ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System. They scan resumes for keywords and structured data, and they reject files with unreadable formatting or missing fields.
For an Information Technology Consultant, ATS looks for terms like IT strategy, systems integration, cloud (AWS, Azure), virtualization, cybersecurity, ITIL, PMP, SQL, Linux, Windows, network architecture, Agile, requirements gathering, and stakeholder engagement.
Follow these best practices:
- Use standard headings: "Work Experience", "Education", "Skills".
- Include relevant keywords naturally from the job description.
- Avoid complex formatting like tables, columns, text boxes, headers, footers, images, or graphs.
- Choose readable fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman at 10-12pt.
- Submit a .docx or PDF unless the posting asks otherwise, and avoid heavy design files.
Avoid common mistakes. Don't swap keywords for creative synonyms like using "project lead" instead of "project manager" if the job asks for "project manager". Don't hide dates or roles in headers or footers. Don't leave out tools and certifications that matter, like AWS, Azure, ITIL, or PMP.
Keep bullets short and factual. Start bullets with action verbs and quantify impact when you can. Use plain text for lists and consistent date formats like "MM/YYYY" or "YYYY" so ATS reads them cleanly.