ATS-friendly resume checklist

Formatting & layout

Keep it one page and one column so the text parses in a predictable order.

Use a single-column layout — recruiters and parsers read top to bottom.
Keep it to one page for most roles (two only with extensive relevant experience).
Keep details out of tables, text boxes, headers, and footers.
Skip photos, logos, icons, and charts — US resumes don't use a photo.
Use a standard font at a readable size, with consistent spacing.

Section headings

Use conventional US resume headings so each section is obvious.

Use standard names like “Summary”, “Experience”, “Education”, and “Skills”.
Avoid creative headings that hide what a section contains.
Lead with Experience for most roles; put Education first only as a new grad.
Put your name and contact details in the body, not a header bar.

Keywords & relevance

Reflect the posting's language honestly, from your real experience.

Mirror key terms from the job posting where they genuinely apply to you.
Spell out acronyms at least once (for example, “SEO (search engine optimization)”).
Use the job title the posting uses when it matches your actual role.
Don't stuff keywords or list skills you can't back up in an interview.

File type & naming

Save and name the file in a way that's easy to handle and read.

Submit the file type the application asks for; a text-based PDF or .docx is usually safe.
Make sure the text is selectable, not a scanned image of a document.
Use a clear file name such as “Firstname-Lastname-Resume.pdf”.
Open the exported file and confirm it looks right before submitting.

Readability

Make it easy to skim for both software and a busy recruiter.

Start each bullet with a strong action verb and a concrete result.
Quantify impact where you honestly can (numbers, %, $).
Use consistent US date formats (e.g. “Jan 2023”) in reverse-chronological order.
Proofread for spelling and consistency so terms are easy to match.

Tailoring per role

Adjust each resume to the posting instead of sending one generic file.

Lead with the experience and skills most relevant to the specific role.
Adjust your summary and bullet emphasis to match what the posting asks for.
Cut details that aren't relevant to this application.
Re-read the posting each time and update where it genuinely fits.