Many companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to collect and sort job applications. If the software can't read your resume properly, your experience may never reach a recruiter. The good news: making an ATS-friendly resume is mostly about keeping things simple.
What is an ATS and how does it work?
An ATS is software that stores applications and helps recruiters manage hiring. When you apply, it extracts the text from your resume and sorts it into fields such as name, job titles, employers, dates, education and skills. Recruiters can then search and filter candidates — often by keywords taken from the job description.
Problems start when the ATS can't extract your text in the right order. Columns, tables, text boxes and images can scramble the result, leaving a recruiter with a half-empty or confusing profile.
12 tips for an ATS-friendly resume
1. Use a single-column layout
Two-column designs look modern, but many parsers read straight across the page and mix your sidebar with your work history. One column is the safest choice.
2. Stick to standard section headings
Use headings like Professional Summary, Work Experience, Education, Skills and Certifications. Creative titles such as “My Journey” or “What I Bring” may not be recognised.
3. Send a text-based PDF or a Word file
A text-based PDF keeps your formatting and is read well by most modern systems. Some employers ask for .docx instead, so always follow the instructions in the job posting. Avoid scanned documents and PDFs made from images.
4. Never put important text inside images
Logos, icons, skill bars and infographics are invisible to an ATS. If information matters, write it as plain text.
5. Keep key details out of tables, text boxes, headers and footers
Some systems skip content in text boxes and page headers. Keep your name and contact details in the main body of the document.
6. Mirror the keywords in the job description
If the job asks for “project management” and “stakeholder communication”, use those exact phrases where they truthfully describe your experience — in your summary, bullet points and skills.
7. Spell out acronyms once
Write “Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)” the first time, so your resume matches searches for either version.
8. Use a standard font
Helvetica, Arial, Calibri, Georgia and Times New Roman are safe. Decorative fonts can turn into strange characters when the text is extracted.
9. Keep dates consistent
Use one format throughout, such as “Mar 2021 – Present”, and put the dates next to each job title.
10. Use simple bullet points
Standard round bullets or hyphens are read correctly. Unusual symbols can come through as question marks.
11. Don't try to trick the system
Hiding keywords in white text or repeating them dozens of times can get your application flagged — and a recruiter will notice anyway. Write for people first.
12. Test your resume before you send it
Open your PDF, select all the text and paste it into a plain text editor such as Notepad. If the order makes sense and nothing is missing, an ATS will probably read it correctly too.
ATS-friendly resume checklist
- Single-column layout
- Standard section headings
- Text-based PDF or .docx, as requested
- No important text inside images, icons or charts
- Name and contact details in the main body
- Keywords from the job description, used honestly
- Consistent dates and simple bullet points
- Proofread and tested with copy-and-paste
What an ATS cannot do
An ATS doesn't decide on its own whether you're a great hire — people do. Once your resume passes the software, a recruiter still reads it. That's why clear achievements, numbers and a tidy layout matter just as much as keywords. Our guide on how to write a CV shows how to turn duties into results.
Make an ATS-friendly resume for free
Free CV Maker was built around these rules. Your resume uses a clean single-column layout with standard headings, and the downloaded PDF contains real, selectable text. You can start from scratch or upload and edit your old CV, then download it as a PDF in one click — no sign-up needed.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my resume is ATS-friendly?
Copy all the text from your PDF and paste it into a plain text editor. If the order is correct and nothing is missing, most applicant tracking systems will read it well.
Is a PDF or Word resume better for ATS?
Most modern systems read text-based PDFs well. If the job advert asks for a Word document, send .docx instead.
Do ATS systems reject resumes automatically?
An ATS mainly sorts and ranks applications, and recruiters decide who moves forward. However, an unreadable resume or one missing key requirements may never be seen by a person.
Make your CV in minutes — free
Start from scratch or upload your old CV. No sign-up, no watermark, instant PDF download.
More free CV guides
Best CV Format 2026 (+ Example)
The simple CV format that works for almost any job: section order, layout, fonts, length and a copy-ready example.
Read guideCV Format for Gulf Jobs
How to format your CV for Dubai, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar: photo, visa status, licences and more.
Read guideCV vs Resume: What’s the Difference?
Length, purpose and content compared — plus which document employers expect in different countries.
Read guide