Resume Do's an Don'ts

Resume Do's and Don'ts: Keywords, ATS Myths, and How to Stand Out

In today's digital-first hiring landscape, your resume isn't just read by recruiters—it's scanned, scored, and sorted by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). At Artemis Resumes, we specialize in helping job seekers navigate this process with confidence. Whether you're reentering the workforce or pivoting careers, understanding the dos and don'ts, as well as common ATS myths, can make all the difference.

Resume Do's: What to Include for Maximum Impact 

1. Tailor your resume to each job posting. Generic resumes are easy to spot—and easy to overlook. Use the job description as your guide, mirroring its language and priorities to show alignment. 

2. Use relevant keywords naturally. ATS software scans for specific terms related to skills, tools, and qualifications. Incorporate keywords such as "project management," "data analysis," or "customer success" where they are relevant in the context. 

3. Quantify your achievements. Numbers speak louder than buzzwords. Instead of saying "responsible for sales," say "increased regional sales by 18% in Q2."

4. Maintain clean and consistent formatting. Use standard fonts (like Calibri or Arial), clear section headers, and bullet points. ATS systems prefer simplicity over design-heavy layouts. 

5. Include a skills section. This is a great place to list hard skills and tools (e.g., Salesforce, Excel, Adobe Creative Suite) that align with the job. 

Resume Don'ts: Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Don't use graphics, tables, or text boxes. While they may look appealing, many ATS systems can't read them properly, which could cause your content to be skipped entirely. 

2. Don't keyword-stuff. Repeating the same term over and over won't trick the ATS—and it'll turn off human readers. Use synonyms and related phrases instead. 

3. Don't include irrelevant experience. Focus on what supports your current career goals. That part-time job from 2008? This probably won't help your case. 

4. Avoid using headers or footers for key information. Some ATS platforms can't parse content in these areas. Keep your contact info and section titles in the main body of the document. 

5. Don't forget to proofread. Typos and grammar mistakes can undermine your credibility. Use tools like Grammarly or ask a friend to review your resume for accuracy. 

Top Keywords to Consider (Depending on Your Industry)

• Tech: Agile, Python, UX/UI, cloud computing, cybersecurity

• Marketing: SEO, content strategy, CRM, campaign management

• Sales: lead generation, pipeline management, quota attainment

• Healthcare: patient care, HIPAA compliance, EHR, clinical support

• Admin: scheduling, data entry, office management, vendor coordination
  
  

Always pull keywords directly from the job description and tailor accordingly.

Busting Common ATS Myths 

Myth #1: ATS automatically rejects resumes that don't score 100%.
Truth: ATS ranks resumes based on relevance, but recruiters still review many that don't "score" perfectly.

Myth #2: You must use the exact keyword from the job post.
Truth: Modern ATS can recognize variations and synonyms. "Managed projects" and "project management" are often treated similarly.  

Myth #3: PDFs are always rejected.
Truth: Most ATS systems can read properly formatted PDFs, but Word documents are still the safest bet.

Myth #4: Fancy designs impress ATS.
Truth: Design-heavy resumes may confuse the system. Stick to clean, text-based formatting for best results.

Final Thoughts 

Your resume is more than a document—it's your digital handshake. At Artemis Resumes, we help you craft resumes that not only pass the ATS but also resonate with real people. By combining strategic keyword use, clean formatting, and a compelling narrative, we ensure your story gets seen—and remembered.