Keywords, formatting, and templates that pass Applicant Tracking Systems. Real examples from hiring managers. Expert resume guide by Nishikant Xalxo.">
ATS Resume Optimization: Beat the Robots (2025)
By Nishikant Xalxo | Resume Expert | Updated: January 10, 2025 | 12 min read
75% of resumes are rejected by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) before a human sees them. I learned this after submitting 50+ applications with zero responses. After optimizing my resume, I got interviews with 8 companies. Here's how to beat the bots.
How ATS Works
ATS software scans resumes for:
Keywords: Matching job description requirements
Formatting: Simple structure for parsing
Skills: Technical skills, certifications, tools
Experience: Job titles, dates, achievements
If your resume scores <70% match, human never sees it.
Keyword Optimization Strategy
1. Mirror Job Description Exactly
Example: If job description says "CNC programming" and you write "CNC coder," the ATS may not match. Use exact phrases.
Extract keywords from:
Job title
Required skills section
Technical requirements
Certifications listed
Software/tools mentioned
2. Create a Keywords Section
For CNC Machinist role:
FANUC CNC, G-Code, Mastercam, GD&T, CMM Inspection,
Tool Offset, Work Offset, Macro B Programming,
Haas, Siemens, AutoCAD, SolidWorks
3. Use Both Acronyms and Full Terms
Write both to capture all searches:
"Computer Numerical Control (CNC)"
"Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)"
"Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)"
Formatting Rules (Critical)
AVOID (Causes ATS to Reject):
Tables, text boxes, graphics, logos
Unusual fonts (stick to Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
Headers/footers (ATS can't read them)
PDF with images (use text-based PDF)
Multiple columns (use single column)
USE (ATS-Friendly):
Simple bullet points (• or -)
Standard section headings (Work Experience, Education, Skills)
Dates in mm/yyyy format (01/2020 - 12/2022)
Plain text PDF or .docx
ATS-Optimized Structure
Name (big, at top): No fancy formatting
JOHN DOE
123 Main St, City, ST 12345 | john.doe@email.com | 555-123-4567
Keywords Summary (3-4 lines):
CNC Machinist with 6 years FANUC programming, Mastercam,
GD&T, and CMM inspection experience. Certified in Macro B
and tool offset management.
CNC MACHINIST | ABC Manufacturing | 01/2020 - Present
• Program FANUC 0i-MF controls using G-code and Macro B
• Reduced cycle time 23% through tool path optimization
• Inspect parts using CMM and GD&T standards
Achievement Metrics (Boosts Score)
ATS looks for numbers and percentages:
Good: "Reduced cycle time 23% through tool path optimization"
Bad: "Responsible for improving cycle times"
Metrics to include:
Percentage improvements
Cost savings ($)
Time savings (hours)
Number of projects
Production volumes
Customizing for Each Job
Don't use one resume for all applications. Customize:
Reorder keywords to match job description priority
Add exact job title from posting to your summary
Mirror required skills section exactly
Remove irrelevant skills for that specific role
Testing Your Resume
Use free ATS scanners:
Jobscan.co
ResumeWorded.com
SkillSyncer.com
Aim for >80% match score.
About the Author: Nishikant Xalxo's resume went from 0 interviews to 8 callbacks after ATS optimization. He built SHADER7's resume builder with ATS rules baked in. Tool: shader7.com/cvbanao/