How to Beat the ATS in 2025: The Ultimate Guide

You've applied to 50 jobs. You're qualified for at least 40 of them. You've heard back from... zero.

It's not you. It's the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

In 2025, over 98% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS to filter resumes before a human ever sees them. If your resume isn't optimized for these systems, you're essentially shouting into a void.

But here's the good news: The ATS isn't magic. It's just a database with a search function. And like any search engine, it can be beaten.

What is an ATS?

An Applicant Tracking System is software that helps companies manage the hiring process. Popular examples include Workday, Taleo, Greenhouse, and Lever.

When you submit your application, the ATS parses your resume, stripping away formatting to extract raw text. It then scans this text for specific keywords, skills, and qualifications that match the job description.

If your resume lacks these keywords, or if the ATS can't read your file, you get automatically rejected.

3 Ways to Beat the ATS

1. Use Standard Formatting

Creativity kills ATS readability. Avoid:

• Columns (some older systems read straight across)
• Graphics, icons, and photos
• Text boxes and tables
• Headers and footers (information here is often ignored)

Do this instead: Use a clean, single-column layout with standard headings like "Experience," "Education," and "Skills."

2. Set Your Keywords

This is the most critical step. The ATS is looking for specific words found in the job description.

If the job asks for "Project Management" and you write "Managed Projects," you might miss out. If they want "Python" and "React," and you only list "Full Stack Development," you're invisible.

Pro Tip: Use a tool like CareerFlex to instantly scan the job description and tell you exactly which keywords you're missing.

3. Save as a .docx or PDF (Carefully)

Most modern ATSs handle PDFs well, but some older ones struggle. A Word document (.docx) is the safest bet for parsing accuracy. If you use PDF, make sure it's text-selectable, not an image export.

The "Invisible" Resume Test

Want to know if your resume is ATS-friendly? Try this simple test:

1. Open your resume PDF.
2. Select all text (Ctrl+A) and copy it.
3. Paste it into a plain text editor (like Notepad).

Does it look like a jumbled mess? Are sections out of order? If so, the ATS can't read it either.

Conclusion

Beating the ATS isn't about cheating; it's about translation. You're translating your human experience into robot-readable language. Once you master this, you'll stop getting auto-rejected and start getting interviews.

Ready to test your resume? Download the CareerFlex Chrome Extension to analyze your resume against any job description in real-time.