Careers That Consistently Perform Well in ATS Searches
If you’ve applied for a job in the last few years, there’s a good chance that before your resume hit the desk of a hiring manager, it first passed through an applicant tracking system (ATS). This is recruitment software employers use to screen resumes and match candidates to job descriptions. According to research cited by SSA.gov, nearly 99% of Fortune 500 companies use it.
But here’s the thing. ATS software doesn’t favor one profession over another. It doesn’t care if you are a nurse or a programmer. Some job roles, however, just naturally perform better.
Curious which ones top the list? Let’s look at the specific roles that consistently rank well in ATS searches.
What Makes a Career Perform Well in ATS Searches?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that collects, organizes, filters, and analyzes job applications to help employers streamline the hiring process. Many modern ATS platforms also incorporate AI-powered features to rank candidates, match resumes with job descriptions, and identify the most qualified applicants.
While virtually all industries use ATS, certain careers consistently perform better in ATS searches because employers recruit for these positions year-round. These high-demand roles typically have standardized job titles, well-defined skills, and frequent hiring needs, making them more likely to appear in recruiter and ATS searches.
Think about it. A hospital hiring a nurse multiple times in a year doesn’t invent a new title every recruitment drive. Neither does a software company looking for a backend developer. They use standardized job descriptions, resume keywords, skills, qualifications, and job titles. The result? An ATS-friendly resume that matches a specific job description.
If your resume naturally contains those elements in the right format, your chances of getting past the ATS improve significantly.
4 Careers That Perform Well in ATS Searches
Software Developers and Software Engineers
Software developers and software engineers continue to be among the most sought-after professionals across industries. This is because nearly every organization relies on software development to build applications, automate workflows, manage data, and deliver digital services.
The demand for tech professionals is so strong that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment for software developers will grow 15% by 2034. That’s a lot of job postings and a lot of ATS scans.
When you apply, the system will look for programming languages and technical skills that match the job description. Highlight skills such as Java, Python, JavaScript, AWS, and SQL. Include methodologies like Agile and tools such as Git. If you work in DevOps, feature skills like CI/CD, Docker, Kubernetes, and Infrastructure as Code tools like Terraform. Finally, include any software development frameworks you use, but only list skills you genuinely have and can demonstrate.
Registered Nurses and Psychiatric Nurses
Healthcare has a staffing problem that isn’t going away anytime soon. For context, WHO estimates that by 2030, the world will face a shortage of about 4.5 million nurses and more than 300,000 midwives.
Hospitals will rely on standardized credentials and ATS platforms to fill these gaps. These recruitment systems know exactly what to scan for. They will look for RN, BSN, BLS, and ACLS in resumes. They will also scan for submissions that list experience with EMR/EHR systems like Epic.
Advanced nursing roles are also high on the list of target job descriptions and keywords. This is why registered nurses with an MSN-PMHNP degree may find it easier to access high-demand psychiatric care positions.
According to 2025 Nursing Outlook, the Health Resources and Services Administration projects that PMHNPs will increase by 62% by 2030. However, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners will still be short 12,000, despite the projected growth.
The good news is that, according to Walsh University, the coursework for MSN PMHNP programs is 100% online (depending on the school). This allows interested nurses to study anytime, anywhere.
Data Analysts and Data Scientists
Businesses are obsessed with data because they want to make smarter decisions. In fact, the World Economic Forum ranked big data specialists as the fastest-growing job through 2030, even before AI and machine learning specialists. This creates a massive need for professionals who can interpret data and turn numbers into actionable insights.
However, the fact that data analysis and data science are in-demand fields doesn’t mean your application will automatically land on the hiring manager’s desk. Candidates whose resumes include ATS keywords like SQL, Power BI, Tableau, Python, Excel, and machine learning are more likely to rank higher in ATS searches.
There is one caveat, though. Companies aren’t hiring data experts simply because they have technical skills on paper. They want professionals who can not only extract meaningful insights from data but also explain those insights clearly to business teams. Technical skills may help your resume get noticed by the ATS, but strong communication skills are often what help you land the interview.
Cybersecurity Analysts
Cyber threats are not going away. In fact, they are getting worse. This keeps cybersecurity analysts in a near-constant state of demand. And the cybersecurity talent shortage isn’t helping matters. ISC2 revealed in 2024 that the global cybersecurity talent gap was a staggering 4.8 million unfilled positions. This workforce shortage means that companies are aggressively recruiting.
But to scale through the ATS software gatekeeping these jobs, you need the right keywords. ATS systems will often scan resumes for recognized certifications such as CISSP and CompTIA Security+. They also look for technical skills and keywords like Information Security, SIEM, Incident Response, Threat Detection, Cloud Security, and Network Security.
Have these keywords on your resume, and you’ll likely show up in the recruiter’s search results. But while these keywords are good to have in your application, make sure they accurately reflect your skills and experience.
Tips to Improve Your ATS Ranking Regardless of Career
While the four job roles discussed in this guide really do well in ATS searches, you don’t necessarily have to be in those fields to benefit from the same basic principles. Here are a few ideas to try next time you’re updating your resume for a role.
| Tips | What To Do |
| Match Keywords | Pull terms directly from the job posting, not just ones you assume are relevant |
| Use Standard Job Titles | Stick to common titles, even if your actual title was something quirkier |
| Include Measurable Achievements | Favor numbers and results over vague responsibilities |
| List Relevant Certifications | Put them front and center, not buried at the bottom |
| Keep Formatting Simple | Avoid graphics, tables, and complex layouts. Some parsers may struggle with them |
| Tailor Each Resume | Customize your resume for the specific job, not a generic, one-size-fits-all version |
Test with online ATS score checkers
The online ATS resume scanners are the tools that predict how well a resume will score during an automated screening phase. These tools are powered by AI that analyzes the resume, gives an ATS score, and suggests improvements.
Here’s a list of some of the best ATS resume checkers for applicants to make the resume rank in ATS searches:
The Takeaway
An applicant tracking system doesn’t have a secret agenda. It doesn’t favor one person over another. The careers we just discussed do well in ATS searches simply because employers recruit for them all the time.
They use the same words repeatedly, and this makes it easy for the software to find candidates. Once you know the language and how to use it in your resume, you stand a better chance of doing well too.
But that a human recruiter finally sees your resume doesn’t automatically mean that you’ll clinch the job. Better your odds. Focus on building in-demand skills, and earn the certifications that matter in your field.
FAQs
What careers perform best in ATS searches?
Careers that perform well in ATS searches are usually related to roles with high, consistent hiring demand. A very popular example is software development. Others include nursing, data science, project management, and cybersecurity.
Does ATS automatically reject resumes?
Not usually. They just rank resumes using the criteria we’ve covered in this guide. If you don’t have them, including the right keywords, your score will be low. This often means a human recruiter or hiring manager may likely not see your resume.
How can I make my resume more ATS-friendly?
You can make your resume more ATS-friendly by mirroring the exact language from the job description you’re applying for. Also, make sure to use a clean single-column format and stick to standard section headings like Experience, Skills, and Education.