Big Resume and ATS Resources

What is an Application Tracking System (ATS)?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that employers use to manage the recruiting and hiring process. ATS platforms help organizations post job openings, collect applications, organize resumes, track candidates throughout the hiring process, and streamline communication with applicants.

Many mid-sized and large employers use ATS technology, including most Fortune 500 companies. When you apply for a position online, your resume is often uploaded into an ATS before it is reviewed by a recruiter or hiring manager. The system scans and organizes application materials, helping employers identify candidates whose qualifications align with the job description.

Because ATS software searches for relevant skills, experiences, and keywords, it is important to tailor your resume to each position and use clear, industry-specific language. An ATS-friendly resume can improve your chances of moving forward in the hiring process and having your application reviewed by an employer.

 

Need help optimizing your resume for ATS?

Florida Atlantic students can explore the premium tools available in Big Interview/Big Resume to receive resume feedback and improve ATS compatibility. Contact the Florida Atlantic Career Center for additional support and resources.

Big Resume is a free resume software tool that analyzes your resume for how it would perform in an ATS. Big Resume’s optimization technology is based on the same search and ranking algorithms used by top ATS and will provide you with suggestions for formatting and key qualification and skill matching. Big Resume can scan your resume in minutes, identify common mistakes, check alignment to a specific job description, and provide detailed, actionable feedback to help you land interviews.

 

How to Use Big Resume:

Before you begin:

Have a one-page resume ready and saved on your computer. Big Resume accepts common file types like PDF and Word.

• Log in and access Big Resume
• Start a ResumeAI scan
• Select a Scoring Guide
• Add a Job Description (strongly recommended)
• Upload Your Resume and Scan
• Review Your Results and Improve
• Re-scan to improve your score (up to five times per day)

 

 

How Big Resume “Grades” Your Resume

When you scan your resume, Big Resume provides an overall rating of Bronze, Silver, or Gold and breaks down feedback in four key areas:
Readability: How clear and easy your resume is to skim and understand, including structure, headings, and word choice
Credibility: How effectively you demonstrate impact and results (for example, using measurable accomplishments rather than only listing duties)
Format: How professional and consistent your resume layout is, including spacing, sections, dates, and file formatting
ATS Fit: How well your resume matches a specific job description and whether it contains relevant keywords and skills in an ATS-friendly way 

Things to remember when applying online with an ATS

• Read through the job description carefully and ensure you are using the same keywords and tailoring your experience so that it speaks to the job description requirements for every application.
• Use both the long-form and acronym version of keywords (e.g., product manager and PM) for maximum searchability.
• Use a chronological or hybris format versus a functional resume format.
• Do not use tables or columns, as these can cause parsing errors.
• Do not use headers or footers, as this information may be lost in parsing.
• Use standard resume section traditional resume fonts like Helvetica, Garamond, or Georgia.

 

Creating a standout resume can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re just getting started. Big Resume makes the process simple by giving students access to professionally designed resume templates tailored to their college, major, or career goals.

Build Your Resume with University-Approved Templates

Give your resume a strong start with Big Resume’s resume template feature. Students can choose from a variety of designed templates created specifically for your college, helping you present your experiences in a organized, employer-friendly format.

Big Resume allows students to:

• Access University and college-specific resume templates
• Choose formats aligned with their academic discipline or career path
• Create resumes that reflect employer expectations and industry standards
• Save time with pre-built sections and formatting
• Customize content to highlight their unique experiences and achievements

 

Once a template is selected, students can quickly customize it by adding:

• Education and academic achievements
• Work and internship experience
• Leadership and campus involvement
• Research projects
• Technical and career-specific skills
• Certifications, awards, and honors

The result is a professional resume that reflects each student's individual story while maintaining a clean, consistent format.