Step 1 of your job switch: Prepare
Resume format that gets past ATS filters in India
A simple, single-column resume format that applicant tracking systems can read, with the job description words recruiters search for.
Most companies in India now filter applications with an applicant tracking system (ATS) before a person reads them. A clean resume format for ATS gets you past that filter and is easier for recruiters to read too.
Use a simple, single-column layout
ATS software reads text from top to bottom. Two-column layouts, tables, text boxes and icons often get scrambled or skipped.
- One column, standard section headings: Summary, Experience, Skills, Education
- A common font such as Arial or Calibri, 10–12 pt
- Save as PDF unless the job post asks for Word
Match the job description's words
Recruiters search the ATS with the words from their job post. If the post says "REST APIs" and your resume says "web services", you may not show up. Mirror the exact phrases for skills you genuinely have.
Write results, not duties
Each bullet should show what changed because of your work. "Built a campaign scheduler that cut manual work by 6 hours a week" beats "Responsible for campaign scheduling".
Keep it to one or two pages
Two pages is fine for five or more years of experience. Remove old school details and tools nobody uses any more.
Check before you send
Copy your resume into a plain text editor. If the order still makes sense and nothing is missing, an ATS can read it. For tailoring each application quickly, see how to tailor your resume with AI, then move to step 2: getting noticed on Naukri and LinkedIn.
