10 ATS-Friendly Resume Tips to Pass Applicant Tracking Systems (2026)

Building an ATS friendly resume is essential when over 98% of Fortune 500 companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes before a human ever sees them. Here is how to make sure your ATS resume gets through screening and into a recruiter's hands.

1. Use Standard Section Headings

Stick to conventional headings: Experience, Education, Skills, Summary. Creative headings like "My Journey" or "What I Bring" may confuse ATS parsers.

2. Avoid Tables and Columns

Many ATS systems struggle with multi-column layouts and tables. Use a single-column format for the main content. Browse our free resume templates or try the Classic and Minimal designs — both are built with ATS in mind.

3. Include Keywords From the Job Posting

If the job requires "project management" and "Agile," make sure those exact phrases appear in your resume — naturally, in context.

4. Use Standard Fonts

Arial, Calibri, Georgia, and Times New Roman are safe choices. Decorative fonts may not render correctly in ATS.

5. Save as PDF or DOCX

PDF is generally safe for modern ATS, but some older systems prefer .docx. When in doubt, check the application instructions.

6. Don't Use Headers or Footers

Important information in headers/footers (like contact info) may be missed by ATS. Keep contact details in the main body.

7. Spell Out Acronyms

Write "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)" the first time, then use the acronym afterward.

8. Avoid Images and Graphics

Profile photos, skill bars, and icons don't translate in ATS. Stick to text-based content.

9. Use Reverse Chronological Order

List your most recent experience first. This is the format most ATS and recruiters expect.

10. Test Your Resume

Use free ATS checker tools online, or simply copy-paste your resume text into a plain document to see if formatting holds up.

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