ATS Cover Letter Tips: Beat the Applicant Tracking System
Learn how to write ATS-friendly cover letters that get past automated screening systems and land in front of human recruiters.
Generate ATS-Optimized Cover Letter →What is an ATS (Applicant Tracking System)?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by 75% of employers to automatically screen, parse, and rank job applications. If your cover letter isn't ATS-friendly, it may never reach human eyes—even if you're perfectly qualified.
Common ATS platforms include Workday, Greenhouse, Lever, Taleo, and iCIMS. Each has different parsing algorithms, but they all look for specific formatting and keyword signals.
Top 10 ATS Cover Letter Tips
Use Standard Section Headings
ATS systems look for specific section names. Stick to conventional headings so the system can parse your information correctly.
Good:
"Professional Experience" or "Work History" — not "Where I've Made an Impact"
Match Job Description Keywords
Copy exact phrases and terminology from the job posting. If they say "project management," don't say "project coordination."
Example:
Job posting: "Experience with Salesforce CRM" → Your letter: "5 years of experience with Salesforce CRM"
Save as PDF or .docx
Most ATS systems handle PDF and Word documents well. Avoid .pages, .odt, or image-based files which can't be parsed.
File name:
Jane_Smith_Cover_Letter.pdf (not Jane's Resume!!!.pages)
Use Simple, Clean Formatting
Avoid tables, text boxes, columns, headers, and footers. Use a single-column layout with standard fonts.
Safe fonts:
Arial, Calibri, Georgia, Times New Roman, Helvetica (10-12pt)
Spell Out Acronyms
Include both the acronym and full term to ensure the ATS catches it, regardless of how it's listed in the job posting.
Example:
"Certified in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) with 3 years of SEO experience..."
Avoid Graphics and Images
ATS systems can't read images, logos, charts, or infographics. Keep your cover letter text-only.
Skip:
Profile photos, company logos, skill charts, decorative elements
Include Your Contact Information
Put your name, phone, email, and location at the top of the document (not in header/footer where ATS might miss it).
Format:
John Doe | john.doe@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | San Francisco, CA
Use Standard Date Formats
Write dates clearly so ATS can parse them. Use "January 2023" or "01/2023" rather than "Jan '23."
Good:
March 2020 - Present (not "3/20 - Now" or "Spring 2020")
Quantify Your Achievements
ATS systems often prioritize candidates with measurable results. Include numbers, percentages, and metrics.
Example:
"Increased sales by 45% over 6 months" beats "Significantly improved sales performance"
Proofread for Typos
Spelling mistakes can prevent keyword matches. "Manger" won't match "Manager" in the job requirements.
Pro tip:
Use spell-check, read aloud, and have someone else review before submitting
How to Use Keywords Effectively
ATS systems scan for keywords from the job description. Here's how to incorporate them naturally:
✓ Do This
- •Use exact phrases from the job posting
- •Include industry-specific terminology
- •Mention required skills and qualifications
- •Use both acronyms and full terms (e.g., "SEO" and "Search Engine Optimization")
✗ Avoid This
- •Keyword stuffing or unnatural repetition
- •Using synonyms when job uses specific terms
- •Hiding white text or keywords in background
- •Generic buzzwords without context
ATS-Friendly Formatting Guidelines
| Element | ATS-Friendly | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| File Format | PDF or .docx | .pages, .odt, images |
| Font | Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman | Decorative or script fonts |
| Structure | Simple headings, bullets | Tables, text boxes, columns |
| Graphics | None (text only) | Images, logos, charts |
| Headers/Footers | Contact info in main body | Critical info in header/footer |
Common ATS Mistakes That Kill Applications
- Using creative templates: Graphics, text boxes, and multi-column layouts confuse ATS parsers
- Submitting as image or PDF scan: Text must be selectable and parseable, not an image
- Non-standard section headings: Use "Work Experience" not "My Career Journey"
- Special characters in file name: Use "John_Doe_Cover_Letter.pdf" not "John's Cover Letter #1.pdf"
- Missing standard information: Always include your name, email, phone, and location
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