10-Step Guide to a Standout Tech Resume (That Passes ATS)

Let’s be real, writing a resume can feel like a chore. But if you’re aiming for a job in tech, having a solid resume is key to getting noticed. The good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated. We’re breaking it down into simple steps so you can build a resume that actually gets results—and is ATS-proof.

In the tech industry, hiring managers and recruiters often rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter out resumes before they even reach human eyes. That means your resume needs to be optimized with the right keywords, formatting, and structure to make it through the digital gatekeepers. Whether you're an experienced developer or just starting out, following these best practices will ensure your resume stands out and gets the attention it deserves.

1. Start Strong with Your Contact Info

This is easy, just put your name, email, and phone number at the top. If you have a LinkedIn profile or a personal website with your projects, add that too.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a professional email. No more “gamerboy99@email.com”, stick with something simple like "firstnamelastname@email.com" 

2. Write a Short, Powerful Summary

This is your elevator pitch. Keep it to 2-3 sentences and focus on who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for. Avoid buzzwords that don’t add value.

Example: “Tech-savvy software developer with experience in JavaScript, React, and Python. Passionate about building user-friendly applications and solving complex problems.”

3. Highlight Your Skills (Make Them ATS-Friendly)

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes before a human sees them. To pass, make sure your skills section includes relevant keywords from the job description.

Example:

• Programming Languages: Python, JavaScript, C++

• Tools & Frameworks: React, Node.js, Git, Docker

• Soft Skills: Problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability

4. Show Off Your Experience (Even If You’re Just Starting Out)

For each job or project, include:

• Job Title & Company

• Dates You Worked (Month & Year for ATS compatibility)

• Key Achievements with Metrics (if possible)

Example: Junior Developer | XYZ Company | Jan 2022 - Present

• Built and optimized front-end components using React, reducing load time by 30%.

• Developed RESTful APIs, improving data retrieval speeds.

• Collaborated with a team of 5 engineers to launch a client-facing dashboard.

5. No Experience? No Problem.

If you don’t have work experience yet, showcase personal projects, bootcamp assignments, or freelance gigs. Use industry-relevant keywords to pass ATS filters.

Example: Personal Project: Weather App

• Developed a real-time weather-tracking app using JavaScript and API integration.

• Designed a mobile-friendly UI, increasing user engagement by 40%.

6. Keep Your Education Simple

Unless you’re fresh out of school, your education should be short and to the point.

Example: University of XYZ | 2021

B.S. in Computer Science

7. Certifications & Continuous Learning

Certifications can help boost your credibility, especially if you’re in a competitive field or transitioning into tech. If you’ve taken online courses, attended bootcamps, or earned industry-recognized certifications, list them here.

Example:

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (2023)

• Google IT Support Professional Certificate (2022)

• React.js Bootcamp – Udemy (2021)

8. Optimize for ATS (So Your Resume Gets Seen)

• Use exact keywords from the job description (but don’t stuff them unnaturally).

• Avoid images, graphics, or fancy formatting that ATS can’t read.

• Use standard section headers like "Work Experience" and "Skills" so ATS can parse them correctly.

• Stick to simple fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman).

• Submit your resume as a Word document (.docx) or plain PDF (ATS may struggle with other formats).

9. Proofread (Seriously, Double-Check Everything)

A resume with typos looks sloppy. Use tools like Grammarly or ask a friend to review it.

10. Keep It Updated

Whenever you learn a new skill or complete a cool project, add it to your resume. You never know when the right opportunity will come up!

Sample ATS-Friendly Tech Resume

Final Thoughts 🤔

If you're applying for a highly technical role, consider adding a section on certifications, open-source contributions, or specific projects that showcase your abilities. The tech industry values hands-on experience, so including links to GitHub repositories, portfolio websites, or hackathon projects can make a big difference in setting you apart from other candidates.

Building a tech resume doesn’t have to be stressful. Keep it simple, ATS-friendly, and tailored for each job. Now go get that dream job!

References

Grammarly - 25 Résumé Writing Tips, With Examples 

Indeed - How To Write an ATS Resume (With Template and Tips

The Muse - How to Prepare Your Resume for a Tech Job