ATS Resume Templates to Download & Edit

7 ways to make your resume ATS-friendly

Follow these steps to format and optimize your resume for both ATS scans and human readers.

1. Choose a simple layout

Simple formatting is the safest choice. Avoid tables, text boxes, and multiple columns, since these can confuse applicant tracking systems and cause important details to be skipped or displayed incorrectly.

Although visual elements can make a resume look more modern, they can also prevent ATS software from properly reading your content. Logos, icons, headshots, graphics, and decorative design features may not be parsed at all, which means key information can be missed entirely.

2. Use standard section headings

Stick to clear, conventional section headings like Work Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications so ATS software can accurately identify and categorize your information. Creative titles such as “Where I’ve Been” or “What I Bring to the Table” look unique, but ATS software may not recognize them.

3. Tailor your resume to the job description

Customize your resume for each job by aligning your experience and skills with the requirements listed in the job description. Carefully review the job posting and incorporate relevant keywords, such as skills, certifications, tools, and job titles, throughout your summary, skills section, and work experience.

Using the employer’s terminology helps your resume match ATS searches and makes it easier for employers to see you’re a strong fit for the role.

4. Use concise, results-focused language

Keep your summary and bullet points brief and focused on results. Applicant tracking systems scan for relevant keywords, so avoid long, wordy sentences. Use strong action verbs and highlight measurable achievements whenever possible.

5. Choose a common, readable font

Use a standard, easy-to-read font like Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, or Times New Roman. Decorative or unusual fonts can cause formatting issues and may not be parsed properly.

Keep body text between 10–12 points, and use consistent styling throughout to maintain an organized, professional appearance.

6. Save your resume as a PDF

Saving your resume as a PDF helps preserve your formatting so it looks consistent on any device. Most modern ATS platforms can read PDFs correctly, making PDF a safe, professional option in many cases. However, if an employer specifically requests a Word document or another format, always follow their instructions.

7. Run your resume through an ATS checker

Before you apply, upload your resume to a free ATS resume checker to get an ATS score. The tool scans your resume the way applicant tracking systems do: by checking for keywords, formatting issues, and overall optimization, then providing personalized suggestions to improve your score and increase your chances of getting noticed.

Frequently asked questions

If you still have questions about ATS and ATS-friendly resumes, here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions below.

Do resumes get auto-rejected by ATS?

Not usually. Most applicant tracking systems don’t automatically reject resumes. Instead, they rank and organize applicants based on how closely their resumes match the job requirements. A hiring manager still reviews candidates and decides who moves forward.

Which resume format is best for ATS?

The chronological resume format is best for ATS. It’s the most common format and the one ATS platforms are built to read.

If you use a non-traditional format like a functional resume, some ATS software might struggle to interpret your sections and correctly identify your work history and skills.

What does an ATS scan for?

An ATS scans your resume for keywords and qualifications that match the job description. This typically includes:

• job titles
• hard skills
• certifications
• education
• years of experience
• relevant tools or software

ATS software also parses your contact information and work history and puts it in standardized fields, making it easier for employers to review.

Do all companies use ATS software?

No, but most mid-sized and large companies do use ATS software, especially organizations that receive a high volume of applications. Smaller businesses may review resumes manually, but it’s safest to assume your resume will be scanned by an ATS when applying online.