If you’re an actuary—or aspiring to become one—you already know the importance of precision, analysis, and attention to detail. But when it comes to landing your next role, there’s a gatekeeper you might not be thinking about enough: the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). These systems are used by nearly all large companies and many midsize firms to screen resumes before a human ever sees them. In fact, research shows that up to 75% of resumes are filtered out by ATS before reaching a recruiter. That means your meticulously crafted resume could be rejected by a machine before you even get a chance to prove your worth. The good news? With a few strategic tweaks, you can dramatically increase your odds of making it past the ATS and into the interview room.
Let’s break down exactly how to optimize your actuarial resume for ATS, with practical steps, real examples, and insider tips that go beyond the usual advice. This isn’t about gaming the system—it’s about making sure your skills and experience are communicated clearly, both to machines and to the people who matter. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, these strategies will help your resume stand out in a crowded field.
Step 1: Structure and Format for Maximum ATS Compatibility #
ATS software is designed to scan resumes quickly, extracting key information like your name, contact details, work history, and skills. But these systems aren’t perfect. They can stumble over fancy formatting, creative layouts, or unusual file types. That’s why your first priority should be creating a resume that’s both human-friendly and machine-readable.
Keep It Simple and Standardized
Start with a clean, professional layout. Avoid templates with columns, graphics, or unusual fonts. Stick to a single-column format with clear, standard headings: “Professional Summary,” “Experience,” “Education,” “Technical Skills,” and “Certifications” are all safe bets[1]. Use bullet points for your responsibilities and achievements—they’re easy for both ATS and humans to scan. And while it’s tempting to get creative with job titles, resist the urge. Stick to industry-standard titles like “Actuarial Analyst” or “Senior Actuary” so the ATS can easily match your experience to the job description[2].
File Type Matters
Most ATS can handle PDF and DOCX files, but some older systems still prefer .doc (Word 97-2003)[1][3]. If the job posting doesn’t specify, PDF is usually the safest choice—it preserves your formatting across devices. Name your file clearly, like FirstName_LastName_Actuary.pdf, so it’s easy for recruiters to find later[1].
Consistency Is Key
Use the same date format throughout (e.g., “Jan 2020 – Dec 2022”) and align dates to the right margin for readability[1]. List your location as “City, State”—the country is usually unnecessary unless you’re applying internationally. Keep your resume to 1–2 pages if you’re early in your career, or up to 3 pages if you’re a senior actuary with extensive experience[1].
What to Avoid
Steer clear of headers, footers, tables, text boxes, and shading—these can confuse ATS and cause your information to be lost[3]. Don’t use images or icons, even if they look great to the human eye. And while a little bold or italic text is fine for emphasis, don’t go overboard with mixed fonts and sizes[3].
Real-World Example
Imagine you’re applying for a pricing actuary role. Your resume should have a clear “Professional Summary” at the top, followed by “Experience” with bullet points like “Developed and maintained pricing models for auto insurance products, resulting in a 12% increase in profitability.” Under “Technical Skills,” list tools like SAS, R, Python, and SQL—exactly as they appear in the job description[1]. In the “Certifications” section, highlight your ASA or FSA designation, if you have one. This structure makes it easy for both ATS and recruiters to see your fit for the role.
Step 2: Keyword Optimization—Speak the Language of the Job Description #
ATS doesn’t just look for pretty formatting—it’s hunting for specific keywords and phrases that match the job posting. If your resume doesn’t include these, it could be filtered out no matter how qualified you are. That’s why tailoring your resume for each application isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential[2].
Study the Job Description Like an Actuarial Exam
Before you start editing, read the job description carefully. Highlight the skills, tools, and qualifications mentioned most often. Are they looking for someone with experience in “loss reserving,” “risk modeling,” or “solvency”? Do they want proficiency in Prophet, MoSes, or Tableau? These are your keywords[1]. Incorporate them naturally into your resume, especially in your “Professional Summary,” “Experience,” and “Technical Skills” sections.
Match Your Skills Section to the Job
Don’t just list every tool you’ve ever used. Focus on the ones mentioned in the job description, and use the exact same wording. If the posting asks for “advanced Excel skills,” say “advanced Excel skills”—not “proficient in spreadsheets.” If they want “experience with actuarial pricing,” use that phrase verbatim somewhere in your resume[1][2].
Quantify Your Achievements
Actuaries love numbers, and so do recruiters. Wherever possible, include specific metrics that show the impact of your work. For example: “Reduced claim processing time by 20% by automating data validation in SAS,” or “Saved the company $500,000 annually by optimizing reserve assumptions.” These concrete results not only impress recruiters but also give the ATS more relevant keywords to match[6].
Action Verbs Make a Difference
Start your bullet points with strong action verbs: “Led,” “Developed,” “Implemented,” “Analyzed,” “Managed.” These words signal achievement and initiative, and they’re often used as filters in ATS[2]. Instead of “Responsible for pricing models,” write “Developed and maintained pricing models for commercial lines.”
Example: Customizing for a Reserving Role
Suppose the job description emphasizes “loss reserving,” “SAS,” and “regulatory reporting.” Your resume should include phrases like “Performed loss reserving analysis for a $2B property portfolio using SAS,” and “Prepared quarterly regulatory reports for state insurance departments.” If you have experience with specific regulations (e.g., NAIC, Solvency II), mention those by name. This level of specificity tells the ATS—and the recruiter—that you’re a strong match.
Step 3: Highlight Your Unique Value—Even Without Direct Experience #
Not everyone has years of actuarial experience. If you’re early in your career or transitioning from another field, you can still create a resume that gets past ATS and catches a recruiter’s eye. The key is to focus on transferable skills, academic achievements, and any progress toward actuarial exams or certifications[5].
Showcase Transferable Skills
Actuarial work is all about data analysis, problem-solving, and communication. Even if your previous roles weren’t actuarial, you can highlight relevant skills. For example, if you worked in finance, emphasize your experience with financial modeling, data analysis, or risk assessment. If you come from a programming background, highlight your coding skills and any projects involving large datasets[5].
Turn Academic Projects Into Experience
If you’re a recent graduate, include relevant coursework, capstone projects, or research. Did you build a pricing model for a class? Analyze insurance claims data? Write a thesis on risk management? These experiences demonstrate your ability to apply actuarial concepts in real-world scenarios, even if you haven’t held a formal actuarial title[5].
Highlight Exam Progress and Certifications
Passing even one actuarial exam (like Exam P or FM) is a strong signal of your commitment and technical ability. Create a dedicated “Exams” section to list exams passed and those in progress. If you haven’t taken any exams yet, consider including relevant certifications (e.g., Microsoft Excel Specialist, Coursera Data Analysis) or online courses that show your initiative[5].
Tailor for the Specific Actuarial Field
Actuarial roles can vary widely—pricing, reserving, risk management, consulting, and more. Adjust your resume to emphasize the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific field you’re targeting. For example, a pricing actuary should highlight experience with pricing models and competitive analysis, while a reserving actuary should focus on loss reserving techniques and regulatory reporting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t exaggerate or invent experience—it will catch up with you. Don’t bury your key skills at the bottom of the resume. And don’t forget to proofread: typos and inconsistent formatting can hurt your chances with both ATS and humans.
Example: Entry-Level Resume
Imagine you’re a math major with no formal actuarial experience. Your resume might include a “Projects” section with bullet points like “Developed a stochastic model to predict auto insurance claim frequencies using R,” and “Analyzed a dataset of 10,000 health insurance claims to identify trends in utilization.” In your “Education” section, mention relevant coursework: “Advanced Statistics, Probability Theory, Financial Mathematics.” In “Exams,” list “Exam P: Passed” and “Exam FM: Scheduled.” This approach shows potential, even without a traditional background.
Bonus Tips and Personal Insights #
Optimizing your actuarial resume for ATS isn’t just about following a checklist—it’s about thinking like both a machine and a human. Here are a few extra tips I’ve picked up over the years, along with some personal observations from helping dozens of actuaries land their dream jobs.
Test Your Resume
Before you submit, run your resume through a free ATS simulator (several are available online). These tools can show you how your resume might be parsed by different systems, highlighting any formatting issues or missing keywords. It’s a quick way to catch problems before they cost you an interview.
Network, But Don’t Rely on It
Networking is important in the actuarial field, but don’t assume a personal connection will bypass ATS. Many companies require all applicants to go through the same online system, regardless of referrals. Treat every application as if it will be screened by ATS first.
Keep Learning
The tools and technologies used in actuarial work are always evolving. Stay current with industry trends, and add new skills to your resume as you acquire them. Even if you’re not an expert yet, listing “Python (beginner)” or “Tableau (learning)” shows initiative and growth potential.
Be Patient and Persistent
Job searching can be frustrating, especially when you know you’re qualified but aren’t getting interviews. Remember that ATS is just one hurdle. Keep refining your resume, tailoring it for each application, and seeking feedback from mentors or peers. Persistence pays off.
A Personal Note
Early in my career, I applied to dozens of actuarial roles with little success. It wasn’t until I started tailoring my resume for each job and focusing on ATS optimization that I began getting interviews. The difference was night and day. Today, I advise every actuary—no matter their level—to take ATS seriously. It’s not about tricking the system; it’s about making sure your true qualifications are seen and recognized.
Putting It All Together #
Optimizing your actuarial resume for ATS is a blend of art and science. Start with a clean, standardized format that’s easy for machines to read. Tailor your content to match the keywords and requirements of each job description. Highlight your unique value, even if you’re short on traditional experience. And always keep refining your approach based on feedback and results.
By following these three steps, you’ll not only increase your chances of getting past ATS—you’ll also create a resume that stands out to human recruiters. And in a competitive field like actuarial science, that’s an edge worth having. Good luck, and may your next resume be the one that lands you the interview you deserve.