If you’re applying for a front desk agent position at a hotel, you’re likely already great at first impressions. But when it comes to landing that dream role, your resume is the first handshake—except it’s with an Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

ATS software is used by many employers to screen resumes, and if your resume isn’t optimized for it, it could be overlooked—even if you’re a perfect fit.

Table of Contents

1. What Is an ATS and Why Does It Matter?
2. Start with a Simple Format
3. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job
4. Optimize Your Keywords
5. Highlight Your Skills
6. Write Strong, Keyword-Rich Job Descriptions
7. Don’t Forget the Basics
8. Proofread and Test Your Resume

Follow these tips to create an ATS-friendly resume that highlights your skills and gets you noticed.

What Is an ATS and Why Does It Matter?

An ATS is a software tool used by employers to streamline the hiring process. It scans resumes for keywords and qualifications relevant to the job posting. Resumes that don’t meet the ATS criteria are often filtered out before a human recruiter even sees them.

To make sure your resume makes it past the ATS gatekeeper, you’ll need to focus on the right format, keywords, and details.

1. Start with a Simple Format

Fancy designs, graphics, and creative fonts might look impressive, but they can confuse an ATS. Stick to a clean, simple resume format.

Do’s for Formatting:

• Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Keep font size between 10 and 12 points for readability.
• Use consistent headings like Experience, Education, and Skills.
• Save your resume as a .docx or .pdf file, as these are typically ATS-compatible.

Don’ts for Formatting:

• Avoid tables, text boxes, and columns. These can trip up the ATS.
• Skip images, logos, and colorful designs.

2. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job

One-size-fits-all resumes don’t work well with ATS software. Instead, customize your resume to match the specific job posting.

How to Tailor Your Resume:

• Read the job description closely. Look for key responsibilities like “customer service” or “check-in/check-out procedures.”
• Mirror the exact wording of the skills and qualifications listed. For example, if the job mentions “proficiency with hotel property management systems,” use that phrase in your resume.
• Include the hotel’s name in your objective or summary if possible to personalize your application.

3. Optimize Your Keywords

Keywords are crucial for beating the ATS. These are the terms and phrases the software scans for to determine if you’re a good match.

Examples of Keywords for a Front Desk Agent Role:

• Customer Service: Highlight your ability to provide exceptional guest experiences.
• Problem-Solving: Mention specific instances where you handled guest complaints or resolved issues.
• Reservation Systems: Include software like Opera, PMS, or OnQ if you’re experienced with them.
• Communication Skills: Emphasize verbal and written communication.
• Multitasking: Describe how you juggled multiple responsibilities in previous roles.

Pro Tip:

Don’t overstuff keywords—use them naturally throughout your resume in your work experience, skills, and summary sections.

4. Highlight Your Skills

Your skills section is a great place to pack in ATS-friendly keywords. Focus on skills that are both technical and interpersonal.

Sample Skills Section for a Front Desk Agent:

• Proficiency in hotel property management systems (e.g., Opera, OnQ)
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Guest service excellence
• Multitasking in high-pressure environments
• Knowledge of cash handling and billing procedures
• Problem-solving and conflict resolution

5. Write Strong, Keyword-Rich Job Descriptions

Under your work experience section, go beyond listing job duties—show results. Use action verbs and measurable outcomes to demonstrate your impact.

Example of an ATS-Friendly Job Description:

Front Desk Agent, Sunshine Hotel & Resort
June 2021 – Present

• Welcomed an average of 200 guests per week, ensuring a smooth check-in and check-out process.
• Resolved guest complaints with a 95% satisfaction rate, enhancing overall guest experience.
• Managed reservations and room assignments using Opera PMS, reducing booking errors by 10%.
• Trained two new front desk agents, improving team efficiency by 15%.

6. Don’t Forget the Basics

While optimizing for the ATS, don’t lose sight of standard resume best practices.

Include These Essentials:

• Contact Information: Add your full name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile if applicable.
• Summary or Objective Statement: A brief introduction about who you are and what you bring to the role.
• Education: List your highest level of education. If you have certifications relevant to hospitality, include them here.

Example of a Strong Objective Statement:

“Guest-focused front desk agent with 3+ years of experience in high-volume hotels. Skilled in using Opera PMS, resolving guest issues efficiently, and delivering top-tier customer service. Seeking to contribute to [Hotel Name]’s commitment to excellence.”

7. Proofread and Test Your Resume

Typos and formatting errors can hurt your chances. Always double-check your resume for spelling, grammar, and formatting issues.

How to Test for ATS Compatibility:

• Copy and paste your resume into a plain text document. If it looks messy or loses structure, reformat it.
• Use free ATS scanners online to see how your resume scores.

Wrap-Up

Crafting an ATS-friendly resume might feel a bit like decoding a puzzle, but the effort is worth it. By using simple formatting, tailoring your resume to each job, and strategically incorporating keywords, you’ll increase your chances of landing that front desk agent position.

Remember, your resume is your ticket to the interview. Make it clear, compelling, and ATS-ready, and you’ll be one step closer to impressing hiring managers in the hospitality industry.

Good luck, and happy job hunting!