April 7, 2025

The Best Tips for an ATS-Compatible Resume: Ensure Your Selection!

Optimize your resume for ATS by using a clear structure, relevant keywords, and a minimalist style to improve your chances of passing initial screenings. Let Moonwork’s AI and TopCV’s ATS-ready services help you stand out in a competitive job market.

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In today’s competitive Swiss job market, standing out requires more than just experience and skills. With over 60% of large companies in Switzerland using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to automate resume screening, optimizing your resume is crucial. These systems filter applications based on specific keywords, formatting, and structure, determining whether a resume reaches a recruiter.

At Moonwork, we specialize in AI-driven recruitment in Switzerland, ensuring candidates maximize their job opportunities by adapting their applications to ATS standards. Below, we provide the best resume optimization tips to boost your chances of selection.

1. Use a Clear and Simplified Structure

Most ATS software converts resumes into plain text, often stripping away images, graphics, and complex formatting. To ensure your resume is correctly interpreted:

  • Stick to a clean and professional layout.
  • Use standard file formats such as PDF or Word (.doc/.docx).
  • Organize content with well-defined sections: Experience, Skills, Education, and Certifications.
  • Avoid columns, tables, or text boxes, as they may not be readable by ATS software.

A structured resume enhances readability for both AI-driven recruitment systems and human recruiters.


2. Incorporate the Right Keywords Strategically

Nearly 75% of resumes are rejected due to irrelevant or missing keywords. The best way to ensure ATS compatibility is to use targeted keywords from the job description.

  • Include industry-specific keywords such as “Project Management,” “Data Analysis,” “Digital Marketing,” or “Cloud Computing”, depending on your field.
  • Mention relevant hard and soft skills like “Leadership,” “Problem-Solving,” and “Strategic Thinking.”
  • Avoid keyword stuffing—ensure natural integration to keep your resume readable.

Using relevant keywords improves visibility in Swiss recruitment databases, increasing the likelihood of getting noticed by recruiters at Moonwork and other hiring platforms.


3. Write with Precision and Directness

ATS systems favor clear and standard job titles. Instead of abbreviations or creative titles, use universally recognized terms.

Good Example: “Project Manager – Digital Transformation”
Bad Example: “Digital Wizard & Agile Guru”

Although modern ATS platforms use Natural Language Processing (NLP) to recognize synonyms, it's always best to keep job titles, skill descriptions, and qualifications as straightforward as possible.

Additionally, avoid long paragraphs—use concise bullet points to make information easier to scan.

4. Keep the Design Simple for Maximum ATS Readability

Many job seekers believe that a visually appealing resume will make them stand out. However, ATS systems do not process design elements, and complex layouts can lead to misinterpretation or data loss.

  • Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 12 pt size.
  • Avoid colorful backgrounds, charts, icons, or images.
  • Stick to black text on a white background for clarity.

A minimalist approach ensures ATS compatibility while maintaining a professional and elegant presentation.

5. Test Your Resume in Plain Text Mode

Before submitting your resume to Swiss job portals or Moonwork’s AI-powered recruitment system, run a plain text test:

  • Copy-paste your resume into a Notepad or TextEdit file.
  • Check if all sections, bullet points, and formatting remain aligned.
  • Ensure that keywords and essential details are still clearly visible.

If your resume remains well-structured in plain text, it's ready for ATS submission.

6. Boost Your Resume Optimization with Moonwork & TopCV

At Moonwork, our AI-driven recruitment platform in Switzerland scans resumes similarly to ATS systems but with more flexibility. We ensure that talented professionals stand out for the right job opportunities, especially in fast-evolving industries like tech, finance, healthcare, and engineering.

For an even better ATS-compatible resume, we recommend TopCV, a service that provides professional resume revisions to optimize ATS performance. This partnership ensures that your resume:

✅ Uses Swiss job market keywords effectively.
✅ Is formatted for AI screening and human recruiters.
✅ Increases your chances of getting shortlisted for top positions.


Final Thoughts: Adapt, Optimize & Get Hired in Switzerland

In a highly competitive job market, every detail matters. By optimizing your resume for ATS compatibility, you significantly increase your chances of passing the initial screening stage and securing job interviews.

✔ Use a clear structure.
✔ Incorporate relevant keywords.
✔ Keep the language precise and direct.
✔ Choose a simple, ATS-friendly design.
✔ Test in plain text mode before submission.

Optimize Your Resume with Moonwork and TopCV

At Moonwork, we are committed to helping professionals find the best job opportunities in Switzerland. Whether you are looking for a role in Geneva, Zurich, Lausanne, or Bern, our AI-powered recruitment solutions will connect you with the right employers.

➡ Ready to boost your job search? Upload your resume today and let Moonwork guide you toward your next career opportunity!