ATS Resume Optimization That Gets You Noticed
Getting past the initial resume screen is no longer about who you know—it’s about how well your resume performs against a company’s Applicant Tracking System (ATS). At Hillcrest Resumes, we specialize in ATS Resume Optimization to make sure your resume isn’t lost in the system before a human even sees it. If you’re applying online and not getting responses, the problem likely isn’t your experience—it’s your formatting and keywords.
What is ATS Resume Optimization?
ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) are used by more than 90% of employers to filter resumes before they ever reach a hiring manager. These systems scan resumes for specific keywords, job titles, qualifications, and formatting cues. If your resume isn’t optimized for ATS, it can be rejected—no matter how qualified you are.
Our ATS resume optimization service ensures that your resume includes industry-relevant keywords, is structured for machine readability, and aligns with the expectations of both the algorithm and the human recruiter.
Why ATS Optimization Matters
Even the most qualified candidates can get filtered out by outdated or poorly structured resumes. Here’s why optimizing your resume for ATS is crucial:
- Keyword Targeting: We integrate job-specific keywords and phrases employers search for.
- Correct Formatting: ATS systems can’t read graphics, text boxes, or columns—our resumes avoid these traps.
- Structured Sections: Clear headings, chronological order, and relevant grouping improve both ATS and recruiter readability.
- Tailored Layouts: Each resume is designed based on your role and industry, not a one-size-fits-all template.
Who Needs ATS Resume Optimization?
Anyone submitting resumes online can benefit, especially if you’ve noticed that you’re not hearing back after applications. We help:
- Job seekers in tech, healthcare, finance, and government roles
- Mid-career professionals applying through job boards
- Recent grads breaking into competitive fields
- Military veterans transitioning to civilian careers
- Executives applying for leadership positions
How Our Process Works
Our ATS optimization process is both strategic and simple:
- Consultation: We analyze your goals, industry, and target positions.
- Resume Audit: We evaluate your current resume for ATS compliance.
- Keyword Integration: We embed relevant keywords from real job descriptions.
- Final Delivery: You receive your resume in Word, PDF, and plain text formats—all optimized for ATS.
Rush services are also available for those working against tight deadlines.
Get More Interviews With an ATS-Optimized Resume
Don’t let software stand between you and your next job opportunity. A powerful, optimized resume ensures your qualifications are seen by both the system and the decision-makers.
Contact Hillcrest Resumes today at (619) 298-6904 or fill out our contact form to get started. Let’s make sure your resume doesn’t just get seen—it gets results.
Frequently Asked Questions – ATS Resume Optimization
What is ATS resume optimization?
ATS resume optimization involves formatting and structuring your resume so that it can be successfully read by Applicant Tracking Systems used by employers during the hiring process.
Why is ATS optimization important?
Over 90% of companies use ATS software to filter resumes. If your resume isn’t optimized, it could be discarded before reaching a human recruiter—even if you’re highly qualified.
How does Hillcrest Resumes optimize for ATS?
We use keyword targeting, clean formatting, strategic sectioning, and job-specific language to ensure your resume gets past the ATS and into the hands of hiring managers.
Can I use graphics or columns in an ATS-optimized resume?
No. ATS systems often can’t read text in graphics, tables, or columns. We avoid these to ensure full compatibility.
Will ATS optimization affect how my resume looks to people?
No. We design resumes that are both ATS-friendly and visually appealing to recruiters once your resume gets through the system.
What kind of keywords should be included in an ATS resume?
We include role-specific keywords from real job descriptions, including job titles, technical skills, certifications, and industry terms.
Does every job require a different ATS-optimized resume?
While a single resume can be tailored for multiple roles in the same industry, we recommend slight tweaks to align with each specific job description.
Can I test if my current resume is ATS-friendly?
Yes! Contact Hillcrest Resumes for a free ATS resume scan and critique—we’ll let you know where improvements are needed.
What file format should I use for an ATS resume?
ATS resumes should be submitted in .docx or plain text format. We provide all final resumes in Word, PDF, and text formats.
How long does it take to optimize a resume for ATS?
Our standard delivery is 3–5 business days, but we offer rush services for faster turnaround if needed.
Can you optimize a resume I already have?
Yes. We can update your existing resume with full ATS compliance and improvements in formatting, keywords, and strategy.
Do you provide keyword research for my industry?
Absolutely. We pull keywords from real job listings in your industry and integrate them naturally into your resume content.
What industries benefit most from ATS optimization?
Any industry using online application portals—such as tech, healthcare, finance, education, and government—will benefit from ATS resume optimization.
Is ATS resume optimization included in all Hillcrest Resumes packages?
Yes, ATS compliance is standard in all our resume packages, whether you’re entry-level or executive.
What if I’m applying through LinkedIn or Indeed?
Even platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed use ATS-style parsing. Optimized formatting helps maintain the integrity of your resume on these sites too.
Can you help me rewrite my resume from scratch?
Yes. If your current resume is outdated or ineffective, we’ll start fresh and build a powerful, ATS-optimized resume tailored to your career goals.
Will you include a summary section?
Yes. A keyword-rich summary or profile statement is a critical part of a successful ATS resume and is included in every project.
Do I need a different resume for federal jobs?
Federal resumes have different formatting requirements. We offer specialized federal resume services to meet those standards.
Can I get interview help too?
Yes, we offer mock interviews and career coaching to support you beyond the resume writing phase.
How do I get started with ATS resume optimization?
Call us at (619) 298-6904 or contact us here to begin. We’ll schedule a consultation and review your existing resume, goals, and target job postings.