Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan resumes for keywords and clear structure. They rank resumes before a human ever sees them. For a Demand Planning Manager, ATS looks for skills like demand forecasting, S&OP, inventory optimization, and tools like SAP APO, Kinaxis, or Excel macros.
Follow a few simple rules. Use standard section titles like "Work Experience", "Education", and "Skills". Put your contact info at the top. Use plain bullet lists for duties and achievements.
- Include role-specific keywords: demand forecasting, demand sensing, statistical forecasting, MAPE, SKU-level planning, safety stock, SKU rationalization, S&OP, CPFR.
- List tools and languages: SAP APO, JDA, Kinaxis, Oracle Demantra, SQL, Python, Advanced Excel, Tableau.
- Note certifications: APICS CPIM, CSCP, Certified Demand Planner.
Avoid complex formatting. Don’t use tables, columns, text boxes, headers, footers, images, or charts. ATS can skip those sections and lose data. Stick to a simple .docx or readable PDF file.
Pick a standard font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Use consistent date formats and clear job titles. Write keywords naturally in your experience bullets and skills section.
Common mistakes trip you up. Replacing exact keywords with creative synonyms can make ATS miss your fit. Hiding key tools inside images or headers removes them from machine parsing. Leaving out core terms like S&OP, MAPE, or SAP will lower your match.
Keep sentences short and clear. Show measurable results like forecast accuracy improvement or inventory reduction. That helps both the ATS and the hiring manager find your value.