Why ATS Resume Formatting Matters
You could have the perfect work experience and every keyword imaginable, but if your resume is formatted in a way that ATS software can't parse, none of it matters. Resume formatting is the foundation of ATS optimization — get it wrong, and the system reads gibberish instead of your qualifications.
Best Fonts for ATS Resumes
ATS systems work best with standard, widely-available fonts. Our recommended fonts for ATS compatibility:
- Top choices: Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, Garamond, Times New Roman
- Font size: 10–12pt for body text, 14–16pt for your name, 12–14pt for section headings
- Avoid: Decorative fonts, script fonts, custom fonts, or any font below 10pt
Layout Rules for ATS Compatibility
Use a Single-Column Layout
Multi-column layouts, sidebars, and text boxes cause ATS parsers to jumble your content. A clean, single-column layout with clear section breaks ensures every line is read in the correct order.
Avoid Tables and Graphics
Many ATS platforms cannot read content inside tables. Avoid using tables to structure your resume, even invisible ones. Similarly, logos, headshot photos, icons, charts, and skill-level bars are invisible to most ATS software.
Standard Section Headings
Use these exact headings for maximum ATS compatibility:
- Professional Summary (or Summary)
- Work Experience (or Professional Experience)
- Education
- Skills (or Technical Skills)
- Certifications (if applicable)
File Types: PDF vs. DOCX
This is one of the most frequently asked questions in resume optimization:
- .docx (Word) — Universally compatible with all ATS platforms. This is the safest choice.
- .pdf — Most modern ATS systems handle PDFs well, but older systems may struggle. Only use PDF if the job posting specifically requests it or if the company uses a modern ATS like Greenhouse or Lever.
- Avoid: .pages, .odt, .jpg, .png — these formats break ATS parsers entirely
Common Formatting Mistakes That Kill ATS Scores
- Putting contact information inside a header/footer (ATS often ignores these zones)
- Using creative symbols (→, •, ★) instead of standard bullet points
- Saving images of text instead of actual text (scanned PDFs)
- Using acronyms without also spelling out the full term
Not sure if your formatting passes? Upload your resume to our free ATS scanner to test how well it's being parsed. You'll get a formatting check in your results—see our guide to reading your ATS report for a complete explanation of what each section means and how to fix common issues.