Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software tools employers use to screen resumes. They scan text for keywords, dates, and section headers. If your resume lacks the right terms, an ATS can filter it out before a human reads it.
For a Program Administrator, ATS keywords often include program management, grant management, budgeting, compliance, stakeholder engagement, monitoring and evaluation, reporting, MS Excel, Salesforce, and PMP or CAPM. Use those terms where they match your real skills and experience.
- Use simple section titles like "Work Experience", "Education", and "Skills".
- List job titles, employer names, and dates clearly.
- Include a short, keyword-rich summary or objective.
Avoid complex formatting. Don’t use tables, columns, headers, footers, images, or text boxes. Many ATS misread those and drop vital content.
Pick standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Save as .docx or a simple PDF. Fancy templates often break when parsed.
Don’t replace exact keywords with creative synonyms. If a job asks for "grant management", write that phrase. Don’t bury skills inside images or sidebars. Also, don’t omit certifications that matter, like PMP or CAPM, if you hold them.
Follow these steps and you’ll improve the chances your resume reaches a hiring manager. Keep entries clear, dated, and keyword-aware. Let the ATS read your resume, then let humans judge your fit.