Thu Jul 23 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) · EN
How to Write an ATS-Friendly Resume
A practical checklist for resumes that pass applicant tracking systems — plus how SharkCV helps.
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) scans resumes before a human does. It looks for structure, keywords, and readable text.
Why it matters
Many employers parse applications automatically. Fancy layouts with sidebars or text inside images can fail the scan.
ATS checklist
- Prefer the Classic Modern template (Free). Minimal is Premium.
- Mirror keywords from the job post in skills and bullets.
- Write measurable bullets (e.g. “increased activation by 28%”).
- Avoid tables, text boxes, and image-only text.
- Export a PDF with selectable text.
Fast path with SharkCV
- Sign in to SharkCV.
- On Free, pick Classic Modern or Sidebar.
- Paste the job description into the ATS score tab.
- Fill gaps, then export PDF.
Premium unlocks AI writing; Free still gives score + PDF.
Bottom line
ATS success is clarity: simple layout, matching keywords, and proof-backed bullets. SharkCV shows your score instantly so you can fix issues before you apply.