resume-ats-optimizer

SKILL.md

Resume ATS Optimizer

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when the user wants to:

Optimize their resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Check if their resume will pass automated screening

Understand why their applications aren't getting responses

Mentions keywords like: "ATS", "not getting interviews", "resume not working", "optimize resume", "keyword optimization"

Also use when the user provides a resume file and mentions they're applying to jobs.

Core Capabilities

Parse resume and test ATS compatibility

Extract and analyze keywords against job descriptions

Identify formatting issues that break ATS parsers

Calculate match scores between resume and job postings

Suggest keyword additions and placements

Generate ATS-friendly formatting recommendations

The ATS Problem

75% of resumes are rejected by Applicant Tracking Systems before a human ever sees them. Companies use ATS to:

Filter out unqualified candidates automatically

Search for specific keywords from job requirements

Parse resumes into structured data

Rank candidates by keyword match percentage

Common reasons resumes fail ATS:

Poor formatting (tables, columns, headers/footers)

Missing keywords from job description

Inconsistent section headers

Non-standard fonts or special characters

Text embedded in images

Incorrect file format

ATS Compatibility Checklist

File Format

✅ Use .docx or .pdf (not .pages, .odt)

✅ PDF must be text-based, not scanned image

✅ File name: "FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf"

Font & Formatting

✅ Standard fonts: Arial, Calibri, Georgia, Times New Roman

✅ Font size: 10-12pt for body, 14-16pt for headers

✅ No text boxes, tables, or columns

✅ No headers/footers (put contact info in body)

✅ No images, graphics, or charts

✅ Consistent date formats (MM/YYYY)

✅ Standard bullet points (•, -, *)

Section Headers

Use standard, recognizable headers:

✅ "Professional Experience" or "Work Experience" (not "Where I've Been")

✅ "Education" (not "Academic Background")

✅ "Skills" (not "Core Competencies")

✅ "Summary" or "Professional Summary"

Contact Information

John Smith
email@example.com | (555) 123-4567 | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnsmith
San Francisco, CA

NOT in header/footer, and avoid:

❌ Tables for contact info

❌ Special characters in email

❌ Multiple phone numbers

❌ Full mailing address (city/state is enough)

Keyword Optimization Process

Step 1: Extract Job Description Keywords

Identify three types of keywords:

Hard Skills (Technical)

Programming languages (Python, Java, SQL)

Tools and platforms (Salesforce, AWS, Excel)

Certifications (PMP, CPA, CFA)

Methodologies (Agile, Six Sigma, SDLC)

Soft Skills

Leadership, collaboration, communication

Problem-solving, analytical thinking

Project management, stakeholder management

Industry Terms

B2B, SaaS, e-commerce

Enterprise, SMB, mid-market

ARR, MRR, churn rate

Step 2: Match Analysis

For each keyword in job description:

Check if exact phrase appears in resume

Check for synonyms or variations

Count frequency of mention

Note location (summary, experience, skills)

Step 3: Calculate Match Score

Match Score = (Keywords Matched / Total Required Keywords) × 100

Example:
Job has 20 required keywords
Your resume has 15 of them
Match Score = 75%

Target: 80%+ for strong match

Step 4: Keyword Placement Strategy

Priority 1: Professional Summary (Top of Resume)

Include 5-8 most important keywords

Use naturally in 3-4 sentence paragraph

Example: "Data Scientist with 5+ years using Python, SQL, and machine learning to drive business insights..."

Priority 2: Skills Section

List keywords explicitly

Group by category if needed

Use exact phrasing from job description

Priority 3: Experience Bullets

Incorporate keywords into achievement statements

Don't force keywords unnaturally

Use variations throughout

Keyword Density Guidelines:

Critical keywords: Appear 2-4 times throughout resume

Important keywords: Appear 1-2 times

Don't keyword stuff - keep it natural

Vary phrasing (e.g., "led team" and "team leadership")

Analysis Output Format

When analyzing a resume, provide this structured report:

# ATS COMPATIBILITY REPORT

## Overall Score: [X]/100

### File Format Check ✅/❌
- Format: [DOCX/PDF]
- Text extraction: [Success/Failed]
- File size: [X KB/MB]

### Formatting Issues
✅ No tables or columns detected
❌ Contact info in header (move to body)
⚠️  Two different font sizes in skills section

### Keyword Analysis

JOB REQUIREMENTS vs YOUR RESUME:

**Critical Keywords (Must Have):**
✅ Project Management - Found 3x
✅ Agile/Scrum - Found 2x
❌ Stakeholder Management - MISSING (mentioned 5x in JD)
❌ Budget Management - MISSING (mentioned 3x in JD)

**Important Keywords:**
✅ Cross-functional teams - Found 1x
⚠️  "Risk management" - You have "risk mitigation" (close but not exact match)
✅ Process improvement - Found 2x

**Match Score: 65%**
Target: 80%+ recommended

### Recommended Changes

**1. Add Missing Keywords:**

In Professional Summary, change:
"Experienced project manager with proven track record..."

To:
"Experienced project manager with proven track record in stakeholder management and budget oversight..."

In Experience section, add bullet:
"Managed stakeholder communication across 3 departments and executive leadership team"
"Directed budget management for $2.5M project portfolio"

**2. Fix Formatting:**
- Move contact information from header to body of resume
- Make all skill section items same font size (currently 10pt and 11pt mixed)

**3. Strengthen Existing Keywords:**
Change "risk mitigation" to "risk management" for exact match

### Estimated New Match Score: 85%

Common ATS Failure Patterns

Pattern 1: Creative Formatting

❌ PROBLEM:
[Two-column layout with graphics]
[Skill bars and proficiency charts]
[Text in colored boxes]

✅ SOLUTION:
- Single column layout
- Text-only skills list
- Simple bullet points

Pattern 2: Unconventional Section Names

❌ PROBLEM:
"My Journey" (instead of Experience)
"What I Bring to the Table" (instead of Skills)
"Academic Pursuits" (instead of Education)

✅ SOLUTION:
Use standard headers ATS recognizes

Pattern 3: Missing Keywords

❌ PROBLEM:
Job requires: "Python, SQL, Data Visualization"
Resume says: "Programming, databases, making charts"

✅ SOLUTION:
Use exact terminology from job description

Pattern 4: Keyword Stuffing

❌ PROBLEM:
Skills: Python, Python programming, Python developer, Python expert, Python specialist, Advanced Python...

✅ SOLUTION:
Skills: Python, SQL, JavaScript, React, Node.js
(Then incorporate naturally in bullets)

Industry-Specific Considerations

Tech Resumes

Emphasize programming languages and frameworks

Include GitHub, portfolio links in Skills section (not header)

Certifications and courses matter highly

Business/Finance

Focus on software proficiency (Excel, SAP, Salesforce)

Certifications critical (CPA, CFA, PMP)

Industry keywords (P&L, ROI, KPI)

Healthcare

Licenses and certifications required

Specific systems (Epic, Cerner, MEDITECH)

Compliance keywords (HIPAA, Joint Commission)

Marketing

Platform expertise (HubSpot, Salesforce, Google Analytics)

Channel keywords (SEO, PPC, email marketing)

Metrics and results-driven language

Edge Cases & Special Situations

Career Changers

Focus on transferable skills

Use keywords from TARGET industry, not just current

May need two resume versions for ATS

Recent Graduates

Education section becomes priority for keywords

Include relevant coursework, projects

Internships count as experience - use those keywords

Executive Level

ATS still matters for senior roles

Focus on strategic keywords

Include board experience, P&L size, team size

Gaps in Employment

Use years only (not months) if it helps

Include freelance/consulting with keywords

Volunteer work can include relevant keywords

Implementation Checklist

When helping user optimize for ATS:

✅ Scan current resume for ATS compatibility issues

✅ Analyze job description for required keywords

✅ Calculate current match score

✅ Identify specific missing keywords

✅ Suggest exact placements for new keywords

✅ Flag formatting problems

✅ Provide before/after examples

✅ Re-score after suggested changes

✅ Verify file format and naming

✅ Test with ATS simulator if possible

Success Metrics

After optimization, the resume should:

Score 80%+ match for target job descriptions

Pass ATS parsing test (all sections recognized)

Have zero formatting errors

Include all critical keywords 2-4x each

Read naturally (not keyword-stuffed)

Be ready to submit immediately