Layout and format
- Single column. Avoid tables, text boxes and multi-column layouts.
- Standard fonts and normal bullet characters.
- No important text in headers, footers or images.
- Submit as DOCX or a text-based PDF unless the posting says otherwise.
Headings and structure
- Use conventional section names: Summary, Skills, Experience, Education.
- List jobs in reverse chronological order with title, employer and dates.
- Put the strongest, most relevant bullets first under each role.
Keywords
Mirror the posting’s language where it is truthful. If the job asks for “Kubernetes” and the candidate has used it, that word should appear in the resume, not just “container orchestration”.
File format and naming
- Name the file with the candidate’s name and role, for example Jane-Doe-Java-Developer.docx.
- Do not password-protect the file.
- Check that you can select and copy the text from a PDF. If you cannot, a parser cannot read it.
A 60-second final check
- Paste the resume into a plain text editor and confirm the order and wording survive.
- Search the posting for its top five skills and confirm each truthful one appears.
- Confirm dates are consistent and there are no unexplained gaps.
Frequently asked questions
Do all ATS parse resumes the same way?
No. Behavior varies by system, which is why a plain, single-column structure is the safest default.