ATS Expert
Michael Chen
Michael analyses how applicant tracking systems parse resumes and turns those findings into practical formatting and keyword rules you can apply today.
About Michael
Michael Chen has spent the last eight years reverse-engineering how leading applicant tracking systems — Workday, Greenhouse, Lever, Taleo, and iCIMS — parse and score resumes. He previously led recruiting operations at two mid-market SaaS companies, where he sat on both sides of the ATS: configuring screening rules for recruiters and coaching candidates whose resumes kept disappearing into the void. At HatchCV he writes the ATS optimisation guides and reviews every template for parse-friendliness before it ships. His work focuses on the boring-but-decisive details: single-column layouts, keyword density without stuffing, section-header conventions ATSes recognise, and the font, spacing, and file-format choices that determine whether a human ever sees your application.
Credentials
- 8+ years in recruiting operations and ATS administration
- Certified Workday Recruiting consultant
- Author of HatchCV's ATS optimisation guides
Writes about
Posts by Michael (8)
How to List Skills on a Resume: Complete Guide with Examples (2025)
Learn how to effectively list skills on your resume. Complete guide with examples of hard skills, soft skills, technical skills, and formatting best practices.
Read Resume TipsHow Long Should a Resume Be in 2025? Length Guide by Experience Level
Learn the ideal resume length for your experience level. Expert guidance on one-page vs two-page resumes, what to include, and when to break the rules.
Read Resume TipsResume Format Guide 2025: Chronological, Functional & Combination Formats Explained
Learn which resume format is best for your career situation. Complete guide to chronological, functional, and combination resume formats with examples and templates.
Read Resume TipsHow to Write an ATS-Friendly Resume in 2025: Complete Guide
Learn how to optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and increase your chances of landing interviews. Discover proven strategies, formatting tips, and common mistakes to avoid.
Read Resume Tips15 Common Resume Mistakes That Cost You Interviews (And How to Fix Them)
Avoid these critical resume mistakes that prevent you from landing interviews. Learn what recruiters hate to see and how to fix these errors immediately.
Read ATS OptimizationResume Keywords Guide 2025: How to Use Keywords That Get You Hired
Master the art of resume keywords to beat ATS and impress recruiters. Learn how to find, use, and optimize keywords for maximum job search success.
Read ATS OptimizationThe ATS Whisperer: 7 Essential Tips to Make Your Resume Machine-Readable and Human-Approved
Master the art of ATS optimization without sacrificing human appeal. Learn 7 proven strategies to pass applicant tracking systems while impressing recruiters.
Read Resume TipsBeyond Buzzwords: How to Quantify Your Achievements on Your Resume (with Examples for Every Industry)
Transform vague resume descriptions into powerful, quantified achievements. Learn industry-specific strategies and examples to showcase your impact with metrics and data.
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