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How do I make an ATS-friendly resume?

An ATS-friendly resume is one that screening software can parse correctly and match to the job. That means clear structure, standard section headings, plain text the system can read, and wording that aligns with the job description. This doesn’t require a special “ATS resume” format—just avoid layout and wording choices that break parsing or hurt your match score.

Quick answer: Use standard headings (Experience, Education, Skills), simple formatting (no tables or columns for main content), and include keywords from the job description in your bullet points. Save as PDF or Word and avoid images/graphics for critical content. For more on getting past the filter, see how to pass ATS screening.

Structure and headings

ATS software looks for common section labels to parse your resume. Use standard names such as:

  • Work Experience (or Experience)
  • Education
  • Skills

Spelling and capitalization should be consistent. Avoid putting important content only in headers or footers; some systems ignore those. If you’re unsure what ATS is or why it matters, what is ATS in resumes gives a short overview.

Formatting that works

  • Simple layout. Single column, clear hierarchy. Tables and multi-column layouts often break parsing.
  • Standard fonts. Common fonts (e.g. Arial, Calibri, Georgia) are safe. Fancy or embedded fonts can cause misreads.
  • No critical content in images. Skills or experience in graphics may not be read. Keep text as actual text.
  • File format. PDF is usually fine if it’s not image-based. Word (.docx) is also widely supported. Avoid image-only PDFs.

Content: keywords and clarity

Match the job description’s language where it honestly applies to you. Include:

  • Job title and role phrases from the posting
  • Tools, technologies, and skills they mention
  • Action verbs and outcomes (e.g. “Reduced turnaround time by 20%”)

Write in clear, scannable bullets. Avoid long blocks of text. If the role asks for “project management,” use that phrase in your experience rather than only “managed projects.”

Tailoring your resume to each job improves ATS match and recruiter relevance. If you’d like to generate a job-specific version from one profile, see how it works.

FAQ

Is a one-page resume better for ATS?
Length is less important than structure and keywords. One or two pages are both fine as long as the content is parseable and relevant.
Should I use an “ATS resume” template?
Any template that uses standard headings, simple layout, and no graphics for key content is fine. The label “ATS template” just means it follows these rules.
Can I use a creative or design-heavy resume?
For roles where design is the job, some employers may look at the file directly. For most roles, assume your resume will be parsed by ATS first; keep the main version simple and ATS-friendly.

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