Understand Why ATS Reviews Matter
Applicant Tracking Systems now filter most Australian job applications, with industry surveys from SHRM reporting widespread adoption across enterprise HR teams. When I audit resumes for clients in defence, health, and consulting, I assume software is the first reader and structure content accordingly.
Signals Your Resume Must Deliver
- Role fit demonstrated through mirrored language from the job ad.
- Evidence of scale, such as budget figures, patient numbers, or transaction volumes.
- Future-focused keywords tied to digitisation, sustainability, or transformation.
Work Through the Three Review Stages
I built this review checklist after seeing dozens of qualified candidates rejected because their resumes lacked context for automated readers. Use it as a worksheet before uploading your resume to the employer portal or our free resume review service.
Stage 1: Relevance Scan
- Match job ad verbs and nouns to the skills matrix.
- Check headline and summary for role-specific keywords.
- Verify location, security clearance, and citizenship requirements are explicit.
Stage 2: Evidence Audit
- Quantify each bullet with percentages, time saved, or customer numbers.
- Add context around team size, budget, or program name.
- Ensure every claim is backed by data you can discuss in interview.
Stage 3: ATS Compliance
- Remove tables, text boxes, and graphics that confuse parsers.
- Save as .docx, then run a plain-text check for spacing and section order.
- Include an acronyms list for specialised tools or certifications.
Validate Keywords with Labour Market Data
I cross-check keyword choices with the skills demand dashboards published by Jobs and Skills Australia so clients can see which capabilities are gaining urgency. This makes the resume future-ready rather than locked to last year’s priorities.
Keyword Validation Workflow
- Collect verbs and nouns from the job ad and recent board minutes.
- Search the Skills Priority List to verify national demand.
- Update the Professional Summary to highlight the top three in-demand capabilities.
Run a Human-Centred Quality Pass
ATS alignment is essential, but human reviewers still make the final decision. I read every resume aloud, double-checking clarity, inclusive language, and accurate figures against source documentation. This practice aligns with the Fair Work Commission emphasis on truthful employment records, protecting candidates from compliance risks.
Final Human Checks
- Confirm names, dates, and titles match HRIS records.
- Ensure achievements reference actual stakeholders and systems.
- Prepare interviewer notes summarising each metric for fast recall.
FAQs
How often should I run an ATS resume review?
Refresh the review before every major application and after you complete a new project that adds measurable results.
Do ATS resume reviews replace human editing?
No. Automated checks highlight keyword gaps, but human editors ensure the story flows and aligns with cultural expectations.
What file format should I submit after a review?
Use a clean .docx or PDF generated directly from Word unless the employer specifies another format in the job ad.
Next Steps
Combine this guide with our resume playbook and schedule a consultation if you need deep-dive editing for executive submissions.
