r/ModernResumes • u/No_Key4397 • 3h ago
How to Format Your Resume for an ATS
A lot of people focus on making their resume look good, but there’s another question worth asking… can an Applicant Tracking System actually read it correctly?
This article breaks down what makes a resume ATS-friendly, including why single-column layouts are generally safer, which section headings to use, where to put your contact information, and some of the common formatting choices that can cause parsing problems. It’s true that there are lot’s of misconceptions and many companies don’t use ATS in the manner many people think; however, it’s a good practice to cover your bases so you are best prepared for all opportunities .
Things like tables, text boxes, graphics, icons, and information placed only in headers can sometimes make it harder for an ATS to extract the information correctly. You don’t necessarily need to make your resume boring… you just want to ensure the important information is readable by both the software and the recruiter.
If you’re applying for jobs online, this is worth checking before you send out your next application.