ATS-Friendly Resume Format: Do This, Not That

ATS systems can struggle with complex designs. A clean, standard format gives your resume the best chance of being parsed correctly.

The Best ATS Resume Layout

• Single column
• Standard headings (Experience, Education, Skills)
• Left‑aligned dates and job titles

Fonts That Work

Use: - Arial - Calibri - Helvetica - Times New Roman

Avoid decorative fonts and font sizes below 10pt.

File Format: PDF or DOCX?

DOCX is safest. If the application accepts PDFs and your layout is simple, PDF can work too.

What to Avoid

• Tables
• Text boxes
• Columns
• Icons and graphics
• Images or logos

Simple Formatting Rules

1. Use bullet points for achievements.
2. Keep spacing consistent.
3. Limit to 1–2 pages.

If you already have content, SayItBetter can help you rewrite it into a cleaner, more ATS‑friendly format.

Next Steps

Try the Resume Checker and join the Resume/ATS waitlist for early access.