Applying for a job can be really nerve wracking, and when you don’t hear back it can be even harder to handle. When you’re on the job hunt, sending resumes out is a must but when you don’t hear anything back it can be a real blow to self-confidence.

According to The Wall Street Job Report, recruiters say we’re sending out too many resumes. Some HR professionals receive over a thousand resumes for one posting so they’ve turned to applicant tracking systems, a way to help filter resumes electronically. To land an interview, use these helpful tips for an ATS friendly resume.

1. Read the job posting and tailor your resume

To stand out to applicant tracking systems, read over each job posting and find keywords to add into your resume. Tailored resumes with good keywords and experience pertaining to that particular job will land on the top of the list of resumes to call on.

2. Use an ATS friendly format:

These systems use plaint text, so nix the images, filler words and symbols. These ultimately waste space. It’s also a good idea to use a simple font – creativity is wonderful but ATS can’t read fancy fonts and could reject your resume out of confusion. Basically, get to the point and showcase you, without any of the fluff.

3. Use the correct keywords: 

Use services like Wordle and TagCrowd to decide which keywords to focus on. These tools take a job description, read through it and ultimately highlight the most frequently used words. Take those words and scatter throughout your resume for a top-notch ATS-friendly resume.

4. Ditch the objective: 

Objectives are a waste of space. Instead try bullet points or a few short sentences with important keywords.

5. Spell check is your best friend: 

This can’t be said enough, check your spelling. The littlest mistake could cost you an interview, so check, check and recheck your resume.

Applicant tracking systems are used by so many HR professionals now a days. These tips along with others, will help you land on the top of the list for an interview.