How Can Professional Résumé Writers Ensure Their Clients’ Résumés Pass AI-Driven Screening Algorithms?

By 2025, 83% of companies will use AI to screen résumés before a human ever sees them. For professional résumé writers, this means creating documents that not only capture human attention but also satisfy applicant tracking systems (ATS) that rank and filter candidates. If your client’s résumé can’t get past the algorithm, it won’t reach the hiring manager. Here’s how you can ensure résumés are both ATS-friendly and impactful for human readers.

Use a Clean, Readable Format

AI systems struggle with graphics, tables, columns, and unusual fonts. Stick to:

• Standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
• Single-column layouts
• Clear section headers (e.g., “Professional Experience,” “Education”)
• Consistent date formatting (MM/YYYY or YYYY–YYYY)

A visually complex résumé might impress in print, but it can confuse algorithms and lower your client’s chances of being selected.

Prioritize Keywords Strategically

ATS software scans résumés for keywords directly from the job posting. To maximize alignment:

• Mirror the employer’s language (e.g., use “Project Management” if that’s in the posting, not just “Managed Projects”)
• Include both acronyms and full phrases (e.g., “SEO” and “Search Engine Optimization”)
• Integrate keywords naturally into achievements, not just in a “Skills” list

The goal isn’t keyword stuffing; it’s keyword relevance, matched to each target role.

Structure for Both ATS and Humans

Résumés must balance machine readability with human readability. To do this:

• Start with a strong professional summary using role-relevant keywords
• Place the most relevant skills and experience toward the top
• Avoid text in headers, footers, or images (many ATS systems ignore them)

This dual focus ensures that once the résumé passes the algorithm, it resonates with hiring managers.

Keep Up With Evolving ATS Technology

Not all ATS platforms are the same. Some now analyze phrasing, context, and even formatting beyond keywords. Professional résumé writers should stay updated on:

• The most common ATS platforms (e.g., Workday, Taleo, Greenhouse, iCIMS)
• How AI screening is being combined with skills assessments and interviews
• Employer adoption trends by industry and company size

The better you understand the tools employers use, the better you can tailor résumés to succeed.

Add Value Through Client Education

Your clients may be tempted by AI résumé generators or quick-fix templates, but these rarely account for nuanced strategy. Use your expertise to:

• Explain why customization for each role is essential
• Provide job seekers with a checklist for tailoring résumés to postings
• Offer LinkedIn optimization alongside résumé writing, since many employers integrate ATS with LinkedIn profiles

This positions you not just as a writer but as a trusted advisor who can skillfully guide clients through an AI-driven job market.

Final Thoughts

AI-driven screening isn’t going away, it’s expanding. For professional résumé writers, the challenge and the opportunity lie in blending technical precision with storytelling. A résumé that satisfies both algorithms and humans is the one that gets interviews.

Want to strengthen your expertise in creating ATS-proof résumés? Explore PARWCC certifications and resources to stay at the forefront of career services.