Resume Formatting Tips (ATS-Friendly)

1 Choose ATS-Friendly Fonts

Why it works: ATS systems can't read fancy fonts, causing your resume to be rejected before human eyes see it.

Best Font Choices:

  • Arial (11-12pt)
  • Calibri (11-12pt)
  • Times New Roman (12pt)
  • Georgia (11-12pt)
  • Helvetica (11-12pt)

Avoid: Script fonts, graphics as text, or fonts smaller than 10pt.

2 Use Standard Section Headers

Why it works: ATS systems look for specific headers to categorize your information correctly.

Standard Headers to Use:

  • Professional Summary (not "About Me")
  • Work Experience (not "Career Journey")
  • Education (not "Academic Background")
  • Skills (not "Core Competencies")
  • Certifications (not "Credentials")

3 Save in the Right Format

Why it works: Wrong file format can make your resume unreadable to ATS systems.

File Format Guidelines:

  • Best: .docx (most ATS-friendly)
  • Good: .pdf (if job posting allows)
  • Avoid: .jpg, .png, .pages
  • File name: FirstName_LastName_Resume.docx

4 Optimize White Space and Margins

Why it works: Proper spacing improves readability for both ATS and human reviewers.

Spacing Guidelines:

  • Margins: 0.5" to 1" on all sides
  • Line spacing: 1.0 to 1.15
  • Space between sections: 1-2 lines
  • Bullet point spacing: 0.5 lines

Resume Submission Checklist

Resume Content Writing Tips

5 Write a Powerful Professional Summary

Why it works: Your summary is prime real estate - it's the first thing recruiters read after your name.

Professional Summary Formula:

[Job Title] with [X years] experience in [Industry/Field]. Expert in [Top 3 Skills]. Proven track record of [Key Achievement].
❌ Before:

"Hardworking professional seeking challenging position where I can utilize my skills."

✅ After:

"Digital Marketing Manager with 6 years experience in SaaS. Expert in SEO, PPC, and content strategy. Increased organic traffic by 150% at current company."

6 Master the STAR Method for Bullet Points

Why it works: STAR method creates compelling, results-focused bullet points that showcase impact.

STAR Bullet Point Formula:

[Action Verb] + [Task/Challenge] + [Method/Tool] + [Quantified Result]

Examples:

• Increased customer retention by implementing automated email campaigns, resulting in 25% reduction in churn
• Streamlined inventory management using new ERP system, saving $50K annually
• Led cross-functional team of 8 to launch mobile app, achieving 10K downloads in first month

7 Optimize Keywords for ATS

Why it works: 75% of resumes never reach human eyes due to poor keyword optimization.

Keyword Optimization Strategy:

  • Copy exact phrases from job description
  • Include both acronyms and full terms (SEO and Search Engine Optimization)
  • Place keywords in context, not just listed
  • Use keywords 2-3 times throughout resume
  • Include industry-specific software and tools

Keyword Integration Example:

Job requires: "Experience with Agile methodology"
Your resume: "Led daily scrum meetings in Agile environment, resulting in 30% faster sprint completion"

150+ Power Action Verbs for Your Resume

Leadership

  • • Spearheaded
  • • Orchestrated
  • • Championed
  • • Mobilized
  • • Delegated

Achievement

  • • Exceeded
  • • Surpassed
  • • Accomplished
  • • Attained
  • • Mastered

Technical

  • • Engineered
  • • Programmed
  • • Debugged
  • • Optimized
  • • Automated

Communication

  • • Articulated
  • • Negotiated
  • • Persuaded
  • • Presented
  • • Conveyed

Problem-Solving

  • • Diagnosed
  • • Troubleshot
  • • Resolved
  • • Remedied
  • • Innovated

Management

  • • Streamlined
  • • Consolidated
  • • Restructured
  • • Centralized
  • • Administered

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ATS Optimization Tips

8 Avoid ATS Deal-Breakers

Why it works: These common mistakes cause automatic rejection by ATS systems.

Never Include:

  • Headers or footers (contact info gets lost)
  • Tables or columns (scrambles information)
  • Images, logos, or graphics
  • Text boxes or special formatting
  • Symbols like ★ or ♦ for bullet points

9 Use Simple Bullet Points

Why it works: Standard bullet points ensure your accomplishments are properly parsed.

Acceptable Bullet Formats:

  • • (standard bullet)
  • - (hyphen)
  • * (asterisk)

Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid

10 Don't Use Personal Pronouns

Why it works: Resumes should be written in implied first person for professionalism.

❌ Wrong:

"I managed a team of 5 developers"

✅ Right:

"Managed a team of 5 developers"

11 Avoid Overused Buzzwords

Why it works: Generic buzzwords make you blend in instead of stand out.

Replace These Buzzwords:

  • "Team player" → Show collaboration through examples
  • "Hard worker" → Demonstrate work ethic with achievements
  • "Go-getter" → Prove initiative with specific projects
  • "Think outside the box" → Show innovation with results
  • "Synergy" → Use specific collaboration examples

Free ATS-Friendly Resume Templates

Professional

Classic layout for corporate roles

Technical

Optimized for IT and engineering

Entry-Level

Perfect for new graduates

Executive

Senior leadership positions

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