An ATS-readable resume is one whose text can be extracted cleanly, in the right order, with the right section labels. This guide shows how to build one and test it before you apply.
Start with the right format
- File type: .docx or a text-based PDF. Avoid image files.
- Layout: one column, left-aligned, standard margins.
- Fonts: common fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Georgia, at 10 to 12 points.
- Length: one page for most candidates with under 10 years of experience.
Use standard section names
Parsers look for headings they recognize. Use:
- Summary or Professional Summary
- Experience or Work Experience
- Skills
- Education
- Certifications
Creative names like "My Journey" or "What I Bring" make it harder for a parser to know what the section contains.
Format each job the same way
Job Title | Company Name | City, State | Month Year - Month Year - Accomplished [X], as measured by [Y], by doing [Z]. - Another bullet with a clear result.
Keep the job title, company, and dates on their own line. Put each bullet on its own line, starting with a plain dash or bullet.
Write a skills section that matches the job
List the tools, languages, and methods you actually use. Include full names and abbreviations where both are common, for example "Customer Relationship Management (CRM)." Only list skills you can discuss in an interview.
Things to remove
- Photos, logos, and icons
- Skill bars, star ratings, and progress circles
- Tables, text boxes, and columns
- Content in the header or footer
- Hidden or white text
Test the file
- Open your resume and select all the text.
- Paste it into a plain-text editor such as Notepad or TextEdit.
- Check that job titles, dates, and bullets appear in the right order.
- Check that every section heading is present and the contact details are at the top.
- If something is missing or scrambled, fix the layout and repeat.
Match the job description
Read the job description and note the skills, tools, and responsibilities it asks for. Use the same wording in your resume where it accurately describes your experience. The AcuRole audit will show you which requirements are missing, so you can add them where they're true.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a special ATS resume template?
No. A simple one-column template that follows the rules above works well. Fancy templates often cause problems.
Can I use a PDF?
Yes, if the text is selectable. Test it using the steps above.
Does this guarantee I'll pass the screening?
No. It makes your resume readable and your qualifications easier to find. Employers and their systems vary.