How to Beat ATS Systems in 2026 — Complete Guide

What is an ATS and Why Does It Matter?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that companies use to manage job applications. Over 98% of Fortune 500 companies use one, and an estimated 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before a human ever sees them.

How ATS Works

ATS software parses your resume into structured data fields: name, contact info, work experience, education, skills. It then ranks candidates based on keyword matches against the job description.

ATS-Friendly Formatting Rules

• Use standard section headers: "Work Experience", "Education", "Skills"
• Avoid tables, text boxes, headers/footers, and columns
• Use standard fonts: Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman
• Save as .docx or .pdf (check the job posting for preference)
• Don't use images or graphics for important information

Keyword Optimization Strategy

For every application, analyze the job description and identify: required skills, preferred skills, industry-specific terms, and action verbs. Incorporate these naturally into your experience section.

The 80% Rule

Aim to match at least 80% of the required qualifications listed in the job posting. If you match less than 60%, the role may not be the right fit.

Tools That Help

ResumeKart's ATS Score Checker analyzes your resume against specific job descriptions and gives you a match percentage with actionable improvement suggestions.