ATS screening is the process where applicant tracking software receives, stores, parses and helps recruiters search or assess job applications. It may extract your contact details, work history, education, skills, file type and keywords before a recruiter reviews the resume.

Quick answer: how to make your resume pass ATS screening

1. Use a clean one-column layout.
2. Use standard headings such as Professional Summary, Key Skills and Employment History.
3. Mirror the job description with truthful keywords.
4. Add context around systems, industries, licences, metrics and responsibilities.
5. Avoid text boxes, heavy graphics, icons and tables for critical information.
6. Save the file as .docx or PDF according to the employer's instructions.
7. Check the resume before applying with a human review and an ATS readability check.

Why ATS-friendly resumes still need to persuade humans

An ATS can help recruiters search applications, but it does not replace the need for strong writing. Your resume still needs to show why you are a strong candidate. That means your achievements, scope, keywords and role fit should be easy to understand.

The Perfect Resume works with Australian job seekers who need resumes that are both ATS-friendly and recruiter-friendly. The strongest documents use plain structure, targeted language and evidence that matches the role.

Where templates usually go wrong

Free ATS-compatible resume templates can be a helpful starting point, but many candidates still run into problems when the template is over-designed or not tailored to the job. A template cannot decide which keywords matter, which achievements to prioritise or how to explain your experience clearly.

• Columns: content may be read out of order.
• Text boxes: important details may be skipped by parsers.
• Icons: software may not understand ratings or graphic skill bars.
• Headers and footers: contact details can be missed.
• Canva exports: visual design can interfere with parsing.

Download free ATS-compatible resume templates

These free templates have been moved onto this guide so you can choose a cleaner starting point without visiting the old collection page. Each template is designed for Word, keeps the structure straightforward and gives you a safer base before tailoring your resume to the job description.

After choosing a template, review the wording against the role you want. A template can improve structure, but your keywords, achievements and role-specific evidence still decide whether the resume is competitive.

How an ATS resume service helps

An ATS resume service reviews more than design. It checks whether the resume reflects the jobs you are applying for, whether the format is parseable and whether your language matches recruiter search behaviour.

An ATS resume service should check:

• Keyword alignment with the job description.
• Standard headings and section order.
• File format and export risks.
• Whether systems, licences, qualifications and tools are searchable.
• Whether achievements include context and measurable outcomes.
• Whether the document is easy for Australian recruiters to scan.

You can request a Free Resume Review if you want a professional opinion before applying, or compare current Services & Prices if you want the team to rebuild the document for you.

Related guides for ATS and resume improvement

For a deeper understanding of ATS systems, read Everything You Need to Know About ATS. If you are unsure about file types, read File Formats Unlocked: Your Ultimate Guide to Beating the Applicant Tracking System. If you want broader job-search resume advice, read Resume Writing Secrets to Get You Working in Australia.

Australian local relevance

Australian employers often use platforms such as PageUp, Workday, SuccessFactors, SmartRecruiters, Greenhouse and Lever. Government, healthcare, mining, universities, banks and large corporate employers commonly rely on structured online application systems. For local applications, include Australian terminology, relevant licences, visa or work rights where appropriate, and role-specific keywords from the job ad.

Review from a job seeker

"The Perfect Resume helped me understand why my resume was not getting through online applications. The revised version was clearer, easier to read and much better matched to the roles I wanted."

5-star Google review summary

FAQs about ATS resume screening

How do I mirror job descriptions?

Mirror the job description by using the same important skills, tools, qualifications and responsibilities when they genuinely match your experience. Do not copy the advertisement word for word. Use the keywords naturally in your summary, skills and achievement bullets.

What standard headings should I use?

Use headings that both recruiters and ATS systems recognise: Professional Summary, Key Skills, Employment History, Education, Certifications, Professional Development and Referees. Avoid creative labels that hide important information.

What context is important to add?

Add context such as industry, employer type, team size, systems used, licences, client groups, budgets, caseloads, locations and measurable outcomes. Context helps the ATS and the recruiter understand whether your experience matches the level of the role.

Can I use multiple columns?

A single-column resume is safest. Some ATS parsers read columns in the wrong order or miss content. If shortlist performance matters, keep the layout simple and use formatting that works in Word, PDF and online application portals.

Is a Canva resume template ATS compliant?

Some Canva templates can be exported and read, but many use text boxes, icons, columns and graphics that are risky for ATS screening. If you use Canva, choose a simple design and test the exported document before applying.

Why does my Mac make my page format funny?

Formatting can shift on a Mac because of font substitution, different default page settings, file conversion issues or the way Pages exports documents. Use common fonts, check margins and save the file in the format requested by the employer.

Does a .pages file format affect my ATS compliance?

Yes. A .pages file is not a standard format for most ATS platforms or recruitment teams. Unless the employer specifically asks for Pages, use .docx or PDF depending on the application instructions.

Does The Perfect Resume check ATS compliance?

Yes. The Perfect Resume checks ATS readability, keyword alignment, headings, formatting and file format risks. You can start with a free resume review or compare resume writing services and prices.

Do ATS systems use AI?

Some ATS platforms now use AI for matching, ranking, search, summaries or recruiter recommendations. Even when AI is involved, your resume still needs clear structure, relevant keywords and evidence that matches the job.

How do you know if a company is using an ATS checker?

Common signs include an online application portal, resume parsing after upload, screening questions and platforms such as Workday, PageUp, SmartRecruiters, Greenhouse, Lever or SuccessFactors. Larger Australian employers and recruiters often use ATS software.