ATS-friendly resume formatting (& mistakes to avoid)

When submitting a resume, you’re not just battling other candidates for attention‌ — ‌you’re also up against Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). If your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, it might not even make it into the hands of a human recruiter. To boost your chances of landing that job, understanding how to format your resume for ATS is a must.

In this article, Remote shares the basics of formatting your resume for ATS, common formatting mistakes to avoid, and tips to secure your next job.

How does an ATS work?

An Applicant Tracking System is software used by companies to streamline their recruitment process. Instead of manually sifting through hundreds of resumes, recruiters rely on ATS to filter applications, search for specific keywords, and find promising candidates. 

The ATS scans resumes and ranks them based on how well they match the job description. It looks for key phrases, job titles, skills, and relevant experience. If your resume doesn't meet the required standards‌ — ‌whether because of improper formatting or missing keywords‌ — ‌it could be automatically discarded. 

It’s important to format your resume for ATS, as chances are your resume will pass through one. Whether you're applying to a tech startup or a large enterprise, companies cross various fields use ATS to hire top talent.

Why you need to format your resume for ATS

ATS are designed to scan and analyze resumes for specific keywords and relevant information quickly. Overly complex designs, images, and non-standard fonts can confuse the ATS, causing it to misinterpret or omit crucial details. 

By using a clean, straightforward format with clear headings, bullet points, and standard fonts, you ensure that the system can easily parse your resume. Good formatting increases the chance of your application reaching a human recruiter for consideration.

How to format your resume for ATS 

Simplicity is key when formatting your resume for ATS. Here’s how to ensure your resume gets past the system:

1. Use standard fonts and a simple layout

ATS systems can struggle with complex layouts or unique fonts. Stick to standard, easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid using headers or footers, and keep your resume in a straightforward, single-column layout. 

2. Optimize for keywords

Your resume needs the right keywords to catch the attention of ATS and human recruiters. These keywords should match the job description, particularly for required skills and job titles. But don’t overdo it‌ — ‌strategically place relevant keywords to ensure your resume sounds natural to both the ATS and a human recruiter.

3. Use proper file formats

Submit your resume in a file type the ATS can easily read. The most widely accepted formats are .docx or PDF files. Double-check the job posting to see if a specific format is requested. If the ATS can’t read your file, your resume might get ignored.

4. Stick to traditional sections

ATS systems recognize standard resume sections like “Work Experience,” “Education,” “Skills,” and “Contact Information.” Make sure your resume includes these sections with clear headings. Anything too creative or unconventional could confuse the ATS.

Here’s a quick layout to guide you:

• Contact Information (top of page, no graphics)

• Professional Summary (short and keyword-optimized)

• Work Experience (list in reverse chronological order, including job titles that match the posting)

• Education (skip less relevant degrees)

• Skills (use job-related keywords)

The most common ATS resume mistakes (and how to avoid them)

People often make common ATS resume mistakes because they may not fully understand how these systems work. These misunderstandings can lead to resumes being overlooked, even if the candidate is highly qualified.

ATS software is designed to scan for specific keywords and structured information, not design elements. Keeping this in mind, here are the most common ATS mistakes you should avoid when formatting your resume.

1. Complex formatting and graphics

While visually striking resumes may appeal to human eyes, they often confuse the ATS, which read and analyze text, not images or intricate layouts. 

Avoid complex formatting like tables, charts, text boxes, or embedded graphics. Skip logos and multi-column formats. These elements cause important information like job titles, skills, or qualifications to be misinterpreted or skipped entirely.

Instead, use bullet points for easy readability, clear headings, and avoid using columns or excessive styling. By keeping the format simple, the more likely an ATS sees you as a good match for an open role.

2. Overloading keywords

Yes, keywords matter, but stuffing your resume with every possible industry buzzword is a bad strategy. ATS algorithms are smart enough to detect keyword stuffing, which can lower your score in the system. Focus on organically integrating relevant terms instead of cramming them in unnaturally.

3. Incorrect file formats

Some ATS systems may struggle to parse certain PDF files, especially if they are not text-based or if they contain complex formatting. On the other hand, plain text files (like .txt) might seem readable but can strip out important formatting. 

To avoid these issues, always check the application instructions for preferred file types. If there are none, stick to common formats like .docx or simple PDFs. If you choose to use a PDF, ensure that it is saved as a text-based PDF rather than an image-based or overly designed one. 

When naming your resume, avoid using dates or version numbers like “JohnDoe_Resume_v3.pdf” unless explicitly requested.

4. Not customizing for each job

One-size-fits-all resumes don’t work well with ATS. Tailor your resume for each job application by incorporating the specific keywords from the job posting and focusing on relevant experience.

A generic resume may not include the exact terms or phrases that the ATS is scanning for, causing your application to be filtered out, even if you’re a strong fit. By tailoring your resume to reflect the key skills, experiences, and qualifications mentioned in each job posting, you increase the likelihood that the ATS will recognize your resume as relevant and pass it through to the recruiter. This customization also shows that you’ve taken the time to align your experience with the company’s needs, making you a more attractive candidate.

5. Forget to proofread

Even small errors, like typos or incorrect punctuation, can affect how the system interprets your information. Mistakes like misspelled keywords or inconsistent formatting can lead to the ATS failing to recognize important information in your resume.  

Don’t forget to proofread to make sure your resume is error-free. This also shows your attention to detail and professionalism, qualities that both ATS and human recruiters value.

Final tips for ATS-friendly resume formatting 

Here are some final takeaways to keep your resume in the running:

• Stick to simple, traditional formatting without complex graphics or images.

• Use job-related keywords that match the description. Don’t overstuff keyword. 

• Save your resume in a compliant file format. Name your file correctly.

• Tailor your resume to each job you apply for, focusing on relevant experience and skills.

• Proofread your resume to make sure it's error-free and reads well.

An ATS-friendly resume can make all the difference in getting your application seen by a human recruiter. By following these guidelines, you’ll significantly improve your chances of landing an interview.

Pass the ATS test with Remote Talent 

Formatting your resume for ATS gets you one step closer to your desired job. It’s one of the many hurdles a job seeker needs to overcome to get hired by top employers. 

Don’t let your resume get lost in the ATS shuffle‌ — ‌Remote Talent helps you stand out to top companies worldwide. Filter your job search by location, remote work setups, and pay ranges to make sure only the employers you want notice your resume. Plus, the platform is free of costs with no ads to make your job search easier. 

To match with top global employers, create your free account with Remote Talent today.

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