Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software tools employers use to screen resumes before a human reads them. They scan for keywords, dates, and section headers. If your resume lacks expected terms or uses odd formatting, the ATS can reject it automatically.

You need to make your resume readable by both machines and people. Use clear section titles like "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills." List dates and job titles plainly. Use short, active bullet points that show results.

• Include role-specific keywords: "office management," "budgeting," "vendor management," "procurement," "scheduling," "policy compliance," "KPI reporting," "Microsoft Excel," "QuickBooks," and "ERP".
• Add certifications if you have them: "Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)," "PMP" if relevant, or Excel certification.
• Use file types ATS reads well: .docx or searchable PDF.

Avoid complex layouts. Don’t use tables, columns, text boxes, headers, footers, images, or graphics. ATS often misread those elements and drop content. Stick to simple, single-column layouts and standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.

Use keywords naturally. Mirror language from the job posting when it fits your experience. Don’t stuff keywords randomly. Use full phrases and common acronyms, for example "Accounts Payable (AP)" so both terms match searches.

Common mistakes cost interviews. People use creative headings like "Where I Shined" instead of "Work Experience." They hide dates in headers or use images for charts. They omit key tools like "Excel" or "QuickBooks," which many ATS filters expect.

Pick a clean, professional template that highlights operations, project, and vendor management skills. Use a reverse-chronological layout so your recent leadership and process improvements show first.

Keep length to one page if you have under 10 years of experience. Use two pages only if you have long, relevant roles and measurable results to show.

Use ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Set body text to 10–12pt and headers to 14–16pt for clear hierarchy.

Leave white space around sections and between bullets. Use single-line spacing within bullets and a blank line between sections to make scanning easier.

Use simple formatting. Avoid heavy graphics, text boxes, or side columns that break an ATS parser. Stick to standard headings like "Summary," "Experience," "Education," and "Skills."

Avoid common mistakes such as long blocks of text, inconsistent dates, and mixed fonts. Don’t overload the page with color or icons that distract from your achievements.

List accomplishments with numbers when you can. Show cost savings, process time reduced, team sizes, or budget amounts. That helps a hiring manager see your impact quickly.

A tailored cover letter helps you show fit for the Business Administrator role. It complements your resume and shows real interest in the company.

Header: Put your name, phone, email, the company name, and the date. Add the hiring manager's name if you know it.

Opening paragraph: State the exact Business Administrator role you want. Show genuine enthusiasm for the company. Mention your top qualification or where you found the posting.

Body paragraphs: Connect your experience directly to the job needs. Use one to three short paragraphs that each show one idea.

• Highlight a key project that matters to the role, such as improving office processes or managing budgets.
• Mention specific skills like Excel, scheduling software, or contract management when relevant.
• Include soft skills like problem-solving and teamwork, and add numbers when you can.

Make sure each sentence links to the job description. Use keywords from the posting. Keep the examples concrete and brief.

Closing paragraph: Reiterate your interest in the Business Administrator role and the company. State confidence in your ability to add value. Ask for an interview or a time to talk and thank the reader.

Tone and tailoring: Keep your voice professional, confident, and warm. Speak directly to the reader and keep sentences short. Customize each letter to avoid generic text and repeat your most relevant achievements.

Style tips: Use active verbs. Cut filler words. Read the letter aloud and remove any sentence that sounds vague. Always proofread for grammar and accuracy.

Quick note: Your Business Administrator resume needs clarity and care. Recruiters look for tangible results, clear processes, and reliable administration skills.

Small errors can hide strong experience. Fixing common mistakes helps your application pass both human review and automated screening tools.

These FAQs and tips help you craft a Business Administrator resume that highlights operations, finance, and team leadership. You'll find clear advice on format, skills, and how to explain gaps or certifications.

Use the suggestions to tighten your bullet points and make hiring managers grasp your impact quickly.