In 2026, most employers in Australia use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes before a recruiter ever sees them.
If your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, it may never reach human eyes — no matter how qualified you are.
This guide explains exactly how to build a resume that passes ATS filters in 2026, using best practices aligned with Australian recruitment standards.
What Is an ATS and Why It Matters in 2026?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by companies to:
- Scan resumes
- Rank candidates based on keywords
- Filter out applications that don’t meet criteria
Large Australian employers, recruiters, labour hire companies, and even SMEs rely on ATS platforms like Workday, SmartRecruiters, Greenhouse, PageUp, and SAP SuccessFactors.
👉 If your resume is not optimised for ATS, it may be automatically rejected — even if you’re a perfect fit.
1. Use a Simple, ATS-Friendly Resume Format
Best format for ATS (Australia, 2026)
- Single column
- Left-aligned text
- Clear section headings
- No tables, text boxes, or graphics
Avoid:
❌ Canva-style designs
❌ Icons or logos
❌ Multiple columns
❌ Infographics or charts
ATS systems read resumes like plain text — anything decorative can break the parsing.
2. Choose the Right File Type
In Australia, the safest formats are:
- DOCX (recommended)
- PDF (only if text-based, not designed)
📌 Avoid scanned PDFs or image-based files.
If the job ad doesn’t specify a format → use DOCX.
3. Use Standard Resume Headings (Very Important)
ATS software looks for specific section titles. Use these exact or very similar headings:
- Professional Summary
- Work Experience
- Skills
- Education
- Certifications
- Licences
- References
❌ Avoid creative headings like:
- “What I Bring”
- “My Journey”
- “Where I’ve Been”
4. Optimise Keywords From the Job Description
ATS systems rank resumes based on keyword matching.
How to do it properly:
- Copy the job ad
- Identify:
- Job title
- Skills
- Tools
- Qualifications
- Industry terms
- Naturally include those words in:
- Summary
- Experience
- Skills section
📌 Example (Australia – Construction):
If the job ad mentions:
- White Card
- Site Safety
- Labouring experience
- Manual handling
Your resume must include those exact terms (if true).
5. Write an ATS-Optimised Professional Summary
Your summary should be:
- 3–4 lines
- Keyword-rich
- Straight to the point
Example (Australian style):
Experienced general labourer with 5+ years in commercial and residential construction across NSW. Strong background in site safety, manual handling, and teamwork. Holds valid White Card and reliable transport. Available for immediate start.
6. Structure Your Work Experience Correctly
ATS reads work history top to bottom, so use reverse chronological order.
Correct format:
Job Title
Company Name – Location
Month/Year – Month/Year
- Achievement-focused bullet points
- Start each bullet with an action verb
- Include measurable outcomes where possible
📌 Example:
- Assisted with site setup and material handling on Tier-2 construction projects
- Followed WHS procedures to maintain a safe work environment
- Supported tradespeople and supervisors across multiple sites
7. Skills Section: Hard Skills First
ATS prefers hard, job-specific skills.
Good skills section example:
- White Card (NSW)
- Manual Handling
- Site Safety
- Power Tools
- Time Management
- Team Collaboration
- Basic English Communication
📌 Avoid vague soft skills like “hard-working” unless backed by experience.
8. Keep It the Right Length
In Australia (2026):
- 1–2 pages is ideal
- ATS doesn’t penalise length, but recruiters do
📌 Focus on relevance, not everything you’ve ever done.
9. Avoid Common ATS Mistakes
❌ Headers and footers (ATS may not read them)
❌ Fancy fonts (use Arial, Calibri, Helvetica)
❌ Photos (not required in Australia)
❌ Abbreviations without explanation
❌ Keyword stuffing (must sound human)
10. Test Your Resume Before Applying
Before submitting:
- Upload it to an ATS checker
- Copy-paste it into a plain text editor
→ If it looks broken, ATS will struggle
Ask yourself:
Can a recruiter scan this in 10 seconds and understand my value?
If yes → you’re on the right track.
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