Optimize Your Resume for ATS in 2026: Complete Guide
75% of resumes are rejected by ATS systems before a recruiter even reads them. Here's how to make sure yours passes the filters.
What Is an ATS and Why Does It Matter?
An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is software used by recruiters and companies to manage and filter applications. The most common ATS in France are Workday, Taleo, Greenhouse and BambooHR.
When you apply online, your resume is first read by a robot before reaching a human. If your resume isn't ATS-compatible, it's automatically rejected, regardless of your profile quality.
Key statistic: According to a Jobscan study, 98% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS. In France, this figure reaches 75% for large companies and mid-caps.
The 8 Golden Rules for an ATS-Compatible Resume
1 Use a simple, clean format
Avoid tables, multiple columns, headers/footers and images. ATS struggle to parse them. Use a linear, structured format.
2 Include keywords from the listing
Use the exact terms from the job listing. If it mentions "project management", use that phrase, not just "management".
3 Use standard section headings
ATS look for headings like "Work Experience", "Education", "Skills". Avoid creative headings.
4 Send in DOCX or PDF format
DOCX format is best parsed by most ATS. PDF is also accepted but may cause issues with some older systems.
5 Quantify your achievements
Numbers are your allies: "Increased revenue by 25%", "Managed a team of 8", "Reduced costs by 15%".
6 Avoid non-standard abbreviations
Write out acronyms in full at least once: "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)" rather than just "SEO".
7 Place important information at the top
Your target job title and key skills should appear in the first third of your resume.
8 Tailor your resume to each listing
This is the most important rule — and this is where JobyApp's AI saves you considerable time by automatically generating a resume tailored to each position.
How JobyApp Automatically Optimizes Your Resume for ATS
Instead of spending hours manually adapting your resume for each listing, JobyApp fully automates the process:
- Automatic keyword extraction from each job listing
- Smart matching between your skills and job requirements
- Personalized resume generation with the right terms in the right place
- DOCX export natively compatible with all ATS
Optimize your resume for ATS automatically
Try JobyApp and never let ATS filters block your applications again.
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