How to Craft Your First Resume with the Right Keywords and Structure

What are the right keywords and structure to craft your first Resume?

You’ve spent years preparing for this moment—earning your degree, building skills, and finally feeling ready to enter the professional world. However, there’s one major hurdle standing between you and your dream job: crafting your very first resume.

If you’re staring at a blank document wondering where to start, you’re not alone. Creating a resume from scratch can feel overwhelming, especially when you’ve heard about mysterious systems called ATS that reject most applications before a human even sees them. Moreover, with 57% of hiring managers spending only 1-3 minutes reviewing each resume in 2024, you need to make every word count.

The good news? You don’t need years of experience to create a winning resume. What you need is the right structure, strategic keywords, and an understanding of how modern hiring systems work. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to craft your first resume with keywords and structure that get you noticed—whether it’s a robot scanning your application or a human making the hiring decision.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a complete roadmap to building a resume that stands out in 2025’s competitive job market.

Quick Takeaways

Here’s what you’ll learn in this guide:

ATS systems scan 99% of Fortune 500 companies’ applications – Learning how they work is non-negotiable for job seekers in 2025
Keywords are your secret weapon – Strategic placement of job-specific terms can increase your interview chances by 10.6 times
Structure matters more than creativity – Reverse-chronological format remains the gold standard for first-time job seekers
One size doesn’t fit all – Tailoring your resume to each job posting is the #1 way to gain an advantage over other applicants
Quantifiable achievements beat responsibilities – Using numbers and metrics makes your accomplishments stand out
Formatting can make or break your application – Simple, clean designs pass ATS filters while complex graphics get rejected
Your resume is a marketing document – It should showcase your potential, not just list your past

Understanding the Modern Resume Landscape

What Makes Today’s Job Market Different

The job search landscape has transformed dramatically over the past few years. Gone are the days when you could submit a generic resume to dozens of companies and hope for the best. Today’s hiring process is more sophisticated, more competitive, and increasingly automated.

According to 2024 data, the average resume contains 683 words, 15 skills, and references 5 different jobs. Additionally, only 5-10% of resumes submitted result in an interview on average, and under 2% lead to a job offer. These sobering statistics highlight why understanding resume optimization is crucial for first-time job seekers.

Furthermore, the rise of artificial intelligence in hiring has changed the game entirely. 83% of U.S. employers now rely on AI technology and algorithms to filter job applications, making it essential to understand how these systems evaluate candidates.

The ATS Reality: Your First Gatekeeper

Before we dive into crafting your resume, you need to understand Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Think of ATS as digital gatekeepers that scan, parse, and rank your resume based on how well it matches the job description.

According to Jobscan’s research, 99.7% of recruiters use filters in their ATS or similar systems to find qualified candidates. This means your beautifully crafted resume could be rejected within seconds if it doesn’t meet certain criteria—regardless of your actual qualifications.

However, don’t let this intimidate you. Understanding how ATS works actually gives you a significant advantage. These systems aren’t your enemy; they’re simply tools that help companies manage hundreds or thousands of applications efficiently. Once you learn to optimize for them, you’ll dramatically increase your chances of reaching human reviewers.

The Foundation: Choosing the Right Resume Structure

Why Structure Is Your Starting Point

Before worrying about what to write, you need to decide how to organize your information. Your resume structure is like the blueprint of a house—get this wrong, and everything else falls apart.

For first-time job seekers, there are three main resume formats to consider:

Reverse-Chronological Format (Recommended for Most)

This format lists your most recent experience first and works backward. The chronological resume format is the most common type and is widely used in the US. It’s considered the “default” format and is particularly effective because:

ATS systems can easily scan and categorize your information
Hiring managers are familiar with this structure
It clearly shows your career progression
It’s straightforward and professional

Functional Format (Use Sparingly)

This format emphasizes skills over work history. The functional resume format is not very popular in 2025, and most recruiters and hiring managers aren’t familiar with it. Additionally, applicant tracking systems have difficulties reading functional resumes.

Combination/Hybrid Format (For Specific Situations)

This format blends skills and experience. While it can work well, it’s more complex and should typically be reserved for career changers or those with diverse backgrounds.

The Winning Structure for First-Time Job Seekers

For your first resume, stick with the reverse-chronological format. Here’s exactly how to organize your sections:

Contact Information (at the very top)
Resume Summary or Objective (2-3 sentences)
Education (place this before experience if you’re a recent graduate)
Relevant Experience (internships, volunteer work, part-time jobs)
Skills (both hard and soft skills)
Optional Sections (certifications, projects, languages, awards)

Pro Tip: Studies confirm that ATS systems are unable to identify contact information 25% of the time when it’s placed in headers or footers. Therefore, always place your contact details in the main body of your resume, not in the header.

Essential Resume Sections: What to Include

1. Contact Information: Making It Easy to Reach You

Your contact section should include:

Full name (use a larger font, but keep it professional)
Phone number (make sure your voicemail is professional)
Professional email address (avoid emails like partygirl@email.com)
LinkedIn profile URL (optional but recommended)
City and state (full address is no longer necessary)

What to avoid: Over 50% of hiring managers prefer resumes not to include home addresses. Simply listing your city and state is sufficient.

2. Resume Summary: Your 30-Second Elevator Pitch

Since you’re crafting your first resume, you might wonder whether to use a summary or objective. Here’s the difference:

Resume Summary: A brief overview of your skills, education, and what you bring to the role. Best if you have relevant internships or experience.

Resume Objective: A statement about your career goals and what you’re seeking. Better for those with absolutely no experience.

For most first-time job seekers, a resume summary works better because it focuses on what you can offer rather than what you want.

Example Summary: “Recent Business Administration graduate with a 3.8 GPA and hands-on experience in digital marketing through a 6-month internship at Tech Startup Inc. Proficient in Google Analytics, social media management, and content creation. Eager to leverage analytical skills and creative problem-solving to drive marketing initiatives at a growth-focused organization.”

Notice how this summary includes keywords (digital marketing, Google Analytics), quantifiable details (3.8 GPA, 6-month internship), and specific skills relevant to the target role.

3. Education: Showcasing Your Academic Achievements

As a first-time job seeker, your education is likely your strongest asset. Structure each education entry like this:

Format:

Degree Type, Major
University Name, City, State
Graduation Date (or Expected Graduation Date)
GPA (only if 3.5 or higher)
Relevant coursework, honors, or achievements

Example:

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

University of California, Los Angeles

Expected Graduation: May 2025

GPA: 3.7/4.0

Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Machine Learning, Web Development

Dean’s List: Fall 2023, Spring 2024

Recruiters generally don’t care about GPAs as they’re not good indicators of career success, with Google’s senior vice president claiming that GPAs are “worthless as criteria for hiring”. Therefore, only include your GPA if it’s impressive and relevant to the position.

4. Experience: Making the Most of What You Have

Here’s a secret: you have more experience than you think. Even without formal jobs, you can showcase:

Internships (paid or unpaid)
Volunteer work
Part-time or seasonal jobs
Campus involvement and leadership roles
Relevant class projects
Freelance or gig work

How to Structure Each Experience Entry:

Job Title

Company Name, City, State

Month Year – Month Year (or Present)

Achievement-focused bullet point with quantifiable results
Another achievement showing your skills in action
Third bullet highlighting your impact

The Achievement Formula: Instead of listing responsibilities, focus on what you accomplished. Use this template:

Action Verb + What You Did + Quantifiable Result

Before (Responsibility-focused): “Responsible for social media accounts”

After (Achievement-focused): “Managed Instagram and Facebook accounts, increasing engagement by 45% over 3 months through strategic content planning and community interaction”

Never begin a bullet point with the phrase “responsible for.” Instead, use action verbs like led, developed, analyzed, and implemented to show what you did in each role.

5. Skills Section: Your Keyword Goldmine

Your skills section serves two critical purposes: it helps ATS systems identify you as a match, and it gives hiring managers a quick snapshot of your capabilities.

Include Two Types of Skills:

Hard Skills (Technical abilities):

Software and tools (Microsoft Excel, Adobe Photoshop, Python)
Technical knowledge (Data Analysis, SEO, Project Management)
Certifications (Google Analytics Certified, CPR Certified)
Languages (Spanish – Fluent, Mandarin – Conversational)

Soft Skills (Personal qualities):

Communication
Leadership
Problem-solving
Time management
Teamwork

61% of employers say they value soft skills as highly as hard skills in an employee, making both types essential for your resume.

Pro Tip: If there’s a common abbreviation for one of your proficiencies, such as “SEO” for search engine optimization, include both versions in your resume. This ensures ATS systems catch either variation.

The Power of Keywords: Your ATS Secret Weapon

Why Keywords Matter

Keywords are the backbone of resume optimization. 99.7% of recruiters use keyword searches to find qualified candidates in their applicant tracking systems. Without the right keywords, your resume simply won’t appear in search results—no matter how qualified you are.

Think of keywords as the language employers speak. When they post a job description, they’re essentially telling you exactly what terms to use in your resume. Your job is to decode this message and mirror that language.

How to Find the Right Keywords

Step 1: Analyze the Job Description

Start by reading the job posting from top to bottom and pay attention to words and phrases that appear more than once. These repeated terms are usually the most important skills and qualifications the employer seeks.

Step 2: Identify Different Keyword Types

Look for these specific categories:

Job titles: The exact position name (Marketing Coordinator, Software Developer)
Hard skills: Technical abilities (Python, Budget Management, AutoCAD)
Soft skills: Personal qualities (Leadership, Communication, Analytical Thinking)
Industry terms: Sector-specific jargon (Agile, HIPAA, ROI)
Tools and software: Specific platforms (Salesforce, Adobe Suite, QuickBooks)
Certifications: Required credentials (PMP, CPA, First Aid)

Step 3: Compare Multiple Job Postings

Collect three to five job descriptions that represent the type of position you’re targeting. Look for common keywords across all listings—these are your must-haves.

Strategic Keyword Placement

Where you place keywords matters just as much as which ones you include. Some applicant tracking systems determine the strength of your skills based on the number of times a term appears (aim for 2-3 times), while others assign experience levels based on keyword placement.

Best Places for Keywords:

Professional Summary: Include your target job title and 2-3 top keywords
Skills Section: List hard skills using exact wording from the job description
Experience Bullets: Weave keywords into achievement statements naturally
Section Headers: Use standard terms like “Work Experience” and “Skills”

Example of Natural Keyword Integration:

Let’s say the job description emphasizes “project management,” “cross-functional collaboration,” and “data-driven decision making.”

Poor (Keyword Stuffing): “Experienced in project management, used project management tools for project management tasks involving project management methodologies.”

Excellent (Natural Integration): “Led project management for campus fundraising initiative, coordinating cross-functional collaboration among 15 student volunteers and using data-driven decision making to increase donations by 32% compared to previous year.”

ATS systems in 2025 are sophisticated enough to recognize unnatural language patterns and keyword stuffing.

Common Keyword Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Using Internal Jargon

Internal company jargon doesn’t translate to ATS systems. If your previous organization called something by a unique name, include the industry-standard term in parentheses.

Instead of: “Managed XYZ System optimization” Write: “Managed CRM System (XYZ) optimization”

Mistake #2: Not Spelling Out Acronyms

Spell out acronyms on first use, then use the acronym. This ensures ATS recognizes both versions: “Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system administration”.

Mistake #3: Using Generic Buzzwords

Avoid generic buzzwords like “hardworking,” “team player,” or “go-getter.” These terms don’t tell recruiters anything specific. Instead, demonstrate these qualities through specific achievements and results.

Mistake #4: Ignoring the Job Title

The job title is the most important keyword since it’s one of the first things recruiters search for. Candidates who include the job title on their resume are 10.6 times more likely to get an interview.

Formatting Your Resume for ATS Success

Why Formatting Matters

You could have perfect keywords and an impressive background, but if your formatting confuses the ATS, your resume will be rejected. According to Forbes, an ATS could reject up to three-fourths of competent applicants due to formatting issues.

ATS-Friendly Formatting Rules

Do:

Use standard section headings (“Work Experience,” “Education,” “Skills”)
Choose simple fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (10-12 point)
Stick to standard bullet points (• or -)
Save as a Word document (.docx) or PDF when specified
Use single-column layouts
Keep formatting consistent throughout
Leave adequate white space for readability

Don’t:

Include images, photos, or graphics
Use tables or text boxes for content
Place important information in headers or footers
Use fancy fonts or decorative elements
Create multiple columns
Include charts or graphs
Use unusual symbols or special characters

ATS may not read content in headers or footers, so place all critical information in the main body of the resume.

The One-Page vs. Two-Page Debate

For first-time job seekers, one page is typically sufficient. However, the landscape is changing. Despite conventional wisdom, 96% of job seekers in 2024 chose a double-column format, though experts recommend single-column layouts for better ATS parsing.

Companies nowadays prefer two-page resumes for experienced professionals, with employers being 2.9 times more likely to choose candidates with two-page resumes for managerial positions. However, as a first-time job seeker, focus on making one strong page unless you have substantial relevant experience.

File Format: PDF vs. Word

The safest approach is to follow the application instructions exactly. It’s generally recommended to submit your resume as a PDF unless instructed otherwise, since PDFs preserve your formatting and are usually ATS-compatible.

If the job posting doesn’t specify, a Word document (.docx) is your safest bet for maximum ATS compatibility.

Advanced Tips for Resume Success

Tailoring Your Resume for Each Application

Hiring managers say that customizing your resume for every job is the No. 1 way of getting an advantage over other applicants. While this sounds time-consuming, it doesn’t mean rewriting your entire resume each time.

The Master Resume Method:

Create a “master resume” with all your experiences, skills, and achievements
For each application, customize by:
- Adjusting your summary to match the specific role
- Reordering bullet points to prioritize relevant experiences
- Adding job-specific keywords
- Emphasizing skills mentioned in the job description

Time-Saving Tip: Zety analyzed over 11 million resumes and found that resumes took an average of just 15.25 minutes to create using resume builders. Consider using professional resume builders to streamline the tailoring process.

Using Action Verbs Effectively

Strong action verbs make your achievements more impactful. Here’s a categorized list:

Leadership: Led, Directed, Coordinated, Managed, Supervised, Mentored
Achievement: Achieved, Exceeded, Surpassed, Delivered, Completed, Accomplished Communication: Presented, Negotiated, Influenced, Collaborated, Facilitated, Conveyed
Creation: Developed, Designed, Created, Built, Established, Launched
Analysis: Analyzed, Evaluated, Assessed, Researched, Investigated, Examined
Improvement: Improved, Enhanced, Optimized, Streamlined, Increased, Reduced

Vary your action verbs to keep your resume engaging and showcase different capabilities.

Quantifying Your Achievements

Numbers stand out on resumes and provide concrete evidence of your impact. Even without formal work experience, you can quantify:

Team sizes you worked with (“Collaborated with 8 team members”)
Time periods (“Completed 50-hour volunteer program”)
Percentages (“Improved event attendance by 35%”)
Amounts (“Raised $3,000 for local charity”)
Rankings (“Achieved top 10% in class”)
Volumes (“Managed inventory of 500+ items”)

Before: “Helped with fundraising event” After: “Coordinated fundraising event with 15 volunteers, securing $5,000 in donations and 200+ attendees, exceeding goal by 25%”

Proofreading: The Make-or-Break Step

Typos are the most common reason resumes are tossed in the trash. Additionally, job seekers with more than 99% of words spelled correctly are three times more likely to get hired.

Proofreading Checklist:

Read your resume aloud (catches awkward phrasing)
Use spell-check, but don’t rely on it alone
Check for consistent formatting (same bullet styles, fonts, spacing)
Verify dates are accurate and consistent
Confirm all contact information is current
Ask 2-3 people to review for errors you might miss
Check that keywords are spelled exactly as they appear in job descriptions
Ensure proper capitalization of job titles and company names

Wait at least one day between writing and final proofreading—fresh eyes catch more mistakes.

Testing and Optimizing Your Resume

How to Check ATS Compatibility

Before submitting your resume, test its ATS-friendliness using these methods:

Method 1: The Plain Text Test

Try the plain text test: Paste your resume into a text document to see how it reads without formatting. This gives you an idea of how an ATS might parse your information.

If your resume becomes jumbled or information appears out of order, the ATS will likely struggle too.

Method 2: Use Free ATS Scanners

Before submitting any resume, run it through a free ATS scanner like Jobscan or Resume Worded. These tools show exactly how an ATS will read your resume and highlight missing keywords.

Jobscan recommends a match rate score of 75%, though many users see success even with 65%. However, there is such a thing as an over-optimized resume—scoring above 75% might require keyword stuffing.

Method 3: Ask for Feedback

Share your resume with:

Career services counselors at your school
Mentors in your target industry
Professional resume reviewers
Peers who’ve successfully landed jobs

Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid

Based on industry research, here are the top mistakes that get resumes rejected:

Lying or exaggerating: A huge majority of 85% of HR professionals have uncovered lies or misrepresentations on candidates’ resumes during screening
Including photos: There is an 88% rejection rate for job seekers who include photos in their resumes
Generic applications: More than 63% of employers prefer receiving resumes tailored to the specific role
Poor formatting: Using creative designs that confuse ATS systems
Missing keywords: Not including terms from the job description
Lengthy paragraphs: Making information hard to scan quickly
Outdated information: Keeping irrelevant or very old experiences
No quantifiable results: Only listing responsibilities without achievements

Special Considerations for First-Time Job Seekers

What to Do If You Have No Experience

Even without traditional work experience, you can build a compelling resume by including:

Academic Projects: “Capstone Project: Developed a mobile budgeting app using React Native, serving 50+ student beta users and receiving 4.5-star average rating”

Volunteer Work: “Volunteer Social Media Manager, Local Animal Shelter (June 2024 – Present) • Created content strategy increasing adoption inquiries by 40% • Managed Facebook and Instagram accounts with combined 5,000+ followers”

Campus Involvement: “President, Student Marketing Association (Sept 2023 – May 2024) • Led organization of 15 members and coordinated 6 professional development events • Increased membership by 35% through targeted recruitment campaigns”

Coursework: Relevant coursework can fill space and demonstrate knowledge: “Relevant Coursework: Digital Marketing Strategy, Consumer Behavior Analysis, Market Research, Brand Management, Social Media Marketing”

Employers prefer candidates who list internship experiences in their resumes, so highlight any internships—even short or unpaid ones—prominently.

Addressing Employment Gaps

As a first-time job seeker, employment gaps are less concerning than for experienced professionals. However, if you have significant time periods without activity:

Be Strategic:

Use years only (not months) in your education section
Include relevant activities during gaps (online courses, volunteer work, self-study projects)
Focus on skills and capabilities rather than chronological timelines

Don’t:

Leave unexplained gaps
Use functional format solely to hide gaps (it raises suspicion)
Make up experience to fill time

The Role of LinkedIn and Online Presence

44% of employers use publicly available data from social media, such as LinkedIn profiles, to assess resumes and speed recruitment. Your online presence matters.

LinkedIn Best Practices:

Ensure your LinkedIn profile matches your resume information
Include a professional headshot
Request recommendations from professors, supervisors, or mentors
Join relevant professional groups
Share industry content to demonstrate engagement
Use keywords in your headline and summary

Clean up your social media presence—employers are watching.

The Future of Resumes: Trends to Watch

AI and Resume Writing

65% of employers are using AI in the hiring process, rising to 70% for US employers. Interestingly, an MIT Sloan study found that AI-assisted resumes boost job seekers’ chances of getting hired by 8%, with these applicants receiving an average of 8.4% higher wages.

However, there’s a catch: 49% of hiring managers reject applicants for using obviously AI-generated resumes. The key is using AI as a tool for improvement, not as a replacement for your own voice and authenticity.

Smart AI Usage:

Use AI to brainstorm bullet point phrasings
Get suggestions for stronger action verbs
Check grammar and clarity
Identify missing keywords
Generate initial drafts that you then personalize

What to Avoid:

Submitting completely AI-generated resumes without customization
Using overly formal or unnatural language
Including information that isn’t true to your experience

Skills-Based Hiring

81% of employers now use skills-based hiring methods, up from 73% in 2023. Additionally, 98% of employers say skills-based hiring is more effective at finding talented candidates than traditional resumes.

This trend actually benefits first-time job seekers. Instead of competing primarily on years of experience, you can showcase specific skills through:

Portfolio projects
Certifications
Skills assessments
Project-based work examples

80% of middle-skill jobs now demand digital literacy, establishing it as a standard across many roles, making technical skill development increasingly important.

Emerging Skill Demands

Proficiency in ChatGPT became one of the fastest-growing resume skills in 2024, with mentions soaring 274% compared to 2023. Stay ahead by developing skills in:

Artificial Intelligence tools and applications
Data analysis and interpretation
Digital marketing and social media
Remote collaboration platforms
Sustainability and ESG knowledge
Automation and process optimization

50% of all employees will require reskilling by 2025, particularly in technology-related fields, highlighting the importance of continuous learning.

Conclusion

Crafting your first resume doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you now have everything you need to create a resume that stands out in 2025’s competitive job market.

Remember these key principles:

Start with structure – The reverse-chronological format remains the gold standard for first-time job seekers, providing clarity for both ATS systems and human reviewers.

Master keywords – They’re not just buzzwords; they’re the language that connects your qualifications to employers’ needs. Research job descriptions thoroughly, identify recurring terms, and integrate them naturally throughout your resume.

Focus on achievements – Transform responsibilities into quantifiable accomplishments using action verbs and specific metrics. Show the impact you’ve made, not just the tasks you’ve performed.

Format for success – Keep your design clean, simple, and ATS-friendly. Avoid graphics, tables, and complex formatting that might prevent your resume from being properly parsed.

Tailor every application – Generic resumes rarely succeed. Customize your resume for each position, emphasizing the most relevant skills and experiences for that specific role.

Proofread relentlessly – Typos and errors can instantly disqualify you from consideration. Review your resume multiple times and ask others to check it too.

Your resume is more than a document—it’s your personal marketing tool and your ticket to career opportunities. While it might take several iterations to perfect, investing time in creating a strong foundation will pay dividends throughout your job search.

Remember, every successful professional once sat exactly where you are now, staring at a blank page and wondering how to begin. You’ve taken the first step by educating yourself on best practices. Now it’s time to put this knowledge into action.

Start building your resume today, apply these principles, and don’t be discouraged by initial rejections. With a well-crafted resume and persistence, you’ll soon be scheduling interviews and taking the next step in your professional journey.

The job you’re dreaming about is out there—and now you have the tools to reach it.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long should my first resume be?

For most first-time job seekers, one page is ideal. The average single-page resume contains about 287 words, while the overall average is 683 words. Focus on quality over quantity—one strong page is better than two pages of filler. Only extend to two pages if you have substantial relevant experience, multiple internships, significant projects, or extensive volunteer work that directly relates to your target position.

2. Should I include my GPA on my resume?

Only include your GPA if it’s 3.5 or higher. Only 38% of employers use GPA as a screening tool, compared to 73% five years ago. If you’re in a competitive field like finance or consulting where GPA matters more, or if you’re applying to graduate programs, include it if it’s strong. However, recruiters generally don’t care about GPAs as they’re not good indicators of career success, so focus more on skills and achievements.

3. Can I use a resume template or builder?

Absolutely! Resume builders can reduce creation time significantly, with users creating resumes in an average of just 15.25 minutes. However, choose templates that are ATS-friendly—simple, single-column designs with standard fonts and no graphics. Avoid overly creative templates with multiple columns, text boxes, or decorative elements that ATS systems struggle to parse. Many free, professional options exist from platforms like Resume Genius, Novoresume, and Jobscan.

4. What if I don’t have any work experience at all?

Focus on what you do have: education, academic projects, volunteer work, campus involvement, relevant coursework, and transferable skills. The top activities that employers value from recent graduates include internships, work experience, and campus involvement. Structure your resume to lead with education, then showcase projects and volunteer work using the same achievement-focused approach you’d use for paid positions. Quantify your accomplishments wherever possible.

5. Is it okay to use AI tools like ChatGPT to write my resume?

Yes, but use them wisely. A study showed that 90% of hiring managers say it’s acceptable to use generative AI in job application materials, and AI-assisted resumes boost job seekers’ chances by 8%. However, 49% of hiring managers reject applicants for using obviously AI-generated resumes. Use AI as a brainstorming and editing tool, but always personalize the content to reflect your authentic voice and genuine experiences.

6. How many keywords should I include in my resume?

There’s no magic number, but aim to include keywords 2-3 times throughout your resume in different contexts. Some ATS systems determine skill strength based on term frequency (2-3 times is optimal), while others assign experience levels based on keyword placement. The key is natural integration—keywords should flow within your content, not feel forced. For most ATS tools, a resume scoring 80% or above on relevant keywords will pass screening.

7. Should I submit my resume as a PDF or Word document?

Generally, submit your resume as a PDF unless instructed otherwise, since PDFs preserve formatting and are usually ATS-compatible. However, if the application instructions specify a particular format, follow those exactly. When in doubt, Word documents (.docx) offer the widest ATS compatibility. Never submit a .pages file, as most ATS systems cannot read them.

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