Before diving into freshers resume tips, it’s essential to understand Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and how they impact job applications. ATS software is used by recruiters to filter, scan, and rank resumes before a human even sees them. If your resume isn’t optimized for ATS, it may never reach the hiring manager, regardless of your skills and qualifications.
For freshers and entry-level job seekers, this means that structuring, formatting, and keyword optimization are crucial. But don’t worry we’ve got you covered with the best ATS resume tips that will help you stand out!
Best ATS Resume Tips for Freshers & Entry-Level Jobs
Choose the Right Resume Format
ATS favors specific resume formats that allow it to read and extract information efficiently. The best format for freshers is:
- Reverse Chronological Resume: Lists education and experiences from most recent to oldest. This is ideal because ATS scans dates first.
- Functional Resume: Focuses on skills rather than job history. While ATS can read it, some recruiters may not prefer this format.
- Combination Resume: Blends chronological and functional formats, highlighting both skills and experiences.
For freshers, the reverse chronological format is the safest and most ATS-friendly choice.
Use an ATS-Friendly Resume Template
Many candidates make the mistake of using fancy resume templates with images, text boxes, and non-standard fonts. However, ATS struggles to read these elements, which may result in your resume being rejected.
- Simple, clean layout with clearly defined sections
- Standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
- No graphics, tables, or text boxes
- Bullet points for easy readability
Key elements of an ATS-friendly resume template:
Optimize Keywords for ATS and Recruiters
ATS scans resumes for specific keywords related to the job description. If your resume lacks these keywords, it may not get past the initial screening.
How to identify the right keywords:
- Carefully read the job description and note frequently used terms.
- Use action verbs like “managed,” “developed,” “analyzed,” or “coordinated.”
- Include both hard skills (e.g., Python, Microsoft Excel, SEO) and soft skills (e.g., teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability).
Pro Tip: Use variations of important keywords. For example, if the job description mentions “project management,” include both “project management” and “managed projects.”
Tailor Your Resume for Each Job Application
A generic resume won’t cut it. Customize your resume for each job application by:
- Matching job-specific keywords to the job description
- Highlighting relevant skills and experiences
- Removing unrelated information to keep it concise
Example: If you’re applying for a digital marketing role, emphasize skills like SEO, content creation, and Google Analytics rather than part-time retail experience.
Use Standard Resume Sections
ATS software reads resumes in a structured format, so ensure your sections follow standard resume conventions:
- Contact Information
- Name
- Phone number
- Professional email address
- LinkedIn profile (if available)
- Resume Summary or Objective (for freshers)
- Keep it concise, 2–3 lines summarizing skills and career goals
- Example:
“Highly motivated Computer Science graduate with hands-on experience in Python and web development. Passionate about problem-solving and eager to contribute technical expertise in a dynamic IT environment.”
- Education
- Degree, major, university, graduation year
- GPA (if strong, e.g., above 3.5/4.0)
- Skills Section (ATS Optimized)
- Use bullet points to list relevant skills
- Hard skills: Programming languages, software, certifications
- Soft skills: Communication, teamwork, problem-solving
- Work Experience / Internships / Projects
- List experience in reverse chronological orderInclude company name, role, dates, and key responsibilitiesUse action verbs and measurable achievements
Marketing Intern | XYZ Company | June 2023 – August 2023- Managed company’s social media pages, increasing engagement by 30%
- Assisted in content creation, leading to 500+ new followers
- Certifications and Additional Sections (if applicable)
- List relevant online courses, certifications (e.g., Google Analytics, Coursera, Udemy)
- Include languages, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities
Use Bullet Points, Not Paragraphs
Long paragraphs make it difficult for both ATS and recruiters to scan your resume. Always use bullet points to highlight skills and achievements concisely.
Do this:
- Increased customer engagement by 40% through targeted social media campaigns
- Developed Python scripts to automate data analysis, reducing processing time by 50%
Avoid this:
“I was responsible for increasing customer engagement and analyzing data using Python scripts.”
File Format: Submit as a PDF or Word Document
ATS may struggle with certain file types. Always submit your resume in PDF or DOCX format to ensure proper parsing.
Pro Tip: Some ATS systems prefer Word documents, so unless specified otherwise, submit in DOCX for the best compatibility.
Avoid Fancy Graphics & Columns
ATS software reads resumes in a linear format. Using multiple columns, images, or tables confuses the system, leading to missing or misinterpreted information.
- Stick to single-column resumes
- Use clear section headings
Run an ATS Resume Test
Before submitting, test your resume for ATS compatibility:
- Use online ATS checkers like Jobscan, Resume Worded, or Rezi
- Copy and paste your resume into a plain text document if it remains readable, ATS can parse it
FAQs About ATS Resume Tips for Freshers & Entry-Level Jobs
What is the best resume format for ATS?
The reverse chronological format is the most ATS-friendly because:
- It lists work experience from most recent to oldest, making it easy to scan.
- ATS systems prioritize job titles, dates, and keywords, which this format highlights.
- It helps recruiters quickly assess your career growth.
Should I include a photo on my resume?
No, including a photo is not recommended because:
- ATS doesn’t scan images, meaning it won’t process your photo.
- Many companies follow anti-bias hiring policies and may reject resumes with photos.
- A photo takes up space that could be used for more relevant content like skills and experience.
Can I use color in my resume?
Yes, but keep it minimal:
- Use black for text and subtle blue or gray for section headings.
- Avoid excessive colors, graphics, fancy fonts, or shaded backgrounds, as ATS may not read them correctly.
- Keep the formatting simple to ensure ATS properly parses the content.
How long should an ATS-friendly resume be?
- For freshers and entry-level candidates → One page is ideal unless you have extensive internships or projects.
- For professionals with 5+ years of experience → A two-page resume is acceptable.
- Focus on relevant experience, use bullet points, and avoid unnecessary details.
What is the ideal font for an ATS resume?
Use ATS-friendly fonts to ensure readability:
Avoid decorative or script fonts (e.g., Comic Sans, Papyrus) as they can confuse ATS.
Best fonts: Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, Verdana.
Font size: 10–12 pt for body text, 14–16 pt for section headings.
Final Thoughts
Creating an ATS-friendly resume is the key to landing entry-level jobs in today’s competitive job market. By using the right format, optimizing keywords, and structuring content properly, you increase your chances of getting past ATS and into the hands of a recruiter.
Follow these ATS resume tips for freshers & entry-level jobs, and start your career on the right foot!