Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan for structure and keywords. Your goal is a clean document the machine can parse and a human can skim in 7–10 seconds. Here’s a layout that consistently works, plus prompts and checklists.
The layout (one page)
- Header: Name • City • Email • Phone • LinkedIn • Portfolio
- Summary (2–3 lines): Role + niche + 1–2 proof points (numbers)
- Skills: Tools + core skills that match the job ad wording
- Experience: Reverse-chronological. Each role: 2–4 impact bullets
- Education/Certs: Degree, date; relevant certs
Bullet formula + examples
Action verb + what you did + how + result (with a number)
- Increased email CTR from 2.1% to 3.8% by testing 12 subject lines and segmenting new users.
- Reduced support tickets 22% by launching a 10-article self-serve help center.
- Shipped onboarding redesign that cut time-to-value from 3 days to 1.2 days.
Keyword matching (without keyword stuffing)
Copy the job ad into an LLM and ask: “List the top 10 hard skills/tools the ad expects.” Mirror exact wording if you have the skill (e.g., “Figma,” not “design tool”). Place in Skills and the most relevant bullets.
Formatting rules so ATS doesn’t choke
- Use standard headings: Experience, Skills, Education.
- No text in images. Avoid tables for core content.
- File name:
Firstname_Lastname_Resume.pdf. Export PDF unless asked for DOCX. - Body font 10.5–11.5pt; consistent margins; simple bullets.
LLM prompts that actually help
Rewrite bullets for impact
Rewrite these resume bullets with action verbs + numbers where possible. Keep each to one line. Remove fluff. Output as a list. [PASTE YOUR RAW BULLETS HERE]
Tailor to a job ad
Here is the job description: [PASTE JD] Here is my resume text: [PASTE RESUME] Suggest 6 specific bullet edits so my resume aligns with the JD language (no exaggeration). Return only the revised bullets and the JD keywords you matched.
Final skim test (60 seconds)
- Can I identify your role, niche, and proof points in 10 seconds?
- Do 3+ bullets show numbers or clear outcomes?
- Do your skills match the JD terms?
- Are links (LinkedIn/Portfolio) clickable and current?