If you’ve been job searching recently, you’ve probably heard of the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Recruiters use this HR tool to sort through resumes, matching applicants to job descriptions based on keywords and structure. The catch? If your resume isn’t in the proper ATS-friendly resume format, over 90% of hiring managers might never get to review your information. Have you been receiving auto-rejection emails from employers saying, “Thanks for applying, but we are going with someone else?”.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best resume formats for ATS success, offer actionable tips, and recommend resources to help you craft a job-winning resume.
Why an ATS-Friendly Resume Format is Essential?
Think of the employer ATS as a virtual gatekeeper used by 99.6% of Fortune 500 companies (Coursera) in the hiring process. ATS systems scan your resume against job-specific keywords and correct formatting, and they are easy for the bot to read. If your resume includes flashy fonts, graphics, images, or non-standard file types, the ATS might misinterpret or reject it altogether
However, with an ATS-friendly resume format, you can boost your chances of making it through to a recruiter’s desk.
Best ATS-Friendly Resume Formats
There are three primary resume formats: chronological, functional, and combination (hybrid). Not all are equally ATS-compatible. Let’s review:
1. Chronological Format
Most chronologically formatted resumes are compatible with ATS software. This format lists work experience in reverse order, starting with your most recent role.
💎 Why It Works: Clean, predictable structure that ATS algorithms can easily read.
💎 Best For: Professionals with a steady career trajectory.
💡Pro Tip: Use standard section titles like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” Avoid creative headings like “Career Journey.”
2. Functional Format
This format emphasizes skills over work history, which can be tricky for ATS to process. With clear job titles or dates, the ATS system can assess your qualifications better.
💎 Why It Struggles: Lacks the traditional structure that ATS predicts on a candidate’s resume.
💎 Best For: Job seekers transitioning careers—but only if modified for ATS readability.
3. Combination (Hybrid) Format
The hybrid resume blends the strengths of both chronological and functional formats, showcasing both skills and experience. When done right, it can work the best with the ATS.
💎 Why It’s Good: Balanced focus on skills and work history with an emphasis on relevance and essential experience based on employer requirements.
💎 Best For Candidates with a longer career track record and diverse experience.
💡Pro Tip: Keep it simple and avoid graphics, pictures, or unique design.
Design Tips for an ATS-Friendly Resume
Here’s how to make your resume ATS-compatible
- Use Simple Fonts
Stick to classics like Arial, Calibri, or Tahoma. Avoid fonts that show your age, such as Times New Roman or unique fonts, which can confuse ATS systems.
2. Save in the Right Format
Always submit your resume as a .docx or plain-text PDF, depending on job application guidelines.
3. Avoid Graphics and Images
ATS can’t interpret visuals, so skip icons, charts, and photos.
4. Incorporate Keywords Into Sentences
Match your resume keywords to those in the job description. An excellent tool for keyword extraction is JobProMax, which can help identify the most accurate keywords
5. Keep Section Headings Simple
Use standard headings, for instance, “Summary/Professional Profile,” “Areas of Expertise,” “Experience,” and “Education.” Creative labels might look good to the human eye but often confuse ATS systems.
Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best intentions can lead to ATS pitfalls. Watch out for these common errors:
🚫 Overloading of Keywords:
Keywords are crucial, but don’t overdo it. Your resume still needs to sound human and be easier to read.
🚫 Using Tables or Text Boxes:
ATS software often can’t process these elements correctly.
🚫 Skipping an ATS Test:
Upload your resume at The Job Helpers to ensure ATS compatibility and receive a free resume review on keywords, grammar, and punctuation changes.
Conclusion
Crafting an ATS-friendly resume doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Websites such as The Job Helpers provide templates and samples tailored for ATS’s success. These resources can help you customize your resume for specific industries or roles while ensuring that you’re using the best format.
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