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How to Write an ATS-Friendly Resume for Career Changers

Updated: 4 days ago


How to Make an ATS-Friendly Resume for Career Changers

When I work with professionals going through a career change, there’s one question that comes up almost every time:


“I know I’m qualified… so why am I not getting interviews?”


It’s frustrating. You’ve spent years gaining experience, building transferable skills, and now you’re ready for a new direction. You update your resume, send out dozens of applications, and… silence.


Before you start doubting your skills or changing your whole career plan, take a deep breath. In many cases, the issue isn’t your experience— it’s how your resume is being read (or more accurately, not read).


Let’s talk about the ATS and how to write an ATS-friendly resume that doesn’t get lost in the system.



What is the ATS and why should you care?

Most medium to large employers (including private companies and even nonprofits) use something called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to screen resumes before a human ever lays eyes on them. These systems are designed to scan for keywords, job titles, and relevant formatting to rank your resume against others.


Think of it like this: your resume is going through a robot filter before it gets to a recruiter’s desk.


If your resume doesn’t align with what the ATS is trained to look for, it might get skipped—even if you’re a perfect fit for the role.


And this is especially important for people making a pivot. Because you’re not coming from a traditional background, your resume needs to be strategically positioned to translate your value across industries.



The most common resume mistake I see

When I review resumes from professionals looking to pivot, I often see beautifully written documents… that would never make it past an ATS.


The formatting might be complex, the language too vague, or the keywords completely misaligned with the target role. This happens even with highly accomplished professionals— it’s not a lack of skill, it’s a lack of alignment.


The truth is the resume that worked for your last job isn’t always the resume that will work for the job you want next.



How to Write an ATS-Friendly Resume

If you’re looking to improve your resume right now, here are a few foundational things to consider:


1. Keep the Format Simple

Avoid columns, graphics, icons, or fancy templates—especially those built on Canva or similar platforms. While they look nice, many ATS platforms can’t parse complex design elements. Stick to a clean, single-column layout with standard fonts.


2. Use Keywords with Intention

Review the job description and identify key terms that appear more than once. Use those terms naturally in your resume—especially in the professional summary, skills, and work experience sections.


3. Focus on Results, Not Just Duties

Instead of saying, “Responsible for managing projects,” try “Led cross-functional projects resulting in a 15% improvement in workflow efficiency.” The ATS loves keywords, but recruiters love results.


4. Tailor Your Resume for Each Role

Yes, it takes time. But if you’re serious about pivoting, your resume should reflect the unique needs of the role you’re applying for. One-size-fits-all resumes don’t work anymore.



What Most People Get Wrong About Pivoting

When you’re transitioning from one industry to another— say from federal to corporate, or from nonprofit to tech— it’s tempting to downplay your past experience. Maybe you assume hiring managers won’t “get it,” or that your old role doesn’t translate.


But here’s what I tell my clients all the time:


“Your background isn’t a weakness. It’s your edge. You just need to position it the right way.”

An ATS-friendly resume helps you do exactly that. It bridges the gap between what you’ve done and what the employer needs— and it gets your foot in the door.



Let’s Break It Down Together

If you’re pivoting careers and not hearing back, it doesn’t always mean you’re unqualified. Often, it just means your resume isn’t aligned with how the system works.


That’s why we created our Beat the Bots workshops—to help professionals like you get clear on how to write an ATS-compliant resume, decode job descriptions, and finally get traction in your job search.


You don’t have to guess your way through this process. Join us and walk away with strategies that help your resume get past the bots and in front of real decision-makers.


Learn how to write an ATS-compliant resume

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