Is Your Resume ATS Ready?

Applicant tracking systems, or an ATS, are commonly used by employers to receive, sort, and process job applications. The number of employers using them is anticipated to rise with more adopting artificial intelligence (AI) elements to streamline their recruiting processes. A human recruiter and an ATS system will review your resume differently and there are a few things to keep in mind when creating a resume for an ATS.

Formatting is important. An ATS system treats the resume like coding and data. It will not view graphics, tables, text boxes or images but rather treats them as code and often code that is unrecognizable. Unlike a human, an ATS system does not recognize when you are using a two-column format for you page, it will read all information left to right for each line. The system will convert your resume to plain text and analyze it through a pre-set algorithm.

Key words are essential. If the employer is using the ATS system beyond capturing your data, it will be programmed to search for very specific words. If you are using a synonym or creative language, the ATS system does not recognize that as a match and your resume will not show as a high match. Key words are essential for each section of the resume as well including in your skills section, experience, and professional summary.

Avoid resume software. Most resume building software has embedded formatting and code built in that does not translate well into the algorithm. These templates can be difficult to edit and may not sound as personal. Similarly, changing the software you save your resume to may corrupt the resume on the coding side over time. It is recommended that you use Word doc or save a Word doc as a PDF.  Sending a scan of a Word Doc or PDF will not be readable by an ATS system as it views it as a picture and not detectable information.

Proofread, proofread, proofread. ATS systems catch far more errors and mistakes than a person will. They can also detect use of AI/ChatGPT. A resume should be an extension of you as a person.  Having several trusted people review your resume helps to ensure it reads well to the recruiter as well as noticing things that an ATS system may catch such as grammatical or numeric errors.

Not sure if your resume is ATS ready? The Career Center is here to help! Stop in during drop-ins or schedule an appointment to have your resume reviewed.

Healthcare Fair January 28, 2026

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Pierce College Fort Steilacoom, CAS Lobby

Visit the various resource tables to explore healthcare pathways here at Pierce College and with other local training providers, hear from competitive admission programs about the application process, learn about career exploration tools, funding resources, and talk directly with program staff.  Information sessions held throughout the day, 9am to 12:10pm in Cascade 420.

Can’t attend in person? Join us on Teams! Meeting ID: 223 078 850 581 4 Passcode: 9ow9Mr7V

Questions? Contact advising@pierce.ctc.edu

Happy Retirement to Roxanne Cassidy, Our Opportunity Grant Coordinator!

We will miss Roxanne who has served as our Opportunity Grant Coordinator with Pierce College since 2012. Roxanne started in 2005 as a Workforce Coordinator part time separating for only a year and returning in 2012 to the Puyallup Opportunity Grant Coordinator part time position. Eventually her position moved from serving Puyallup students to serving the Pierce College District for Opportunity Grant. In 2023 becoming a full-time position.

“I have really loved working within the Workforce team at Pierce College because we truly are a team and have the students’ welfare and best interests always at heart.” Roxanne

Thank you, Roxanne for your commitment to Pierce College students! Your knowledge and expertise about not only Opportunity Grant, but Workforce programs and navigating college departments and resources served all students who connected with you.

Students, staff, and faculty can connect with Opportunity Grant through email or phone at workforce@pierce.ctc.edu or 253-964-6265.

2026-2027 FAFSA/WASFA and MDC

Submit your FAFSA or WAFSA application by the priority timeline to ensure Financial Aid will have adequate time to process your aid. The Financial Aid year at Pierce College runs from Summer Term (July) through Spring Term (June). The 2026-2027 FAFSA and WAFSA application are now available for the upcoming academic year which begins July 1, 2026. Check your student portal in CTC Link for updates from Financial Aid on any awards or needed items.

Need help with your FAFSA/WASFA? MDC collocated staff are available to help! Make an appointment or visit during drop-in hours with. See staff directory for contact information.

HYPE Work Shops – Save the Date

March 4 and 5, 2026

Our HYPE Winter Workshops include:

  • Student/staff panel of current Pierce College students and staff who started as students.
  • Resource tables on Work Study, resume reviews, practice interviews, and campus jobs.
  • Presentation on what a job search in 2026 looks like including impacts from AI, navigating ATS systems, what happens to your application once submitted, and what employers really look for.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to have personal business cards printed, network with panel members and other college staff, and enjoy snacks.