Choose a layout with a clear reading order
A visually impressive resume can still be difficult to parse when information is split across multiple columns, floating boxes, or decorative shapes. A simple one-column layout is the safest default because the reading order is obvious from top to bottom.
Two-column resumes are not automatically rejected, but they create more opportunities for content to be read in the wrong order. If you use columns, test the extracted text before submitting. Important experience details should not depend on visual positioning alone.
Use standard section headings
Clear headings make the document easier to navigate. Common labels include Professional Summary, Skills, Work Experience, Projects, Education, and Certifications. Creative labels such as “My Journey” or “What I Bring” may be less clear to both software and busy recruiters.
| Section | What to include | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | Role focus, years or level of experience, strongest relevant capabilities | Generic objective that could fit any job |
| Skills | Truthful, role-relevant tools and methods | Long lists with no evidence elsewhere |
| Experience | Title, employer, dates, actions, scope, outcomes | Responsibilities without results |
| Projects | Problem, contribution, technology, result | Only listing project names |
Format experience for fast review
Keep job titles, employers, locations, and dates consistent. Use bullet points that begin with strong verbs and stay focused on one achievement or responsibility. Avoid very long paragraphs because important terms become difficult to scan.
- Use a readable font size and enough white space.
- Use standard round or square bullets.
- Write dates in one consistent format.
- Place the most relevant information near the top of each role.
- Keep essential text out of headers, footers, images, and charts when possible.
Export a text-based PDF or DOCX
Both PDF and DOCX can work. The better choice is the format requested by the employer and the format that preserves readable text. A scanned PDF is an image, not a normal text document, and may produce poor extraction.
After exporting, select and copy the text from the file. Paste it into a plain-text editor and check the order. You can also compare formats using the PDF versus DOCX guide.
ATS-friendly resume checklist
- Contact details appear as normal text
- Section headings use familiar wording
- Experience is listed in a clear order
- Skills match the target role truthfully
- Bullets include actions and evidence
- The exported file contains selectable text
- Spelling, dates, and job titles are consistent
- The final resume has been checked against the job description
Once the structure is ready, use the ATS resume checker to identify role-specific gaps.
Check your targeted resume
Upload your resume, add the job description, and review the score, keyword gaps, skills, formatting, and improvement suggestions.
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