How to write a resume that actually gets read (by Humans + Bots)

You’ve heard it before: your resume should “stand out.” But in today’s job market, it’s not just about impressing hiring managers – it’s also about getting past the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) that screens your resume before a human even sees it. So, how do you write a resume that gets past the bots and wins over real people? Let’s break it down.

1. Start with the Right Format

Use a clean, modern layout with clear section headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.”
Avoid columns, graphics, or overly designed templates — they often confuse ATS software.

Pro Tip: Use a simple font (like Poppins or Arial) and save your resume as a PDF or .docx unless the job posting says otherwise.

2. Tailor It Every Time

Yes, every time.
Customize your resume to match the language of the job description. Look for specific keywords related to the role — software tools, certifications, job titles — and naturally work them into your resume.

Example: If the job says “project management software,” use “Asana” or “Trello” instead of “task tracker.”

3. Lead with Achievements, Not Tasks

Hiring managers aren’t just looking for what you did — they want to know how well you did it.

Use quantifiable achievements instead of vague responsibilities.

Instead of:
“Managed customer accounts.”
Write:
“Managed 50+ B2B accounts, resulting in a 25% increase in customer retention.”

4. Use Keywords Strategically (But Naturally)

ATS systems look for relevant terms, so make sure your resume includes:

• Job title variations (“Operations Manager” vs “Ops Lead”)
• Industry terms (“Lean Six Sigma,” “UX Design,” “CRM Software”)
• Action verbs (“Launched,” “Implemented,” “Optimized”)

Don’t stuff keywords — write like a human, with AI-friendly logic.

5. Keep It Short and Sharp

1 page is perfect for most job seekers; 2 pages max if you’ve got 10+ years of experience.
Don’t list every job you’ve ever had — focus on the last 10 years and what’s most relevant.

6. Don’t Skip the Soft Skills (But Show, Don’t Tell)

Words like “team player” or “hard worker” are overused. Instead, show soft skills through your experience.

Example:
“Led cross-functional team of 6 to launch a new onboarding process — reduced ramp time by 30%.”

7. Proofread Like It’s Your Job (Because It Kind Of Is)

Spelling and grammar mistakes are resume-killers. Use a tool like Grammarly — and ask a friend to proofread if you can.

Bonus: Let AI Help You Get Started

Still feeling stuck?

That’s exactly why we built CareerKindle — a smart, AI-powered resume builder that generates customized resumes based on your experience, your goals, and the job you’re applying for.

No templates. No stress. Just results.

Ready to Build a Resume That Gets Read?

[Build Your Resume with CareerKindle →]http://www.careerkindle.com