Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software that scan resumes and look for keywords and structured data. They rank candidates by relevance and can filter out resumes with missing keywords or odd formatting.
For a Math Tutor, ATS looks for terms like "algebra," "calculus," "geometry," "SAT/ACT prep," "individualized lesson plans," "formative assessment," "differentiated instruction," "IEP support," "progress monitoring," and "Common Core." Use those exact terms when they match your experience.
- Use standard section titles: "Work Experience," "Education," "Skills," "Certifications."
- Include a concise skills list with subject areas and tools, for example "Algebra, Geometry, Precalculus, SAT Math, Khan Academy, Google Classroom."
- Pick .docx or PDF and avoid fancy templates.
Avoid complex formatting like tables, columns, text boxes, headers, footers, images, or graphs. These elements often break parsing and hide content from the ATS.
Choose common fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Keep font sizes between 10 and 12 points for body text and use simple bold for headings.
Common mistakes include swapping exact keywords for creative synonyms, burying skills inside images, and putting key details in headers or footers. Also avoid omitting specific certifications or tools that appear in job listings.
Write concise bullet points that start with an action verb. Quantify results when you can, like "raised student test scores by 20%." That helps both ATS and human readers.