How to Create an ATS-Friendly Resume for Jobs in Perth & WA

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by Australian employers, recruitment agencies, and HR teams to filter and rank job applications. It scans resumes for keywords, formatting, and relevance before they are reviewed by a human recruiter.

ATS is widely used in white-collar industries, including mining, engineering, finance, and corporate sectors, to manage large volumes of applications efficiently. If your resume is not ATS-optimized, it may never be seen by a hiring manager.

Many large companies and recruiters rely on ATS to shortlist candidates. If your resume does not align with ATS standards, you could be rejected before your application is even read.

• Scans resumes for specific keywords from the job description.
• Filters out resumes with incorrect formatting (tables, graphics, and fancy fonts can cause issues).
• Ranks applicants based on skills, experience, and relevance to the job role.

• SEEK Talent Search – Used by Australian employers to find top candidates.
• JobAdder – Popular among recruitment agencies.
• PageUp – Used by large corporations and universities.
• SAP SuccessFactors – Common in enterprise hiring.
• Lever & Greenhouse – Gaining popularity in the tech and corporate sectors.
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To improve your chances of getting hired, follow these essential ATS-friendly resume tips.

ATS software struggles with complex formatting. Keep your resume clear, structured, and easy to read.

• Use a standard Word document (.docx) or PDF file format.
• Stick to simple fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (size 10-12).
• Use clear headings such as Work Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications.
• Avoid images, tables, text boxes, or graphics – ATS may not read them properly.

ATS scans for keywords related to the job description. If your resume lacks these, it won’t get through.

• Identify relevant keywords by analyzing the job ad. Look for specific skills, certifications, and industry terms.
• Incorporate keywords naturally throughout your resume, especially in the Professional Summary, Skills, and Work Experience sections.
• Use both full terms and abbreviations (e.g., "Project Management Professional (PMP)" and "PMP").
• Avoid keyword stuffing – make sure your resume still reads naturally.

A generic resume rarely makes it past ATS filters. Customizing each application improves your chances.

• Match your job title and skills with the exact wording in the job ad.
• Adjust your Professional Summary and Work Experience to align with the role.
• Highlight key achievements that are relevant to the employer’s needs.
• Use action verbs like "managed," "led," "developed," "implemented," and "optimized."

ATS software is programmed to recognize standard section titles. Unusual headings can cause information to be ignored.

• Use these common section headings:
  
  • Professional Summary
  • Work Experience
  • Education & Certifications
  • Key Skills
  • Technical Skills (if applicable)

• Avoid creative or vague headings like "Career Achievements" or "My Work Journey."

ATS reads resumes in a structured format, so your work experience must be presented clearly.

• Use reverse chronological order (most recent job first).
• Include job titles, company names, locations, and dates of employment.
• List key achievements with measurable results (e.g., "Led a team of 15 engineers to complete a project ahead of schedule").
• Avoid listing responsibilities without impact – focus on what you achieved, not just what you did.

Example:

Project Manager | ABC Mining Company | Perth, WA

January 2019 – Present

• Implemented process improvements that reduced operational downtime by 20%.
• Led cross-functional teams on large-scale mining projects across WA.
• Improved stakeholder engagement, ensuring successful project completion.

Certain formatting choices can prevent your resume from being read correctly.

• Do not use tables, columns, images, or logos – ATS may not recognize them.
• Avoid headers, footers, and excessive bullet points.
• Do not use special characters or complex symbols – stick to plain text.
• Avoid using functional resumes (which focus on skills over experience) – ATS prefers chronological resumes.

Even the best resume won’t pass ATS if it contains errors. Before submitting, run a final check.

• Check spelling and grammar to avoid mistakes that ATS may misinterpret.
• Convert your resume to plain text (Notepad or a text editor) to see if the information stays intact.
• Upload your resume to ATS-friendly resume checkers (like JobScan or Resume Worded) to test its effectiveness.
• Send your resume to a recruiter to get professional feedback.

Many job seekers in Australia miss out on opportunities because their resumes are not ATS-friendly.

By optimizing your resume with clear formatting, targeted keywords, and structured content, you increase your chances of passing the initial screening and securing interviews.

At Greenberry Recruitment, we specialize in white-collar roles across mining, commercial construction, engineering, and corporate sectors. Our experts can review your resume, optimize it for ATS, and connect you with top employers in Perth & WA.

• Job Seekers: Submit your ATS-friendly resume to our team today.
• Employers: Looking for top talent? Contact us for expert recruitment solutions.

Following these best practices will ensure your resume stands out and reaches hiring managers, improving your chances of securing your next career opportunity. Contact Greenberry Recruitment today.