Tailoring your resume for ATS is essential in today’s competitive job market. Where how you apply often matters just as much as the experience you bring.
During the UMBC Paws & Pivot webinar series, Rex Jarrett, MS/MBA, Director of UMBC Professional Programs, shared actionable insights on how professionals can align their resumes with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and improve their chances of landing interviews. His message was simple: intentional, strategic application beats mass submissions every time.
At its core, tailoring your resume means emphasizing the experiences, skills, and achievements that align with the roles you truly want. It’s not about fabricating experience or creating a new persona. It’s about presenting the professional you already are in the clearest, most compelling way.
Watch the full episode on YouTube!
Tailoring Your Resume for ATS: Why Intentional Applications Matter
Many job seekers apply to dozens—or even hundreds—of positions without seeing results. Jarrett advises slowing down. Rather than casting the widest net possible, focus on three to five jobs per week.
This approach allows you to:
- Research each organization thoroughly
- Understand the roles and responsibilities
- Identify required skills, tools, and certifications
- Align your actual experience with the employer’s needs
By being intentional, your resume becomes more than a list of jobs. It becomes a story of value and fit.
Understanding the ATS: How Tailoring Your Resume for ATS Improves Visibility
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by companies to sort, rank, and organize resumes. It evaluates applications by:
- Pulling keywords from job descriptions
- Analyzing skills, tools, and certifications
- Ranking candidates based on alignment with the role
- Presenting the most qualified candidates to recruiters
Contrary to popular belief, ATS rarely rejects resumes automatically. Instead, it helps recruiters identify candidates who match the position most closely.
Resume Formatting Tips for ATS-Friendly Submissions
To ensure your resume passes ATS screening:
- Stick to simple, standard fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri (10–12 pt).
- Avoid columns, images, graphics, or elaborate formatting.
- Use clear section headers: Professional Summary, Experience, Skills, Education & Certifications.
- Keep reverse chronological order for work history.
Pro tip: Keep two versions of your resume—an ATS-friendly version for online applications, and a visually appealing version for in-person networking or job fairs.
Strategically Tailoring Your Resume for ATS Success
Instead of rewriting your resume for every job, focus on prioritizing the most relevant experiences.
- Highlight accomplishments that match the job description.
- Move key achievements to the top of bullet points.
- Include quantifiable outcomes, e.g.:“Analyzed data from 2,500 monthly users to guide marketing strategy, increasing engagement by 30% and reducing drop-off rates.”
- Use keywords naturally rather than stuffing them. Context matters.
During Paws & Pivot, Jarrett emphasized that tailoring your resume for ATS is about alignment, not fabrication. The AI systems will recognize your real achievements, so focus on presenting them strategically.
Tailoring Your Resume for ATS: Leveraging LinkedIn and Networking
AI can help summarize job postings, extract key skills, and suggest ways to highlight your experience. Use tools like Jobscan, Rezzy, or LinkedIn’s resume builder to cross-reference your resume with target roles.
- Ask AI to summarize multiple job postings in your field.
- Compare the skills and keywords listed in those summaries with your resume.
- Adjust your bullet points and section ordering to emphasize the most relevant experiences.
Remember: AI is a guide, not a replacement. Always ensure your resume reflects what you’ve actually accomplished.
Preparing for the Interview
ATS optimization opens the door—but interviews seal the deal. Once you get in front of a recruiter or hiring manager, be ready to:
- Explain your experiences clearly
- Showcase measurable results
- Demonstrate how your skills meet the organization’s needs
Tailoring your resume for ATS gives you confidence to speak to your strengths authentically.
Take Action
- Focus on fewer, high-quality applications each week.
- Tailor your resume for ATS with relevant keywords and measurable results.
- Maintain a clean, simple format.
- Use AI tools strategically, highlighting real experiences.
- Apply early to maximize visibility.
It’s all about intentionality. Tailoring your resume for ATS is more than a technical step; it’s a way to clearly communicate your value and ensure that recruiters see your true potential.
Watch the full Pause and Pivot session on YouTube to hear more of Rex Jarrett’s insights and actionable strategies.