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ATS Resume Tips: How to Make Your Resume Pass ATS Screening

TrueCV Career Lab
Expert CV and interview guidance for Australia
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31,289 views · For job seekers in AustraliaIn this video we break down how Australian job seekers can craft a resume that speaks clearly to applicant tracking systems. From using standard headings and clear dates to matching the exact language of the job ad, we show practical, truth‑based techniques that keep both the ATS and human recruiters happy. Follow our five‑point self‑check to boost your resume’s chances of moving forward.
Video synopsis

Watch: ATS Resume Tips for Australian Job Seekers

If you’re applying for jobs in Australia, understanding how applicant tracking systems (ATS) read your resume is essential. This video delivers ATS resume tips Australia style, showing you how to structure your document so both the software and the recruiter can quickly see why you’re a fit. You’ll learn why clear headings, consistent dates, and job‑specific terminology matter, and how a simple five‑point self‑check can dramatically improve your chances of passing the automated screen.

We walk through the core reasoning behind each tip: start with a readable structure using conventional headings like Experience, Education, and Skills; mirror the exact language of the vacancy without copying whole sentences; place key evidence where the ATS can find it, such as bullet points and a focused skills section. The video also highlights common pitfalls – heavy graphics, columns, or a wall of keywords – and contrasts a weak example (“forecasting stakeholder management Excel reporting budgeting analysis finance planning communication”) with a strong, evidence‑based statement. Finally, we outline a five‑point checklist that covers headings, chronology, relevant terminology, evidence placement, and visual simplicity.

Applying these lessons in the Australian job market is straightforward. Use the same headings and date formats you see in local job ads, and incorporate Australian spelling (e.g., “organisation”) when it matches the posting. Keep your resume clean, avoid unnecessary graphics, and tailor each application to the specific role by highlighting the most relevant achievements first. By following the video’s guidance, you’ll create a resume that speaks clearly to both the ATS and the human recruiter, increasing the likelihood of moving to the interview stage.

Use standard headings and clear dates to ensure ATS readability.
Match terminology from the Australian job ad, but keep statements truthful.
Place key achievements in bullet points and a concise skills section.
Avoid complex layouts, graphics, or keyword stuffing that can confuse the ATS.
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Video questions

Frequently Asked Questions about this video

Here are answers to common questions after watching the ATS resume tips video.

What is an ATS and why does it matter for Australian resumes?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software employers use to collect, store and filter resumes. In Australia many large organisations rely on ATS to shortlist candidates, so if your resume isn’t formatted for the system it may never be seen by a recruiter.
How can I tell if my resume is ATS‑friendly?
Use the five‑point self‑check from the video: clear headings, readable chronology, vacancy‑specific terminology, evidence next to key skills, and no unnecessary visual complexity. Running the free TrueCV ATS Resume Checker can also highlight any remaining issues.
Should I include graphics or a colourful layout in my Australian resume?
Generally avoid heavy graphics, columns or text embedded in images. Simple, clean layouts work best for most ATS used in Australia and keep the document readable for human recruiters as well.
How many keywords should I use from a job ad?
Include only the terms that genuinely describe your experience. Sprinkle them naturally within clear statements rather than creating a long, disconnected keyword list.
Does the TrueCV ATS Resume Checker work for Australian job listings?
Yes, the checker scans your resume against the language you provide, so you can paste an Australian job description and see whether your resume reflects the required terms and structure.
Can I rely solely on the ATS checker instead of a human review?
The checker is a useful diagnostic tool, but a human recruiter will still read your resume. Make sure the document is both ATS‑compatible and easy for a person to understand.

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Liam15 minutes ago
Great tips! I never realized headings mattered so much.
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Sophie30 minutes ago
Thanks for the five‑point checklist. Saved me a lot of time.
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James45 minutes ago
Do you think using a two‑column layout ever works in Australia?
TC
TrueCV Career Lab✓40 minutes ago
Two‑column layouts can be read by some ATS, but they often cause parsing errors. For most Australian applications we recommend a single‑column format to ensure both the system and the recruiter see your information clearly.
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Emily60 minutes ago
I tried the keyword approach and got an interview for a finance role. Cheers!
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Noah90 minutes ago
Is it okay to keep my resume as a PDF, or should I use Word for ATS?
TC
TrueCV Career Lab✓85 minutes ago
Both PDF and Word can work, but some ATS struggle with complex PDFs. If you use a PDF, keep it simple—no embedded images or unusual fonts. When in doubt, submit a Word document if the employer allows it.
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Olivia120 minutes ago
The bad keyword pile example was spot on. I used to do that.
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Ethan150 minutes ago
I'm a recent grad. Should I still worry about ATS?
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Mia180 minutes ago
What about using Australian spelling (organisation vs organization) – does it affect ATS?
TC
TrueCV Career Lab✓175 minutes ago
Most ATS treat spelling variations as separate tokens. Use the spelling that appears in the job ad. If the posting uses “organisation”, mirror that in your resume to improve keyword matching.
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Ava210 minutes ago
I love the video but wish there were more examples for tech roles.
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