Introduction

In today’s competitive job market, having an ATS-friendly resume is crucial for job seekers in Australia. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software used by employers to filter resumes based on specific keywords and formatting. This guide will walk you through the process of creating an ATS-friendly resume using templates that are tailored for the Australian job market. By the end of this guide, you will understand how to create a resume that stands out to both ATS and hiring managers.

📚 Related: Free ATS Resume Templates That Get Past the Robots

What You'll Need

• A computer or laptop with internet access
• Word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs)
• An ATS-friendly resume template (available online)
• Your professional history, skills, and education details
• Approximately 1-2 hours for completion

📚 Related: How to Create a Professional Resume for Free in 5 Simple Steps

Step 1: Choose the Right ATS-Friendly Template

Selecting an appropriate template is the first step in building your resume.

1. Research ATS-Friendly Templates: Look for templates specifically designed to be ATS-compatible. Websites like Canva, Hirective, and ResumeGenius offer templates that meet these criteria.
2. Select a Simple Design: Opt for a clean, straightforward layout without excessive graphics or unusual fonts. This ensures that the ATS can easily parse your information.
3. Download the Template: Once you’ve found a suitable template, download it in a compatible format (preferably .docx or .pdf).

Pro Tip: Always preview the template in different formats to ensure it retains its structure when viewed by ATS software.

📚 Related: Hirective vs. Kickresume: The Best Free Alternative in 2025

Step 2: Input Your Personal Information

Now that you have your template, it's time to fill in your details.

• Start with Basic Information: Include your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable) at the top of the resume.
• Format Consistently: Ensure all headings (like “Work Experience” and “Education”) are consistent in font and size. This helps ATS recognize sections easily.
• Use Standard Headings: Stick to conventional headings such as “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” Avoid creative headings that may confuse the ATS.

Important Note: Always double-check your contact information for accuracy. An incorrect email or phone number can prevent employers from reaching you.

📚 Related: Hirective vs. Zety: Which Resume Builder is Truly Best for You in 2025?

Step 3: Highlight Your Work Experience

Your work experience section is critical in showcasing your qualifications.

1. List Jobs Chronologically: Start with your most recent job and work backward. Include company names, job titles, and dates of employment.
2. Use Bullet Points: Describe your responsibilities and achievements in bullet points. This format is easier for ATS to read and allows you to highlight key accomplishments.
3. Incorporate Keywords: Analyze job descriptions for keywords and phrases relevant to your field. Include these in your experience descriptions to improve ATS compatibility.

Key Points: Tailor your work experience to match the job you’re applying for by focusing on relevant skills and achievements.

Step 4: Add Your Education and Certifications

Your educational background and any certifications can set you apart from other candidates.

• List Your Education: Include the name of the institution, degree obtained, and dates attended. If you're a recent graduate, you may want to place this section before work experience.
• Include Relevant Certifications: If you have certifications that are pertinent to the job, list them here. This could include industry-specific qualifications or additional training.
• Keep It Concise: Provide only the necessary details. ATS systems are designed to parse relevant information quickly.

Step 5: Finalize Your Resume

The final step is to polish your resume before submission.

1. Proofread for Errors: Check for spelling and grammatical errors, as these can negatively impact your chances. Consider using tools like Grammarly for assistance.
2. Save in the Correct Format: Save your resume in both .docx and .pdf formats, depending on the employer’s requirements. Some ATS may struggle with PDFs.
3. Test Your Resume: Use ATS simulators available online to see how your resume performs and make adjustments as necessary.

Why Hirective Simplifies This

• Voice-to-Resume Technology: Speak your experience naturally, and our AI will format it into a professional resume. This is a revolutionary feature no competitor has.
• Free to Start: Get started without any signup or credit card required. Experience the power of Hirective for free.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Problem 1: Resume Formatting Issues: If your resume appears distorted, ensure you’re using standard fonts (like Arial or Times New Roman) and avoid excessive formatting.
• Problem 2: ATS Not Parsing Information: If key sections are missing, revise your headings and ensure they align with standard ATS categories.

Next Steps

After completing this guide, you should have a polished, ATS-friendly resume ready for job applications. Tailor it for each job you apply to by adjusting keywords and phrases to match the job description.

Create Your Resume Now → Visit hirective.com/cv/start to get started free.