ATS-friendly resumes: a practical checklist for Australian job seekers
An ATS-friendly resume should make your experience easy to understand for both recruitment software and the person reviewing your application. There is no universal resume format that guarantees an interview, and an online score cannot tell you how every employer will assess your application. Focus on clear structure, relevant evidence and accurate information.
1. Follow the employer’s instructions
Check the requested file type, size limit and application questions before uploading. Submit the requested format and review any fields the application system fills automatically. Correct missing or misplaced information before you submit.
2. Keep the structure straightforward
Use clear headings such as Work Experience, Education and Skills. A simple single-column layout is a sensible starting point. Keep essential contact details in the main document body and use selectable text rather than a scanned image. Greenhouse’s own support documentation identifies columns, complex tables, graphics and contact details in headers or text boxes among possible parsing problems. Other systems may behave differently.
3. Match the role honestly
Read the responsibilities and essential requirements. Use relevant terminology where it accurately describes your experience, and explain it through real examples. Do not copy every keyword from an advertisement or list skills you cannot demonstrate. If you are changing careers, connect transferable skills to the work the employer needs done.
4. Show what you did
Replace vague descriptions with specific responsibilities and outcomes. For example, describe the type of customer enquiries you handled, the systems you used or the part of a warehouse operation you supported. Include numbers only when you can substantiate them. Clear evidence helps a reviewer understand your contribution.
5. Check consistency across your application
Review job titles, dates, spelling and contact details. Make sure your LinkedIn profile and resume tell a consistent story while allowing each to serve a different purpose. You can give your profile broader context and tailor your resume to the vacancy.
6. Make a final reading check
Open the submitted file, confirm that text can be selected, and check that headings and dates remain readable. A plain-text copy can help you spot reading-order problems, but it is not a guarantee of compatibility with every ATS. Keep a copy of the advertisement and the exact resume you submitted so you can prepare for an interview.
Need help presenting your experience?
TalentAxis offers resume preparation, LinkedIn profile optimisation, interview preparation and career guidance. Contact jobs@talentaxis.com.au to discuss the support you need. These services help you present your experience clearly; they do not guarantee an interview or job offer.
Source for the parsing examples: Greenhouse Support, “Unsuccessful resume parse”, updated 2 March 2026: https://support.greenhouse.io/hc/en-us/articles/200989175-Unsuccessful-resume-parse
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