05 Resume & ATS Preparation
A resume that
gets shortlisted.
How to structure your resume, what ATS software does with it, the mistakes to avoid — and free tools to build and check yours.
Resume preparation
Resume structure
| Section | Fresher | Experienced |
|---|---|---|
| Header | Name, phone, email, city, LinkedIn/GitHub | Same — no full address, DOB or photo unless asked |
| Summary | 2 lines: degree, key skills, target role | 3 lines: years, domain, strongest results |
| Skills | Grouped: Languages · Tools · Databases | Grouped and matched to the JD |
| Experience | Internships, freelance, part-time | Main section — reverse chronological, achievements |
| Projects | Main proof — place above education | Notable ones only |
| Education | Degree, college, year, CGPA if good | One line at the end |
| Certifications | Relevant ones | Relevant ones |
Writing bullets that work
✗ Responsible for API development.
✓ Built 14 REST APIs in Spring Boot for a payments module, cutting response time from 900 ms to 250 ms.
✗ Did a project on library management.
✓ Built a library management app (PHP, MySQL) with search and fines; tested 40 cases; used by 200 students.
Formula: action verb + what you did + tools + result (number).
ATS guide
How applicant tracking systems read your resume
An ATS collects applications, parses your resume into fields, applies eligibility questions and lets recruiters search by keyword. A human usually makes the final decision.
- Upload
- Parse into fields
- Knock-out questions
- Keyword search / ranking
- Recruiter review
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| One column, standard fonts | Text boxes, tables for layout, multiple columns |
| Standard headings: Summary, Skills, Experience, Projects, Education | Creative headings like “My Journey” |
| Exact JD keywords you genuinely have | Keyword stuffing or hidden white text |
| Text-based PDF (or DOCX if asked) | Scanned PDF, image resume, password-protected file |
| Dates like Jan 2025 – Mar 2026 | Only years or mixed formats |
An ATS checker — including InfoparkDaily’s — is a preparation tool. It is not the employer’s system, and a high score doesn’t guarantee shortlisting.
Resume mistakes
Common mistakes and fixes
| Mistake | Why it hurts | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic two-column design | Parsed in the wrong order | Simple one-column template |
| Skill bars and star ratings | Unreadable and not trusted | Plain skill list |
| Generic objective | Says nothing | Specific 2–3 line summary |
| Spelling errors, mixed dates | Looks careless | Read aloud; one format |
| Fake experience | Caught in background checks | Show projects honestly |
| Same resume for every job | Low keyword match | Tailor summary and skills |
Resume optimisation
Optimise for each job in 10 minutes
- Copy the JD’s must-have skills into a list.
- Tick the ones you genuinely have; add any missing ones to your Skills section and a relevant bullet.
- Rewrite your summary to name the target role.
- Move the most relevant project or achievement to the top.
- Run the resume and JD through the ATS checker.
- Export a text PDF named Firstname_Lastname_Role_Resume.pdf.
Free tools