A resume that clears an applicant tracking system can be the difference between an interview invite and an automatic rejection. This guide explains practical, interview-focused steps to choose a resume format for applicant tracking system that windows the ATS rules and still appeals to the human reviewer who interviews you.
What is resume format for applicant tracking system and how does it work
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software recruiters use to collect, parse, and rank resumes before a human ever opens them. ATS software looks for keywords, standard section headers, readable layouts, and parsable dates/credentials. Many large employers and staffing platforms screen every incoming application with ATS filters to prioritize candidates for interviews MIT Career Advising and Professional Development[^1]. University career centers and industry guides also recommend simple, standard formatting to maximize ATS readability UIC Career Services[^2].
Why resume format for applicant tracking system matters for interview invitations
ATS determines which resumes land on a recruiter's desk. If your resume lacks the right keywords or uses a complex layout, it may never be ranked for interview consideration. That means optimizing your resume format for applicant tracking system isn’t just a technical exercise — it directly affects who gets invited to interview and what interviewer sees when they prepare for your conversation. Indeed and Jobscan both show that using ATS-friendly templates and tailoring keywords significantly increases pass-through rates to humans Indeed ATS tips[^3]Jobscan ATS templates[^4].
What resume format for applicant tracking system mistakes commonly make ATS reject resumes
Using headers/footers for contact info so ATS can’t read key details
Heavy use of graphics, images, icons, or charts that parsing engines ignore
Tables and text boxes that scramble logical reading order
Nonstandard section labels (e.g., “What I’ve Done” instead of Work Experience)
Overuse of columns or multi-column designs
Embedded PDFs with non-searchable text (image-only PDFs)
Common pitfalls that cause automatic rejection:
These formatting problems hide the exact keywords and structure ATS needs to surface your resume for interview consideration ONU Applicant Tracking System Guide[^5].
How should your resume format for applicant tracking system handle layout fonts and structure
One-column layout only — avoid sidebars and multi-column templates
Standard fonts: Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Helvetica
Font sizes: 10–12 pt body, 12–14 pt for section headers
Simple bullets (plain circles or dashes), not fancy symbols
Clear section headers in conventional terms (Work Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications) — ALL CAPS can help ATS categorize sections
Place contact info in the main body at the top (name, phone, email, LinkedIn) rather than in a header/footer, because some ATS ignore header/footer content Microsoft guidance on ATS-friendly resumes[^6].
Practical layout rules to follow:
What resume format for applicant tracking system should you use for keywords and optimization
Pull exact phrases directly from the job description (e.g., “project management,” “Salesforce,” “financial modeling”)
Use both acronyms and full forms: include “MBA” and “Master of Business Administration,” “SEO” and “search engine optimization”
Space keywords naturally through your Work Experience bullet points and Skills section — avoid keyword stuffing
Prioritize role-specific achievements that include measurable outcomes and relevant keywords (e.g., “Increased inbound leads by 38% using HubSpot and inbound marketing”)
Tailor each resume submission: a single master resume is useful, but create a tailored version for each job/application to match ATS expectations Jobscan recommendations[^4].
Keyword optimization is both art and habit:
Where should section labels and contact details appear in a resume format for applicant tracking system
Use standard section headers in simple text: Work Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications, Projects
Put contact information at the top of the first page in the body: full name, phone, professional email, city/state, LinkedIn URL
Avoid placing essential details only inside headers/footers — many ATS do not parse those areas reliably
On multi-page resumes, include your name and page number in a header for human readers, but still repeat essential contact info in the body page one so ATS can find it
Format dates consistently (e.g., Sep 2018 – Jun 2021 or 09/2018 – 06/2021) and list credentials plainly (e.g., PMP, CPA) so ATS can match them to search filters.
To make your resume both ATS-parsable and interviewer-friendly:
Which file format should you submit with your resume format for applicant tracking system
.docx is widely readable by many ATS engines — it's often the safest default when unspecified
PDF is acceptable for many systems and preserves layout but can be problematic if the ATS cannot extract text from certain PDFs (avoid image-only PDFs)
If a job posting explicitly requests PDF or .docx, follow instructions
Before submission, open your file and copy/paste the text into a plain text editor to check for odd characters or misordered content that might confuse ATS ONU ATS guide[^5].
Choose your file format based on the job posting and ATS compatibility:
How can you test your resume format for applicant tracking system before applying
Paste your resume into a plain-text document to spot lost formatting, odd characters, or missing content
Use free resume scanners and ATS checkers (Jobscan, Indeed, and other tools) to score keyword matches and parsing problems
Ask a mentor or career counselor to review both the parsed text and formatted resume to ensure clarity for humans and ATS alike
Keep versions organized: name files with your name and role (e.g., JaneDoe_ProductManager.docx) so recruiters and ATS record context when downloaded.
Quick pre-submission checks:
What should your balance be between ATS optimization and human readability in resume format for applicant tracking system
Start with ATS fundamentals: clean one-column layout, standard headers, relevant keywords
Then refine for the human reader: concise bullet points, quantified achievements, readable spacing, and a strong opening summary or profile
Aim for clarity and impact: if the ATS lets your resume through, the human reviewer should be able to quickly scan and form a positive impression before interviewing you
Remember: the interview conversation will be shaped by what’s on your resume — use ATS-ready formatting to ensure your most interview-relevant skills are visible.
Optimal resumes serve two readers: the ATS and the hiring manager.
How can your resume format for applicant tracking system help in other professional communication scenarios
For networking and sales outreach, a clear, keyword-optimized resume highlights the specific skills you want remembered in follow-ups or discovery calls
For college or graduate admissions that use digital systems, ATS-friendly structure ensures admissions officers can find credentials and awards quickly
For one-way interviews and online assessments, clear sectioning and keyword usage make it easier to populate online forms and answer screening questions consistently
Keep tailored versions for different contexts (industry roles, academic programs, client-facing positions) so your resume format for applicant tracking system aligns with the intended audience.
ATS-friendly resumes are versatile:
How Can Verve AI Copilot Help You With resume format for applicant tracking system
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What Are the Most Common Questions About resume format for applicant tracking system
Q: What layout is best for ATS compatibility
A: Use a one-column layout, standard fonts, and clear section headers
Q: Should I use keywords from the job posting
A: Yes, mirror keywords naturally in experience and skills sections
Q: Is PDF or .docx better for ATS submissions
A: Use .docx when unsure; follow the job post instructions if specified
Q: Can images or charts be included in an ATS resume
A: Avoid images and charts; they often break parsing and hide content
Q: How long should an ATS-friendly resume be
A: Keep it concise — one to two pages focusing on relevance and impact
Q: Will headers and footers be read by ATS
A: Many ATS ignore headers/footers, so place contact info in body
One-column, no graphics, no tables, plain bullets
Standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) and consistent sizes
Contact info in the body, not in headers/footers
Standard section headers and consistent date formats
Use both acronyms and full terms for key qualifications
Tailor keywords from the job description naturally
Save as .docx unless PDF is explicitly requested
Test with an ATS scanner and a plain-text paste to reveal parsing issues
Keep a human-friendly version focused on metrics and story for interviewers
Final checklist for a resume format for applicant tracking system that wins interviews
UIC guidance on ATS-resume basics and common pitfalls UIC Career Services ATS guide[^2]
ONU step-by-step ATS resume recommendations ONU ATS resume guide[^5]
Practical templates and advice on ATS-friendly structures Indeed ATS resume tips[^3]
Template library and keyword optimization strategies Jobscan ATS templates and tips[^4]
Further reading and tools
Always read the job posting for any resume submission instructions and requirements. Minor changes in formatting or file type can make the difference between being ranked for an interview or being overlooked.
Use the checklist above before submitting each application to maximize your chances of making it to the human reviewer and into the interview.
Notes
[^1]: https://capd.mit.edu/resources/make-your-resume-ats-friendly/
[^2]: https://careerservices.uic.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2017/08/Ensure-Your-Resume-Is-Read-ATS.pdf
[^3]: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/ats-resume-template
[^4]: https://www.jobscan.co/blog/20-ats-friendly-resume-templates/
[^5]: https://my.onu.edu/sites/default/files/applicanttrackingsystemresumeguide.pdf
