Everything you need to know about creating ATS-optimized resumes
ATS Basics
What is an ATS (Applicant Tracking System)?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by employers to collect, scan, and rank job applications. Over 90% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS to filter resumes before they reach human recruiters. Understanding ATS is crucial for job seekers because a poorly formatted resume may never be seen by a hiring manager.
What is an ATS-friendly resume?
An ATS-friendly resume is formatted to be easily parsed by Applicant Tracking Systems. It uses standard fonts, clear section headings, simple formatting without tables or graphics, and includes relevant keywords from the job description. Our builder automatically creates ATS-compatible resumes.
Why do I need an ATS-optimized resume?
Studies show that 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before reaching a human recruiter. An ATS-optimized resume increases your chances of passing automated screening and getting your application in front of hiring managers. Without proper optimization, even highly qualified candidates can be filtered out.
Using Our Builder
How does the AI resume generation work?
Our AI analyzes your work experience, skills, and career goals to generate a professionally written resume. Simply describe your background in plain text, and our AI creates structured content with impactful bullet points, quantified achievements, and industry-relevant keywords optimized for ATS.
What does the ATS Score feature measure?
The ATS Score analyzes your resume against key criteria that applicant tracking systems evaluate: keyword relevance, formatting compatibility, section structure, content quality, and overall readability. You receive a score from 0-100 along with specific suggestions for improvement.
Can I edit my resume after AI generation?
Yes, our interactive builder allows full editing of AI-generated content. You can modify any section, add or remove entries, and use the AI Enhance feature to improve specific parts. The live preview shows changes in real-time so you can perfect your resume.
What file format is the downloaded resume?
Resumes are downloaded as PDF files, the industry standard for job applications. PDF format preserves formatting across all devices and systems, ensuring your resume looks exactly as intended when opened by recruiters or ATS software.
Pricing & Features
Is FreeATS Resume Builder really free?
Yes, core features including resume building, editing, AI enhancement, and ATS score checking are completely free. PDF download and email delivery are available for a small fee of $2 to help us maintain the service and continue development.
What's included in the $2 download?
The $2 payment unlocks PDF download of your resume plus email delivery. You can download your resume immediately and also receive it via email for easy access on any device. There are no subscriptions or hidden fees.
Do you store my resume data?
We prioritize your privacy. Resume content is processed in real-time and not permanently stored on our servers. Your data is used only to generate and format your resume, then discarded after your session ends.
Resume Tips
How long should my resume be?
For most professionals, a one-page resume is ideal. Two pages are acceptable for senior roles with 10+ years of experience. Our templates are designed to maximize space efficiency while maintaining readability and ATS compatibility.
What keywords should I include?
Include keywords from the job description you're applying to: job titles, required skills, tools, certifications, and industry terms. Our ATS Score feature analyzes keyword optimization and suggests improvements based on common industry requirements.
Should I include a summary or objective?
A professional summary is recommended over an objective statement. Summaries highlight your key qualifications and value proposition in 2-3 sentences. Our AI generates compelling summaries tailored to your experience and target role.