Build an impressive resume
Optimising your resume for online applications
Optimising your resume for online applications
10 minutes
Most recruiters and hiring managers use resume parsers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to sort and filter resumes efficiently. Improve your chances of passing through these filters by following these 4 tips to optimise your resume:
1. Keep the format simple
Resume parsers pull text from your resume and transfer it into an organisation's ATS. Keeping your resume in a simple, easy-to-read format makes it easier for the parser to process what is written on your resume.
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Align all texts to the left (except for dates, which can be aligned to the right)
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Use simple fonts such as Arial or Calibri
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Fonts should not be too small. Sizes 10 to 12 are ideal.
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Use docx, doc and pdf file types. These formats are the easiest to read for resume parser.
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Name your file with your full name and date. An example of a good file name is ‘Joe Bloggs November 2022.docx’
2. Avoid these elements that confuse resume parsers and systems
Resume parsers rely on plain text to properly process data. Steer clear of these elements so systems can easily read your information.
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Icons, images, graphics, and colours
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Text inside headers and footers
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Columns, tables and boxes
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Special characters (bullet points and percentages are fine)
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Acronyms
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Spelling and punctuation errors
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Multiple fonts and extra spacing
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Unusual section names. Use typical labels such as Work Experience’ and ‘Education’
3. Start each experience section with the company name and job title
Avoid beginning with dates. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are designed to scan for job titles or company names first and then link the relevant dates to that section. This format helps ensure your experience is properly recognised and ranked.
4. Maximise your chance of being identified
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Use keywords
Identify keywords from the job ad and use these exact keywords in your resume. Also, use the exact position title they're looking for.
Identify keywords from the job ad and use these exact keywords in your resume. Also, use the exact position title they're looking for.
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Use keywords in context
Keywords are 'weighted' according to other nearby words. Hence, skills that appear in your Experience section are scored higher than skills on a list.
Keywords are 'weighted' according to other nearby words. Hence, skills that appear in your Experience section are scored higher than skills on a list.
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Apply early
The earlier you submit your application, the better. Many employers start looking at applications as they come in, often well before the official closing date. Getting in early means your application is more likely to be seen before the hiring manager has built a shortlist. If you wait too long, there's a good chance the shortlist is already full and your application might not even get a proper look.
The earlier you submit your application, the better. Many employers start looking at applications as they come in, often well before the official closing date. Getting in early means your application is more likely to be seen before the hiring manager has built a shortlist. If you wait too long, there's a good chance the shortlist is already full and your application might not even get a proper look.
Tip: In mirroring the job ad’s keywords, it’s important to be exact. For example, if the job ad uses the term ‘client’, use ‘client’ instead of ‘customer’ in your resume.
Tailoring and optimising your resume boosts your chances of passing through ATS filters. With simple, clear formatting, the right use of keywords and timey applications, you are more likely to match with the role, improving your chances of securing an interview.
Keep your resume simple, clear and direct with these Jobaccelerator resume templates.
Test how your resume matches up against Applicant Tracking Systems through this helpful guide.
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jobaccelerator