ATS resume: how to format it so it is read correctly
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software employers use to collect applications and let recruiters search and sort resumes. It reads your file as text, so complicated layouts can be misread. For an ATS resume, use a simple structure, standard headings and the words the job post uses to reduce the chance of being skipped.
At a glance
- An ATS stores and organizes resumes; people still make the hiring decisions.
- Use a single column, standard headings and common fonts.
- Mirror the job post's terms where they are true for you.
- Save as the file type the employer asks for. PDF or Word are common.
- Check by copying your resume into a plain text file.
What does an ATS do?
It parses your resume into fields (name, jobs, dates, skills), keeps it in a database and lets recruiters filter and search. See the glossary entry. How much automatic ranking happens depends on the employer's setup.
Formatting rules
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Standard headings: Experience, Education, Skills | Creative names like "My journey" |
| One column, left-aligned | Multiple columns, text boxes |
| Job title, employer, dates on one line | Dates only in graphics |
| Bullets with plain characters | Icons, rating bars, skill charts |
| Contact info in the body | Contact info only in header or footer |
| Standard fonts | Decorative fonts |
Keywords the honest way
- Read the posting and note the skills, tools and titles repeated.
- If you have them, use the same words in your bullets and skills list.
- Do not add skills you lack, and do not hide keywords in white text. Recruiters see it and it can disqualify you.
- Spell out abbreviations once, for example "search engine optimization (SEO)".
Test your resume
Copy all the text into a plain text editor. If the order is wrong, sections are missing or words are broken, simplify the layout.
Step by step: build an ATS resume
- Start from a blank, single-column document. Do not paste into a design template.
- Write the header in the body. Name, city, phone, email and a profile link, in plain text on the first lines.
- Use standard section names. Summary, Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications if you have them.
- Write each job the same way. Title, employer, location and dates on one line, then bullets that start with a verb.
- Add a skills line from the posting. Include only tools and skills you can discuss in an interview.
- Export as a text-based PDF or Word file. Do not save a picture of the page.
- Run the plain-text test. Paste the text into a plain editor and read it top to bottom.
Common mistakes that break parsing
| Mistake | What can go wrong |
|---|---|
| Two columns or a sidebar | Text from both columns can be merged into one jumbled line |
| Text boxes and shapes | The text inside may be skipped |
| Contact details only in the page header | Some systems ignore headers and footers |
| Scanned image or photo of a resume | No text to read at all |
| Unusual date formats | Dates may not be matched to jobs |
| Tables for the whole layout | Cells may be read out of order |
How to tailor without rewriting
Keep one master resume with all your honest experience. For each role family, copy it and reorder bullets so the most relevant come first. Change the skills line and the summary to use the posting's own words where they are true. Spend about ten minutes per application, not an hour. If a posting uses a different title for the same skill, such as "customer support" and "client service", it is fine to use the posting's term for your real experience.
What an ATS does not do
An ATS does not interview you, and it does not know who is a good fit. It stores your file and lets people search. Many employers show every applicant to a person. A clear layout helps whichever way the employer works.
Uploading on LiveRec
You can upload a resume from the Resumes page, and replace it later. See upload or replace your resume.
Frequently asked questions
Do all employers use an ATS? Many do, but not all, and their settings differ.
Is a PDF safe? Text-based PDFs are usually read well. If the posting asks for Word, send Word.
Should I use a resume template from a design tool? Only if it is a single-column layout that passes the plain-text test.
Do I need a separate version for LiveRec? No. Upload the same clear file, and keep your profile details up to date so a search can find you.
Do I have to remove my photo? In the US, resumes usually leave out photos. Follow the posting if it asks for something different.
Next step
Run the plain-text test on your resume, then check the sections recruiters read first.
This page is general career information.