Offerline · Resume builder · Templates
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) turn your resume into plain text, split it into fields and let recruiters search it. Most rejections blamed on “the ATS” are really formatting the parser couldn’t read or keywords the recruiter didn’t find. Here’s the format that works.
A parser reads your PDF’s text in order. One column guarantees that order matches what a person sees. Two-column layouts often work with modern systems, but some older ATS read across both columns and mix them together.
If you like a designed layout, choose one that writes its text column by column (Offerline’s two-column designs do), and keep a single-column version for large employers.
ATS map your content to fields by its headings. Creative headings like “My Journey” or “What I Bring” can leave whole sections unparsed. Use:
Systems calculate your years of experience from your dates. Use one format throughout, such as “Mar 2022 – Present” or “03/2022 – Present”, and put the dates on the same line as the job title.
A text-based PDF is the safest choice unless the job post asks for Word. Never upload a scanned resume: it’s an image, and to an ATS it’s blank. A quick test: if you can select and copy the text in your PDF, a parser can read it.
Format gets you read; keywords get you found. Recruiters search for the skills named in the job post, so mirror its exact terms in your summary, skills and bullet points.
Not always. Many modern systems handle them, but some older ones mix the columns together. A single column is the safest choice when you don't know which ATS an employer uses.
A text-based PDF is fine for almost every modern ATS and keeps your layout intact. Use Word (.docx) only when the job post asks for it.
In the US, UK and Canada, no: many recruiters reject resumes with photos to avoid bias. In parts of Europe, the Middle East and India, a photo is common and acceptable.