ATS-Friendly Resume Format: Do This, Not That
Advertisement
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
- Use bullet points for achievements.
- Keep spacing consistent.
- 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 use ATS Match to compare against a job description.
Advertisement
Related posts
ATS-Friendly Cover Letters: What Actually Works
How to write a cover letter that complements your resume, matches the job description, and avoids ATS issues.
ATS File Format: PDF vs DOCX (What Works Best)
Understand when to submit PDF vs DOCX and how file type affects ATS parsing.
Job Description Matching for ATS: A Practical Guide
Learn how to match your resume to a job description without keyword stuffing.
Related ATS Guides
Recommended tools
Get Weekly Writing Tips
Join our newsletter for professional writing tips, productivity hacks, and exclusive tool updates.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.
Try SayItBetter on your own text
Paste any text and rewrite it instantly in a professional, polite, confident, or concise tone.