ATS OPTIMIZATION CHECKLIST
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FORMATTING
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☐ Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
☐ Avoid graphics, images, or logos
☐ Use simple bullet points (• or -)
☐ Avoid tables and columns
☐ Use standard section headings
☐ Save as .docx or .pdf (not .pages)
☐ Keep formatting simple and clean

KEYWORDS
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☐ Include keywords from job description
☐ Use industry-standard terminology
☐ Include variations of key terms
☐ Match job title terminology
☐ Include relevant skills and technologies
☐ Use action verbs (Managed, Developed, etc.)

CONTENT
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☐ Include a professional summary
☐ List experience in reverse chronological order
☐ Include quantifiable achievements
☐ Use consistent date formats
☐ Include relevant certifications
☐ List technical skills clearly
☐ Include education section

OPTIMIZATION TIPS
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☐ Customize resume for each application
☐ Use job description keywords naturally
☐ Include both acronyms and full terms (e.g., "API (Application Programming Interface)")
☐ Avoid headers and footers
☐ Use standard file naming (FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf)
☐ Keep file size reasonable
☐ Test your resume with ATS scanners

COMMON MISTAKES
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✗ Using fancy fonts or graphics
✗ Saving as image files
✗ Using tables for layout
✗ Including irrelevant information
✗ Using non-standard section names
✗ Missing contact information
✗ Spelling errors

TOOLS TO TEST YOUR RESUME
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• Jobscan.co
• Resume Worded
• VMock
• TopResume
• Resume.io ATS checker