How to Write an ATS-Friendly Resume
Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Resumes That Pass Applicant Tracking Systems
🤖 What is ATS (Applicant Tracking System)?
Understanding the technology that screens your resume before human eyes see it
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by employers to collect, scan, and rank job applications. Before your resume reaches a hiring manager, it must first pass through this automated screening system.
Key Facts About ATS
- 75% of resumes never reach human recruiters
- 98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS
- ATS scans for keywords, formatting, and structure
- Poor formatting can cause your resume to be automatically rejected
How ATS Works
Parsing
ATS extracts information from your resume (name, contact, education, experience)
Matching
System compares your resume against job description keywords
Ranking
Assigns a score and ranks candidates based on relevance
📋 Simple 5-Step Process
Create an ATS-Friendly Resume using ChatGPT + Overleaf
Open FAANGPath Resume Template
Get the proven ATS-friendly template in Overleaf
What to do:
-
1
Visit this link:
https://faangpath.com/template/ -
2
Click the green "Open as Template" button
-
3
If not logged in, create free Overleaf account (use Google sign-in)
-
4
Template opens in Overleaf editor - keep this tab open!
Copy Template LaTeX Code
Get the template code for ChatGPT
What to do:
-
1
In Overleaf LEFT sidebar, click on
main.texfile -
2
Select ALL code: Ctrl+A (Windows) or Cmd+A (Mac)
-
3
Copy it: Ctrl+C or Cmd+C
-
4
Save this code in Notepad or keep it in clipboard
Rewrite Resume with ChatGPT
🌟 MOST IMPORTANT - Choose your path below
For Academic Resume
For MS/PhD/Research applications
Quick Steps:
- 1. Open ChatGPT
- 2. Copy prompt below
- 3. Paste your resume + program details
- 4. Get rewritten resume
View Prompt
Rewrite my resume for academic program application. MY RESUME: [Paste your current resume text] PROGRAM DETAILS: [Paste program description/requirements] Requirements: - Structure: Education → Research → Publications → Skills - Highlight: research, thesis, GPA (if >3.5), coursework - Use action verbs: Conducted, Researched, Analyzed - Match program keywords - ATS-friendly (no tables/graphics) - Output in plain text Provide rewritten resume in plain text format.
For Job Resume
For corporate/work applications
Quick Steps:
- 1. Open ChatGPT
- 2. Copy prompt below
- 3. Paste your resume + job description
- 4. Get rewritten resume
View Prompt
Rewrite my resume to match job description. MY RESUME: [Paste your current resume text] JOB DESCRIPTION: [Paste complete job posting] Requirements: - Structure: Summary → Experience → Education → Skills - Match job keywords exactly - Add metrics/numbers (e.g., "Increased sales by 35%") - Use action verbs: Achieved, Managed, Led, Developed - Include acronyms: "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)" - ATS-friendly (no tables/graphics) - Output in plain text Provide rewritten resume in plain text format.
After ChatGPT responds: Copy the rewritten resume text and save it. You'll need it in the next step!
Merge Content with Template
Combine resume with LaTeX template using ChatGPT
What to do:
-
1
Stay in ChatGPT (same or new conversation)
-
2
Click button below to copy the merge prompt
View Merge Prompt
Combine LaTeX template with my resume content. LATEX TEMPLATE: [Paste code from Step 2] MY RESUME: [Paste rewritten resume from Step 3] Requirements: - Keep LaTeX structure (\documentclass, \begin, \end) - Replace sample content with my info - Format contact: Phone, Email, LinkedIn correctly - Ensure it compiles in Overleaf - Output complete LaTeX code only (no explanations) Provide ready-to-use LaTeX code.
3. In the prompt, paste:
- LaTeX code from Step 2
- Rewritten resume from Step 3
4. ChatGPT will output complete LaTeX code - copy it all!
Paste in Overleaf & Download
Final step - generate your PDF resume
What to do:
-
1
Go back to Overleaf tab (from Step 1)
-
2
In main.tex editor: Ctrl+A then Delete
-
3
Paste new code from ChatGPT: Ctrl+V
-
4
Click "Recompile" - check PDF preview on right
-
5
Make small adjustments if needed (spacing, line breaks)
-
6
Click "Download PDF"
-
7
Rename file:
FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf
Done!
Your ATS-friendly resume is ready to use!
If errors appear: Copy error message → Go to ChatGPT → Paste "Fix this LaTeX error: [error]" → Get corrected code → Paste again
📌 Quick Summary
Open Template
Copy Code
ChatGPT Rewrite
ChatGPT Merge
Download PDF
Total: 20-30 minutes
Create Your Overleaf Account
Get access to professional LaTeX resume editor (100% Free)
Click "Register" Button
Look for the "Register" button in the top-right corner of the page
Tip: You can sign up using your email or Google account (Google is faster)
Complete Registration
- Enter your email address
- Create a password (or use Google sign-in)
- Click "Register" to create your account
- Check your email and verify your account
Log In to Your Dashboard
After verification, log in and you'll see your Overleaf dashboard
Success! You now have access to professional resume creation tools
Get the Best ATS Resume Template
Use FAANGPath's proven template (used by 25,000+ job seekers)
Recommended: FAANGPath Simple Template
This template is specifically designed for ATS systems and used by thousands of successful job applicants at top companies.
Visit FAANGPath Template Page
Open this URL in a new tab:
Open FAANGPath TemplateFind "FAANGPath Simple Template"
You'll see the template page with a preview. Look for the green button that says:
Note: You can also search "FAANGPath" in Overleaf's template gallery, but the direct link above is faster!
What You'll See
The page will look like this:
📌 Left Side:
- • Template name and description
- • "Open as Template" button
- • "View Source" button
- • Author and license info
📌 Right Side:
- • Live preview of the resume
- • Shows sample format
- • Clean, single-column layout
- • ATS-friendly design
Sample Resume Preview
This is what the FAANGPath template looks like (RIGHT SIDE of template page):
FIRSTNAME LASTNAME
+1(123) 456-7890 ⋄ San Francisco, CA
contact@faangpath.com ⋄ linkedin.com/company/faangpath ⋄ www.faangpath.com
OBJECTIVE
Software Engineer with 2+ years of experience in XXX, seeking full-time XXX roles.
EDUCATION
Relevant Coursework: A, B, C, and D.
SKILLS
Technical Skills: A, B, C, D
Soft Skills: A, B, C, D
EXPERIENCE
Company Name, San Francisco, CA
- Achieved X% growth for XYZ using A, B, and C skills.
- Led XYZ which led to X% of improvement in ABC
- Developed XYZ that did A, B, and C using X, Y, and Z.
PROJECTS
Hiring Search Tool. Built a tool to search for Hiring Managers and Recruiters by using ReactJS, NodeJS, Firebase and boolean queries.
This is ATS-friendly because: Single column, clear headings, no graphics, no tables, simple formatting!
Click "Open as Template"
Click the green "Open as Template" button
The template will automatically open in Overleaf's editor! If you're not logged in, you'll be asked to log in first.
Template Opens in Overleaf
You'll now see:
📌 Left Panel:
File tree with main.tex
📌 Center Panel:
LaTeX code editor
📌 Right Panel:
Live PDF preview
Perfect! You're now ready for Step 3
Copy the LaTeX Template Code
Extract the source code to use with ChatGPT
Find the "main.tex" File
Look at the LEFT SIDEBAR in Overleaf. You'll see a file tree. Find and click on main.tex
This file contains all the LaTeX code that formats your resume
Select ALL the Code
In the code editor (center panel), select all the LaTeX code:
Windows/Linux: Press Ctrl + A
Mac: Press Cmd + A
Copy the Code
Copy all the selected code:
Windows/Linux: Press Ctrl + C
Mac: Press Cmd + C
Save the Code Temporarily
Paste the copied code into a text file (Notepad/TextEdit) or keep it in your clipboard for the next step
Important: Don't close this Overleaf tab - you'll need it again in Step 7!
Prepare Your Current Resume Content
Convert your existing resume to plain text
Open Your Current Resume
Find your existing resume file (Word document, PDF, Google Doc, etc.)
Copy ALL the Text Content
Select all text in your resume and copy it
Ctrl/Cmd + A then Ctrl/Cmd + C
Paste into Plain Text Editor
Open Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac) and paste your resume
This removes all formatting, leaving only plain text
Clean Up the Text
Remove and organize:
DELETE These:
- ✗ Images, photos, logos
- ✗ Tables and columns
- ✗ Graphics and charts
- ✗ Icons and symbols
- ✗ Any special characters
KEEP These:
- ✓ Your name, phone, email, LinkedIn
- ✓ Education details
- ✓ Work experience
- ✓ Skills list
- ✓ Certifications/projects
Organize Into Clear Sections
Make sure your resume has these section headings:
Use ChatGPT to Rewrite Your Resume
🌟 MOST IMPORTANT STEP - AI optimization for ATS
Choose Your Path:
Are you creating a resume for Academic Programs (MS/PhD) or Job Applications? Follow the corresponding section below.
PATH A: For Academic Resume (MS/PhD/Research)
Open ChatGPT
Go to chat.openai.com and start a new chat
You can use the free version of ChatGPT or ChatGPT Plus
Copy This EXACT Prompt (Academic)
Copy the prompt below and paste it into ChatGPT:
I need you to rewrite my resume for an academic program application. MY CURRENT RESUME (Plain Text): [Paste your plain text resume from Step 4 here] ACADEMIC PROGRAM DETAILS: [Paste the program description, requirements, or university webpage content here] Please rewrite my resume in academic format following these requirements: 1. STRUCTURE: Use this exact order - Contact Information (Name, Email, Phone, LinkedIn, Location) - Education (most recent first, include GPA if above 3.5/4.0 or 7.5/10) - Research Experience (highlight methodology, findings, impact) - Publications (if any) - Academic Projects (relevant coursework projects) - Technical Skills - Certifications/Awards (if relevant) 2. CONTENT OPTIMIZATION: - Match keywords from the program description - Emphasize: research methodology, thesis work, publications, academic achievements - Use action verbs: Conducted, Researched, Analyzed, Published, Investigated, Designed - Include quantifiable results (e.g., "Analyzed dataset of 10,000+ samples") - Highlight relevant coursework that matches program requirements 3. ATS-FRIENDLY REQUIREMENTS: - No tables, no graphics, no special characters - Simple, single-column layout - Clear section headings - Plain text format (no images) 4. OUTPUT: - Provide the rewritten resume in PLAIN TEXT format - Keep it to 1 page (maximum 2 pages for PhD) - Make it ready to convert to LaTeX Please rewrite my resume now following all these requirements.
Fill In Your Information
Replace the placeholder text in the prompt:
-
Where it says
[Paste your plain text resume from Step 4 here]- paste your resume -
Where it says
[Paste the program description...]- paste the program details
Send to ChatGPT and Wait
Press Enter and ChatGPT will rewrite your resume (takes 30-60 seconds)
ChatGPT will output a fully rewritten academic resume optimized for your program!
PATH B: For Job/Work Resume (Corporate Positions)
Open ChatGPT
Go to chat.openai.com and start a new chat
Copy This EXACT Prompt (Job)
Copy the prompt below and paste it into ChatGPT:
I need you to rewrite my resume to match a job description. MY CURRENT RESUME (Plain Text): [Paste your plain text resume from Step 4 here] JOB DESCRIPTION: [Paste the complete job posting here - include title, requirements, responsibilities] Please rewrite my resume following these requirements: 1. STRUCTURE: Use this exact order - Contact Information (Name, Email, Phone, LinkedIn, Location) - Professional Summary (2-3 lines highlighting relevant experience) - Work Experience (most recent first) - Education - Skills (matching job description keywords) - Certifications (if relevant) 2. CONTENT OPTIMIZATION: - Match EXACT keywords from the job description - Add measurable achievements with numbers/percentages/results - Use action verbs: Achieved, Managed, Led, Increased, Developed, Implemented - Tailor work experience bullet points to highlight relevant responsibilities - Include both full terms and acronyms (e.g., "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)") - Quantify everything possible (e.g., "Increased sales by 35%", "Managed team of 12") 3. WORK EXPERIENCE FORMAT: For each role, use this structure: - Company Name | Job Title | Dates - 3-5 bullet points starting with action verbs - Each bullet point should include: Action + Task + Result/Impact 4. ATS-FRIENDLY REQUIREMENTS: - No tables, no graphics, no special formatting - Simple, single-column layout - Clear section headings - Keywords from job description naturally integrated 5. OUTPUT: - Provide the rewritten resume in PLAIN TEXT format - Keep it to 1 page (maximum 2 pages if 10+ years experience) - Make it ready to convert to LaTeX Please rewrite my resume now following all these requirements.
Fill In Your Information
Replace the placeholder text in the prompt:
-
Where it says
[Paste your plain text resume from Step 4 here]- paste your resume -
Where it says
[Paste the complete job posting here...]- paste the ENTIRE job description
Send to ChatGPT and Wait
Press Enter and ChatGPT will rewrite your resume (takes 30-60 seconds)
ChatGPT will output a fully rewritten resume optimized for the job!
After ChatGPT Finishes:
ChatGPT will output your rewritten resume. Copy all of it and save it temporarily (you'll need it in Step 6).
Pro Tip: If you want to make changes, just ask ChatGPT! Example: "Make the skills section more technical" or "Add more metrics to work experience"
Merge Resume with LaTeX Template
Combine ChatGPT content with Overleaf template
Go Back to ChatGPT
Stay in the same ChatGPT conversation OR start a new one (both work)
Copy This EXACT Merging Prompt
This is the final step in ChatGPT - copy this prompt:
I have two things that need to be combined:
1. A LaTeX resume template (from Overleaf)
2. My rewritten resume content (from previous step)
Please merge them properly to create a complete LaTeX resume.
===================
LATEX TEMPLATE CODE:
===================
[Paste the LaTeX code you copied from Overleaf in Step 3]
===================
MY RESUME CONTENT:
===================
[Paste the rewritten resume from ChatGPT in Step 5]
===================
Please combine these following these rules:
1. Keep the LaTeX template structure (\documentclass, \begin{document}, etc.)
2. Replace ALL sample content with my actual information
3. Maintain proper LaTeX formatting and commands
4. Format contact information correctly:
- Phone: +91 XXXXXXXXXX (or appropriate country code)
- Email: myemail@email.com
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/myprofile
- Location: City, Country
5. Keep all section commands (\section{}, \subsection{}, etc.)
6. Preserve bullet points using \item or template's bullet format
7. Make sure dates, company names, and titles are properly formatted
8. Ensure the code will compile in Overleaf without errors
OUTPUT REQUIREMENT:
Provide the COMPLETE merged LaTeX code that I can copy-paste directly into Overleaf.
Do not add explanations - just give me the ready-to-use LaTeX code.
Fill In The Two Parts
In the prompt above, you need to paste two things:
Part 1: LaTeX Template
Paste the code you copied from Overleaf in Step 3
Part 2: Resume Content
Paste the rewritten resume from Step 5
Send and Wait for ChatGPT
Press Enter and ChatGPT will create the complete LaTeX code (takes 1-2 minutes)
What You'll Get:
ChatGPT will output complete LaTeX code with YOUR resume content properly formatted in the template structure. This code is ready to paste directly into Overleaf!
Copy the Final LaTeX Code
Select ALL the LaTeX code ChatGPT generated and copy it
Important: Copy EVERYTHING from \documentclass to \end{document}
Paste Code into Overleaf & Compile
Create your PDF resume
Go Back to Overleaf Tab
Open the Overleaf tab you left open in Step 3 (with the template)
Delete ALL Existing Code
In the main.tex file editor:
Press Ctrl/Cmd + A
Then press Delete or Backspace
The editor should now be completely empty
Paste the New Code from ChatGPT
Paste the complete LaTeX code you copied in Step 6.5:
Press Ctrl/Cmd + V
Click "Recompile"
Look at the top of the RIGHT panel (PDF preview) and click the green "Recompile" button
Overleaf usually auto-compiles, but clicking Recompile ensures it processes your new code
Check the PDF Preview
Look at the RIGHT panel - you should see your resume as a PDF!
✅ If it looks good:
Great! Your resume is ready. Proceed to Step 8.
❌ If you see errors:
- • Look at the BOTTOM panel (console/logs)
- • Copy the error message
- • Go to ChatGPT and paste: "Fix this LaTeX error: [error message]"
- • ChatGPT will give you corrected code
- • Repeat steps 7.2-7.4 with the new code
Make Final Adjustments (Optional)
Check these things in your PDF:
- Spacing between sections looks good
- All information is correct
- Fits on 1 page (or 2 pages max if experienced)
- No weird line breaks
Download Your ATS-Friendly Resume
Save your professionally formatted PDF
Click "Download PDF"
At the top of the PDF preview panel (right side), click the "Download PDF" button
Rename the File Professionally
Use this naming format:
✅ CORRECT Format:
FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf
Example: John_Smith_Resume.pdf
❌ WRONG Formats:
- • Resume.pdf
- • CV.pdf
- • MyResume.pdf
- • document.pdf
Save to Your Computer
Save the PDF in an easy-to-find location like:
- • Desktop
- • Documents > Resumes
- • Downloads (then move to permanent folder)
Test Your PDF (Important!)
Make sure your resume is ATS-friendly:
Test 1: Text Selection
- • Open the PDF in Adobe Reader or browser
- • Try to select and copy text
- • If you can select text easily, it's ATS-friendly! ✅
Test 2: Copy-Paste Test
- • Copy ALL text from PDF
- • Paste into Notepad/TextEdit
- • If text appears clearly (not jumbled), you're good! ✅
Congratulations!
Your ATS-Friendly Resume is Ready!
You can now apply to jobs with confidence that your resume will pass ATS screening
📌 Quick Process Summary
Overleaf Setup & Template
Prepare Your Content
ChatGPT Magic ✨
Compile & Download
From zero to professional ATS-friendly resume PDF
Create an Overleaf Account
Set up your free professional resume editor
Go to Overleaf.com
Overleaf is a free online LaTeX editor for creating professional documents
Click "Register" in the top right corner
You can sign up using email or Google account
Complete registration and verify your email
Check your inbox and click the verification link
Log in to your Overleaf dashboard
You're now ready to create professional resumes!
Why Overleaf? It creates perfectly formatted, ATS-friendly PDFs with clean LaTeX code that ensures your resume is readable by all applicant tracking systems.
Get a Resume Template in Overleaf
Choose a clean, ATS-compatible template
In Overleaf, click "New Project"
You'll see a dropdown menu with various options
Select "View All Templates" or search "CV" / "Resume"
Overleaf has hundreds of professional resume templates
Choose a simple, single-column template
Recommended: "Jake's Resume", "Deedy Resume", or "AltaCV"
Click "Open as Template"
The template will open in Overleaf's editor with sample content
Template Criteria: Avoid templates with multiple columns, graphics, or complex designs. Simple is better for ATS!
Copy the LaTeX Template Code
Extract the source code to work with ChatGPT
In Overleaf editor, locate the file named main.tex
This is usually in the left sidebar under "Project Files"
Click on main.tex to view the LaTeX source code
You'll see code that looks like \documentclass, \begin, etc.
Select ALL the code (Ctrl+A or Cmd+A)
Make sure you select from the very first line to the last line
Copy the code (Ctrl+C or Cmd+C)
Save this in a text file or keep it ready for the next step
What is LaTeX code? It's markup language that defines how your resume looks. Don't worry about understanding it—ChatGPT will handle the modifications!
Prepare Your Existing Resume Content
Convert your current resume to plain text format
Open your current resume (Word, PDF, or any format)
This is your existing resume with all your work experience and education
Convert to plain text by copying all content
Select all text and paste into Notepad/TextEdit to remove formatting
Remove ALL images, tables, icons, charts, and graphics
Keep only text: headings, bullet points, and descriptions
Organize content into clear sections
- • Contact Information (Name, Phone, Email, LinkedIn)
- • Education
- • Work Experience
- • Skills
- • Certifications/Projects (if applicable)
Critical: Remove ALL visual elements! ATS systems cannot read images, tables, or complex formatting. Text only!
Use ChatGPT to Rewrite Your Resume
AI-powered optimization for ATS compatibility and job matching
For Academic Resume (MS/PhD Applications)
Step 1: Open ChatGPT
Go to chat.openai.com and start a new conversation
Step 2: Paste Your Materials
First, paste your plain text resume
Then, paste the academic program description/requirements
Step 3: Use This Exact Prompt:
I need you to rewrite my resume for this academic program. MY CURRENT RESUME: [Paste your plain text resume here] ACADEMIC PROGRAM DETAILS: [Paste program description and requirements] Please rewrite my resume in academic format with these requirements: 1. Highlight research experience, thesis work, and publications 2. Include GPA if strong (above 3.5/4.0 or 7.5/10) 3. Emphasize relevant coursework and academic projects 4. Match keywords from the program description 5. Use action verbs: Conducted, Researched, Analyzed, Published 6. Keep it ATS-friendly (no tables, no graphics, simple formatting) 7. Format should be: Education → Research Experience → Publications → Skills Provide the content ONLY in plain text format that I can later convert to LaTeX.
Step 4: Review ChatGPT's Output
ChatGPT will provide a rewritten resume optimized for academic applications
For Work/Job Resume (Corporate Positions)
Step 1: Open ChatGPT
Go to chat.openai.com and start a new conversation
Step 2: Paste Your Materials
First, paste your plain text resume
Then, paste the complete job description
Step 3: Use This Exact Prompt:
I need you to rewrite my resume to match this job description. MY CURRENT RESUME: [Paste your plain text resume here] JOB DESCRIPTION: [Paste the complete job posting] Please rewrite my resume with these requirements: 1. Match keywords from the job description (skills, tools, technologies) 2. Add measurable achievements (numbers, percentages, results) 3. Use action verbs: Achieved, Managed, Led, Increased, Developed 4. Tailor work experience to highlight relevant responsibilities 5. Ensure ATS-friendly formatting (no tables, no graphics) 6. Include both full terms and acronyms (e.g., "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)") 7. Format: Summary → Experience → Education → Skills → Certifications Provide the content ONLY in plain text format that I can later convert to LaTeX.
Step 4: Review and Refine
If needed, ask ChatGPT to add more specific achievements or adjust the tone
Pro Tip: You can ask ChatGPT to revise specific sections like "Make the skills section more technical" or "Add more metrics to the work experience"
Merge Resume Content with LaTeX Template
Combine ChatGPT content with Overleaf template using AI
Go back to ChatGPT (same conversation or new one)
Keep your previous chat open or start fresh
Paste the LaTeX template code from Step 3
This is the code you copied from Overleaf's main.tex file
Then paste your AI-rewritten resume content from Step 5
The content ChatGPT created based on your resume
Use this exact prompt to merge them:
I have two things: 1. A LaTeX resume template (code below) 2. My resume content (plain text) Please combine them properly: LATEX TEMPLATE: [Paste the Overleaf LaTeX code here] MY RESUME CONTENT: [Paste the AI-rewritten resume from Step 5] Requirements: - Replace template's sample content with my actual information - Maintain the LaTeX structure and formatting - Ensure proper formatting for: • Phone: +91 XXXXXXXXXX or +XX XXXXXXXXXX • Email: yourname@email.com • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/your-profile • Location: City, Country - Keep all LaTeX commands intact (\section, \begin, \end, etc.) - Make sure the output compiles in Overleaf Provide the complete merged LaTeX code.
ChatGPT will output complete LaTeX code
This is your final resume in LaTeX format, ready for Overleaf
This is the magic step! ChatGPT combines your personalized content with professional LaTeX formatting automatically.
Import Code into Overleaf and Compile
Generate your professional PDF resume
Copy the complete LaTeX code from ChatGPT
Select all the code ChatGPT generated in Step 6
Go back to Overleaf and open your template project
The same template project from Step 2
Select ALL existing code in main.tex and delete it
Use Ctrl+A then Delete
Paste the new LaTeX code from ChatGPT
Use Ctrl+V to paste the complete code
Click "Recompile" button (or it auto-compiles)
Overleaf will generate a PDF preview on the right side
Check for any errors in the console (bottom panel)
If errors appear:
- • Copy the error message
- • Go back to ChatGPT and paste: "Fix this LaTeX error: [error message]"
- • ChatGPT will provide corrected code
Make final adjustments
- • Check spacing between sections
- • Verify all information is correct
- • Ensure page breaks look good (ideally 1 page, max 2 pages)
Preview Tip: The right panel in Overleaf shows a live PDF preview. You'll see changes in real-time!
Download Your ATS-Friendly Resume
Save your professionally formatted resume as PDF
Once the PDF looks perfect in Overleaf preview
Make sure everything is properly formatted and aligned
Click the "Download PDF" button
Located at the top of the preview panel (right side)
Rename the file professionally
Use this naming format:
Example: John_Smith_Resume.pdf
❌ Don't use: "Resume.pdf", "CV.pdf", "MyResume.pdf"
Save to your computer
Keep it in an easy-to-find location for job applications
Test the PDF
- • Open it in Adobe Reader or browser
- • Try to select/copy text (should work easily)
- • If text is selectable, it's ATS-friendly! ✅
Congratulations!
Your ATS-Friendly Resume is Ready!
You can now apply to jobs with confidence that your resume will pass ATS screening
📝 Quick Process Summary
Overleaf Account + Template
Prepare Your Resume Text
ChatGPT Rewrites + Merges
Compile & Download PDF
Total Time: 30-45 minutes for a professional, ATS-optimized resume
⭐ ATS Best Practices
Critical guidelines to maximize your ATS score
DO's
-
Use Simple Headings
Education, Experience, Skills, Certifications
-
Match Keywords
Use exact terms from job description
-
Save as Text-Based PDF
Not image-based or scanned PDFs
-
Use Standard Fonts
Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, Georgia
-
Include Contact Info
Phone, email, LinkedIn, location
-
Use Bullet Points
Start with action verbs
-
Spell Out Acronyms
First use: Bachelor of Science (BS)
DON'Ts
-
No Tables or Columns
ATS cannot read complex layouts
-
No Images or Logos
Including photos, graphics, charts
-
No Headers/Footers
ATS may not read this content
-
No Special Characters
Avoid symbols like ★, ♦, or fancy bullets
-
No Text Boxes
Content may not be parsed
-
No Creative Formats
Infographics, timelines won't work
-
No Generic Titles
Avoid "Resume.pdf" - use your name
Pro Tips for Maximum ATS Score
📊 Keyword Optimization
Use exact keywords from job description. Include variations (e.g., "Project Management" and "PM")
📏 Proper Formatting
Use standard section headings in order: Summary, Experience, Education, Skills
📱 Contact Details
Place at top with proper format. Don't hide in headers/footers
✍️ Action Verbs
Start bullet points with: Achieved, Managed, Developed, Led, Increased
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
These errors can cause immediate ATS rejection
Using Fancy Formatting
Graphics, columns, text boxes, and creative designs confuse ATS software.
Submitting Image-Based PDFs
Scanned resumes or image PDFs cannot be parsed by ATS.
Missing Keywords
Not matching job description keywords results in low ATS scores.
Creative Section Headings
Using "My Journey" instead of "Experience" confuses ATS.
Spelling & Grammar Errors
Typos can prevent keyword matching and look unprofessional.
Using Obscure Fonts
Decorative fonts may not be readable by ATS systems.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ATS-friendly resumes
Ready to Create Your ATS-Friendly Resume?
Need help optimizing your resume for international job applications? Our career counseling team can assist you!