• ATS cannot parse graphics or multi‑column designs
• Hiring managers waste time deciphering unconventional fonts
• Key information may be hidden or out of order

• Choose a clean, single‑column template
• Use standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman, 11‑12 pt
• Limit decorative elements to a header logo only

John Doe ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Playwright – Visionary Storyteller [Graphic of a quill]

John Doe Playwright [email protected] | (555) 123‑4567 | New York, NY Professional Summary ...

• Readers cannot gauge the scale or impact of your work
• Keywords like 'produced' or 'off‑Broadway' are missing for ATS
• Awards and reviews are hidden

• Add venue, city, and year for each title
• Include brief notes on production size, audience reach, or accolades
• Use action‑oriented language

Selected Works: - The River - Midnight Echo - Broken Mirrors

Selected Works: - The River – Off‑Broadway, New York, NY (2022) – 150‑seat production, 5‑star NYTimes review - Midnight Echo – Regional theater, Chicago, IL (2021) – Won Emerging Playwright Award - Broken Mirrors – Workshop, London, UK (2020) – Developed with Royal Court Writers’ Lab

• Hiring teams cannot see the measurable impact of your scripts
• Resume looks like a simple list rather than a performance record
• ATS often scores numbers higher for relevance

• Add audience numbers, box‑office totals, number of performances, or critical ratings
• Use percentages to illustrate growth or success
• Place metrics directly after each production entry

Wrote 'The River' – a contemporary drama.

Wrote 'The River' – 150‑seat Off‑Broadway production, sold‑out run of 12 shows, generated $45K box‑office revenue, received 5‑star reviews from three major publications.

• Non‑theater hiring managers may misinterpret specialized terms
• ATS keyword libraries favor plain language
• Clarity suffers, reducing readability

• Replace niche terms with universally understood equivalents
• If a term is essential, provide a brief explanation
• Keep bullet points concise

Authored dramaturgical piece employing meta‑narrative techniques.

Wrote script that explores meta‑narrative themes, resulting in a thought‑provoking production praised for originality.

• Directors often look for formal training or prestigious workshops
• ATS may filter candidates lacking key credentials
• Gaps in chronology raise questions

• Add an Education & Training section with degrees, institutions, and dates
• Include notable workshops, fellowships, or residencies
• List relevant coursework if applicable

Experience - Freelance playwright (2018‑Present)

Education & Training MFA in Playwriting, Yale School of Drama, 2022 Playwright Fellowship, Sundance Institute, 2021 Advanced Script Development Workshop, Royal Court Theatre, 2020