How to Make a Resume ATS-Friendly

What Makes a Resume ATS-Friendly?

An ATS-friendly resume is designed to be easily read by software. This means prioritizing clean text, standard headings, and predictable layouts over complex graphic design.

1. Stick to Standard Headings

ATS parsers look for standard headings to categorize your information. Use clear headings like "Work Experience", "Education", and "Technical Skills". Avoid creative headings like "My Journey" or "What I Bring to the Table".

2. Avoid Tables and Columns

Many older ATS systems read top-to-bottom, left-to-right. If you use a multi-column layout or tables, the text from the left column might merge with the right column, creating unreadable gibberish.

3. Use Standard Fonts

Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Custom fonts might not render or parse correctly.

4. Save as PDF

A standard PDF is the safest bet to preserve your formatting while remaining 100% readable by modern ATS platforms.

Want to ensure your formatting is perfect? Use our ATS-friendly resume templates.