Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and quick recruiter scans to shortlist resumes. If yours is missing key details, it may be filtered out in seconds. Here are the 11 checks recruiters and ATS tools look for.
Contact & profile
- Professional email — firstname.lastname@ style.
- Mobile number recruiters can call.
- LinkedIn profile URL — kept up to date.
Sections
- 2–3 line summary stating the role you want.
- Skills section with tools and technologies.
- Education with degree, college and year.
- Experience, internships or projects — for freshers, projects count.
Content quality
- Action verbs — built, led, improved, analysed.
- Measurable results — “improved load time by 30%”, “managed 200 leads”.
- Right length — one page for most freshers.
- Fewer buzzwords — replace “hard-working team player” with proof.
Formatting tips
- Use simple headings and a single column.
- Avoid putting key details inside images, tables or text boxes.
- Save as PDF unless the employer asks for Word.
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