If you’re an actuary or aspiring to join this specialized field, you already know the competition for jobs is fierce. More than ever, employers rely on automated Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to sift through hundreds or thousands of resumes. This means that no matter how talented you are, your resume needs to clear this first digital hurdle before it even reaches a human eye. Optimizing your actuarial resume for ATS in 2025 isn’t just smart—it’s essential for landing interviews and advancing your career.

Let’s talk about seven key strategies you can use to make sure your actuarial resume shines in the eyes of automated screening tools while still appealing to recruiters and hiring managers.

Start with a clean, simple format. ATS software struggles with resumes that use complex layouts, tables, graphics, or unusual fonts. Stick to classic fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and save your file as a .docx or PDF if the job posting allows it. Avoid headers, footers, and text boxes, as many ATS can’t read content embedded in these areas. Use standard section headings such as Work Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications to help the software parse your information efficiently.

Next, nail your keyword strategy. ATS scan for specific words and phrases that match the job description. Carefully review the job ad and pick out at least 10 to 15 keywords related to actuarial science, such as “risk assessment,” “financial modeling,” “statistical analysis,” “SAS,” “VBA,” or certifications like “FSA” or “ASA.” Incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your resume—in your summary, skills section, and bullet points describing your achievements. For example, instead of saying “worked on financial models,” say “developed financial models using VBA to improve forecasting accuracy by 15%.” This not only hits the keywords but also shows concrete results.

Remember, it’s not about stuffing your resume with keywords but weaving them into clear, concise language that highlights your value. Using synonyms or vague phrases like “data wizardry” might sound creative, but ATS won’t recognize them, so stick to industry-standard terms. For instance, rather than “number crunching,” use “quantitative analysis” or “statistical modeling,” which are more ATS-friendly and professional.

Quantify your achievements wherever possible. Actuarial employers love numbers because they show impact. Instead of just listing job duties, share how your work contributed to the company’s success. Did you reduce risk exposure by a certain percentage? Improve claim forecasting accuracy? Save costs through better models? Use metrics like percentages, dollar amounts, or time saved to bring your resume to life. A bullet point like “Reduced underwriting errors by 20% through enhanced risk assessment models” is powerful and keyword-rich.

Don’t forget to highlight your technical skills prominently. Actuarial work is heavily software-driven, so list your proficiencies clearly. Mention tools like Excel (including advanced functions or VBA macros), R, Python, SAS, SQL, or any other actuarial-specific software you use. If you’re certified in any actuarial exams or hold credentials like ASA, FSA, or CERA, these should be front and center in a dedicated certifications section or near your professional summary. Certifications not only demonstrate your qualifications but also serve as important keywords.

Tailor your resume for each application. It might sound time-consuming, but adjusting your resume to match each job posting’s language and requirements significantly boosts your chances with ATS and recruiters alike. Use AI-powered tools if you want to speed this up—they can scan job descriptions and suggest the best keywords and phrasing to match. This way, your resume aligns closely with what employers seek, improving your ATS match rate by up to 30% on average according to recent studies.

Keep your resume concise but comprehensive. A length of one to two pages is standard for actuarial professionals. Prioritize relevant experience and achievements while removing outdated or unrelated details. Use bullet points rather than dense paragraphs to improve readability for both ATS and human reviewers. Clear, action-oriented statements like “Led a team of 4 analysts to develop new risk models” are much more effective than generic descriptions.

Finally, proofread thoroughly. ATS can be tripped up by spelling errors or inconsistent formatting, and human recruiters will definitely notice. Typos, inconsistent date formats, or misplaced punctuation can hurt your chances. Use spellcheck tools and ask a trusted colleague or mentor to review your resume. A clean, error-free resume shows professionalism and attention to detail—qualities every actuarial employer values.

In summary, the key to optimizing your actuarial resume for automated ATS screening in 2025 is to blend simplicity with strategic keyword use, measurable achievements, and relevant certifications. By keeping your format clean, tailoring your content, and highlighting what makes you stand out as an actuary, you’ll greatly increase your chances of making it through the initial automated hurdle and landing that interview. Remember, your resume is your personal marketing tool—make it clear, compelling, and easy to read both by machines and people.

With these seven strategies in hand, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a resume that not only passes ATS filters but also tells your professional story in a way that resonates with hiring managers. Good luck!