Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan resumes for keywords and formatting before a hiring manager ever sees them. For roles like Biological Chemist, this means your resume must match the language in the job description. ATS software can’t read tables, headers, or images—so stick to simple, clear sections like 'Work Experience' and 'Skills.'
Use exact keywords from the job posting, like 'molecular biology techniques' or 'HPLC instrumentation.' Avoid creative synonyms like 'biochemical wizardry.' Choose standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman and save your resume as a PDF or .docx. Never hide important info in footers or text boxes.
Common mistakes include using non-standard section names (e.g., 'Biochem Lab Expertise') or listing skills in a table. This confuses ATS and lowers your score. Always test your resume with free ATS parsers to catch errors before applying.