How to use ATS format in your resume or CV in Australia
Get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) by using the right resume format!
Boost Resumes
6/16/20261 min read
ATS format helps resumes get past Applicant Tracking Systems.
Recruitment agencies and most big employers use ATS to scan, sort, and rank resumes before a human ever sees them.
Layout and formatting
Use simple + clean approach, i.e., no text boxes, tables, columns, headers/footers, graphics, or fancy fonts. ATS can’t read them well.
Standard fonts: Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, 10-12pt
Standard sections: Use headings like "Work Experience", "Education", "Skills". ATS looks for those exact words.
Save as .docx or PDF: .docx is safest. Some old ATS still struggle with PDFs.
Keywords
Mirror the job description. If they want "Project Management", write "Project Management", not just "PM".
Sprinkle relevant skills, tools, and certifications from the posting.
Don’t keyword-stuff. Keep it natural.
Content style
Use reverse chronological order - list most recent job first.
No images/icons: ATS can’t or won't read them.
Standard job titles: “Marketing Manager” > “Growth Ninja”
Spell out acronyms first: "Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)" then just "SEO"
What breaks ATS?
Tables, columns, logos, photos, weird symbols, PDF scans, text boxes, creative templates from Canva
Remember this!
The aim of using ATS format for your resume:
Make it easy for a robot to read, so a human gets to see it.
Boost Your Resume!
Contact details:
Email: hello@boostresumes.com
Location
Tuart Hill, Perth, Western Australia