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How to Craft an ATS-Friendly Resume for Australian Employers

  • Writer: Matthew Coppola
    Matthew Coppola
  • 6 minutes ago
  • 3 min read

In 2025, the vast majority of Australian employers—around 80%—use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline recruitment.


These systems automatically scan resumes, ranking candidates based on relevance before a human recruiter even sees them. If your CV isn’t ATS-friendly, it risks being filtered out, no matter how qualified you are.


A hand writes on a business report with a black pen, paper stack in background, computer keyboard partially visible, focused setting.
Is your CV keyword rich?

Here’s how to ensure your resume passes the digital gatekeepers and lands in the right hands.


Why ATS Matters in Australia


Popular job boards like SEEK, Indeed, and company career portals all rely heavily on ATS. Employers in sectors ranging from healthcare to technology use these systems to handle large volumes of applications quickly. For job seekers, this means that tailoring your resume for ATS is no longer optional—it’s essential.


Key Strategies for an ATS-Friendly Resume


1. Use Keywords Strategically

ATS software looks for exact matches between the job description and your resume.

  • Scan the job ad for frequently used terms (e.g., “patient care”, “compliance”, “data analysis”).

  • Incorporate these keywords naturally in your skills, experience, and summary sections.

  • Avoid keyword stuffing—relevance and context matter.


2. Stick to Simple Formatting

ATS systems can struggle with overly designed documents.

  • Use a clean layout with standard fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman).

  • Save your file as a Word document (.docx) rather than PDF unless otherwise requested.

  • Avoid images, graphics, tables, and text boxes, which can confuse the software.


3. Tailor Each Application

Sending the same resume to multiple jobs reduces your chances of being shortlisted.

  • Customise your resume for each role, aligning your skills and achievements with the specific job ad.

  • For SEEK applications, consider uploading a tailored cover letter that reinforces keyword alignment.


4. Use Clear Headings

ATS scans for common headings, so stick to conventional labels:

  • Work Experience

  • Education

  • Skills

  • Certifications

Creative alternatives like “Career Journey” or “What I Bring” might look nice but could confuse the system.


5. Optimise for In-Demand Roles

To illustrate, here are simplified ATS-friendly examples for two growing fields in Australia:

Example: Aged Care Worker (Healthcare)

Name: Jane Smith

Professional Summary
Compassionate Aged Care Worker with 4+ years’ experience supporting elderly clients in residential and home care. Skilled in patient care, medication administration, and compliance with Aged Care Quality Standards.

Work Experience
Aged Care Assistant | XYZ Aged Care, Brisbane | 2020–2024
- Delivered daily personal care to 25+ residents, ensuring dignity and comfort.
- Administered medications in compliance with clinical guidelines.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to improve patient wellbeing.

Skills
- Patient care
- Medication administration
- Infection control
- Aged Care Quality Standards compliance

Education
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) | TAFE Queensland | 2019

Example: Data Analyst (Technology)

Name: John Doe

Professional Summary
Data Analyst with 5+ years’ experience in data visualisation, statistical analysis, and business intelligence. Skilled in SQL, Python, and Tableau, with a proven track record of driving insights for decision-making.

Work Experience
Data Analyst | ABC Tech, Melbourne | 2021–2025
- Developed dashboards in Tableau used by executive teams for strategic planning.
- Conducted statistical modelling to identify revenue growth opportunities.
- Managed SQL databases with over 1M+ records.

Skills
- Data analysis
- SQL
- Python
- Tableau
- Business intelligence

Education
Bachelor of Data Science | Monash University | 2020

Final Thoughts

Crafting an ATS-friendly resume is about clarity, precision, and alignment with job descriptions. By using keywords effectively, sticking to clean formatting, and tailoring each application, you increase your chances of getting past the initial screening process. In a competitive Australian job market, this approach ensures your resume doesn’t just look good—it gets seen.


Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional career advice. Job seekers are encouraged to adapt strategies to their specific circumstances.



 
 
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