ATS-Friendly Resume: Format, Example & Template

1. Use a Simple Layout

Choose a clean, single-column format.

Multiple columns, text boxes, graphics, visual timelines, and complex design elements can make the reading order less predictable for some systems. They can also distract recruiters from the information that matters.

Simple does not mean plain or careless. Good spacing, clear headings, and consistent formatting can make a basic layout look polished.

2. Use Standard Section Headings

Make each section easy to identify.

Useful headings include:

• Professional Summary
• Work Experience
• Skills
• Education
• Certifications

Avoid replacing clear labels with headings such as “My Journey” or “What I Bring.” A recruiter should not have to interpret what a section contains.

3. Match Relevant Keywords from the Job Description

ATS-friendly resume keywords should reflect the language employers use to describe the role.

Review the job posting for:

• Skills
• Software
• Tools
• Qualifications
• Job titles
• Technical terms
• Responsibilities
• Industry language

If the posting repeatedly mentions “project management,” and project management is genuinely part of your background, use that phrase where it accurately describes your experience.

For example:

Too vague:

Helped teams complete projects.

Clearer:

Managed cross-functional projects from planning through delivery.

Do not add a skill simply because it appears in the job description. Your resume should accurately represent what you can support in an interview.

4. Put Keywords in Context

Relevant keywords can appear naturally in your:

• Professional summary
• Skills section
• Work experience
• Education
• Certifications

Avoid repeating the same terms simply to increase keyword frequency.

A stronger resume connects the keyword with evidence.

Instead of listing:

Process improvement

You could show it within your experience:

Improved the customer onboarding process by simplifying handoffs between sales and operations.

For more guidance on making experience clear and relevant, review these resume tips recruiters want you to know.

5. Use Clear Job Titles and Consistent Dates

Your employment history should be easy to follow.

Use the same basic structure for every position:

Job Title

Company | Location | Month Year to Month Year

If you use “Jan 2024” for one position, keep that date style throughout the document.

Consistency makes the resume easier for both systems and people to scan.

6. Avoid Tables, Text Boxes, and Skill Bars

Do not make essential information dependent on visual elements.

A graphic showing your Excel ability as four out of five circles, for example, gives neither an ATS nor a recruiter much useful context.

A clear skills list is more useful:

• Microsoft Excel
• Financial analysis
• Project management
• Salesforce
• Stakeholder communication

Keep important qualifications as normal text whenever possible.

7. Choose a Readable Font

Use a familiar font that is easy to read on screen.

Options include:

• Arial
• Calibri
• Georgia
• Times New Roman
• Verdana

You do not need to find a special “ATS font.” Readability and consistency matter more than decorative styling.

8. Choose the Right File Format

Always follow the employer’s instructions.

If the application requests a PDF, send a PDF. If it requests a Word document, use that format.

When saving a PDF, make sure the text remains selectable rather than becoming a scanned image.

9. Check Your Resume Before Applying

Before submitting, check for:

• Missing information
• Formatting problems
• Inconsistent dates
• Spelling errors
• Relevant keywords
• Clear headings
• Readable text
• Alignment with the target role

Do not evaluate your resume in isolation. It should support a broader job search strategy built around the right roles, clear positioning, and focused applications.