Most online applications get screened by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before a human reads them. The ATS scans for keywords, parses your fields, and ranks you. If you don't clear that bar, no human ever sees your resume.

Here's how to fill out an application so you make it past the ATS — and what's not worth optimizing.

Fields that matter most

Resume upload

PDF. Use a clean, parseable format — no images, no two-column layouts where bullets sit next to each other (parsers struggle), no embedded fonts that don't render.

If you have a designer-y portfolio resume, keep it for in-person hand-offs. The ATS resume should be plain.

Work history fields

Most ATS systems parse the work history fields you fill in more reliably than the uploaded PDF. Fill them in completely:

  • Company name (exactly as it's known)
  • Title (use the actual title)
  • Start and end dates
  • Description (paste your strongest 3-4 bullets)

Don't write "see resume" — the ATS reads what's in the fields, not your hint.

Skills checklist

If the application has a skills checklist, check every skill you can credibly defend. Don't pad — if asked, you should be able to demonstrate the skill.

"Why this company" or short answer fields

This is where 90% of applications look identical. A specific reference to the company shifts you out of the boilerplate pile — even one.

Bad: "I'm passionate about your innovative culture and would love to contribute."

Better: "I've been following your work on [specific product/initiative]. I'd want to bring [specific skill] to that area."

You don't need a 200-word essay. One specific reference + one sentence on what you'd bring is enough.

Fields that matter less

  • Optional questions about your "why." Most are skimmed.
  • Demographic / EEO fields. Required for compliance; don't sweat them. They're usually separated from the hiring decision.
  • Extra-long essay fields. Recruiters skim these.

Salary expectations

If they ask:

  • Give a range above your minimum acceptable. (e.g. "$120-150K" if your floor is $115K.)
  • If forced to a single number, give the top of your range.
  • Don't lowball. You can't undo it later.
  • Research first. Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, and the role's location all matter.

Cover letter (when asked)

Many applications make the cover letter optional or skip it. When it's required:

  • Keep it short (200-300 words).
  • One specific reason you want this role.
  • One specific reason you're the right fit.
  • One ask (a call, a writing sample, etc.).

More on cover letters.

Common ATS pitfalls

  • Two-column resume layouts. Many ATS systems read left-to-right and mangle them.
  • Image-only resume content. ATS can't read images.
  • Fancy section headers. Stick with standard names (Experience, Education, Skills).
  • Headshots and graphics. Don't include in the resume PDF.
  • Custom fonts. Stick with system fonts (Arial, Helvetica, Times, Calibri).

Time per application

Most online applications take 15-30 minutes if you do them well. That's why filling out 50 applications a week by hand is brutal.

Sorce's AI agent fills out and submits the application for you — including a tailored cover letter — on every job you swipe right. 40 free swipes a day. Stop spending 30 minutes per application.

For more: how to write a job application email, what is a notice period, what does 'under consideration' mean.