ATS-friendly resume: 12 rules

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software that stores and sorts CVs. These rules help it read yours correctly. They also make your CV easier for people to read.

Layout and format

1. Use one column. Multiple columns can scramble the reading order.
2. Avoid tables and text boxes for experience or skills.
3. Use a standard font such as Arial, Calibri or similar, at a readable size.
4. Keep important details out of headers and footers. Some systems skip them.

Content

5. Use standard headings: Summary, Experience, Education, Skills.
6. Write dates consistently, for example Mar 2023 to Present.
7. Mirror the job advert. Use its key skills and tools if they are true for you.
8. Show results with numbers where you can, such as time saved or users reached.

Files and details

9. Send a text-based PDF or Word file as requested. Never a scan or an image.
10. Name the file clearly, for example Priya-Sharma-CV.pdf.
11. Spell out acronyms once, for example Search Engine Optimisation (SEO).
12. Put contact details at the top as plain text: phone, email, city.

A fair warning

No rule guarantees a pass, because every company configures its system differently. Many ATS tools do not auto-reject CVs; recruiters search and filter them. Following these rules removes the common reading problems so your experience can be seen.

Frequently asked questions

More guides

• Free ATS resume checker
• Resume format for India
• PDF to Word CV converter