By: Jessica Gendron
“I’ve applied for hundreds of jobs, but I’m not getting any interviews! What am I doing wrong?”
If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. Many college graduates struggle to land interviews, not because they’re unqualified, but because their applications aren’t getting past the Applicant Tracking System (ATS): the software that scans resumes before a human sees them. The good news? With a few strategic changes, you can beat the ATS and improve your chances of getting noticed.
How to Get Your Resume Past the ATS (and into the Right Hands)
1️⃣ Tailor Every Resume to the Job
One-size-fits-all resumes don’t work. The ATS looks for keywords from the job description, and if your resume doesn’t include them, you may be filtered out.
How to Fix It:
✔ Read each job posting carefully.
✔ Use the same key skills, software, and qualifications in your resume (if you have them) that are in the description.
✔ Match the language the job description uses to your skills. If the job says “project management,” use that phrase instead of “team project coordination.”
2️⃣ Keep the Format ATS-Friendly
The ATS can’t read fancy fonts, images, tables, and columns. It won’t get passed along if it can’t read your resume. If you’re trying to be sneaky and putting keywords in a white font so they’re invisible, chances are you’re getting disqualified, too. Those computers are smart!
How to Fix It:
✔ Use a clean, single-column layout with standard headings (Education, Skills, Experience).
✔ Stick to simple fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
✔ Save your resume as a .docx file (unless the employer asks for a PDF).
3️⃣ Optimize Your Skills Section
Many ATS systems scan hard skills and software knowledge first. If you don’t list them, you might be overlooked.
How to Fix It:
✔ Create a dedicated “Skills” section.
✔ Include relevant industry tools (Excel, Salesforce, Python, public speaking, leadership), especially if those skills are listed explicitly in the job description.
4️⃣ Use Standard Job Titles
Your job title should match industry norms. If your internship title was “Marketing Ninja,” that’s so cool, but change it to “Marketing Intern” so the ATS understands it.
5️⃣ Apply the Right Way & Then Follow Up
Even if your resume is perfect, following up with a human can make all the difference.
How to Fix It:
✔ If possible, apply through the company’s website or formal channels.
✔ Find a recruiter or hiring manager on LinkedIn and send a short, polite message expressing interest. Don’t just say, “I applied.”
✔ Use your network! Ask professors, alums, friends, or parent’s friends if they know anyone at the company. Check your LinkedIn network for people who work at the company that you may know.
If your applications aren’t leading to interviews, don’t get discouraged. Minor tweaks to your resume and approach can make a huge difference.
🔹 Check your resume against the job description.
🔹 Simplify your formatting.
🔹 Use keywords and highlight relevant skills.
🔹 Follow up when possible.
Want to test whether your resume is ATS-friendly? Tools like Jobscan or ResumeWorded can help determine how well it matches a job posting.