Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software tools that sort resumes before a human reads them. They scan documents for keywords, dates, and clear section headers. If your resume lacks keywords or uses odd formatting, the ATS can reject it.
For a Picker role, ATS looks for words like "order picking", "inventory control", "RF scanner", "batch picking", "shipping", "receiving", "pallet jack", "forklift certification", "picking accuracy", and "WMS". Include certifications and tools by name so the system flags them.
- Use standard section titles: Work Experience, Education, Skills.
- List dates and locations for each job.
- Put core skills in a short, keyword-rich list.
Avoid complex formatting. Do not use tables, columns, text boxes, headers, footers, images, or graphs. These elements often confuse parsers and hide content.
Choose readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Save your file in .docx or text-based PDF. Many ATS read those reliably.
Write bullet points that include measurable results. For example, note daily order counts, accuracy rates, or time savings. Short, active sentences help both ATS and hiring managers.
Common mistakes include swapping exact keywords for creative synonyms. Don’t use unusual section headers like "What I Do". Also avoid hiding dates or using headers that ATS may ignore.
Finally, tailor each resume version to the job posting. Mirror the job description wording where it fits. That increases your chance to pass the initial match.