How to make an ATS-friendly resume
To make an ATS-friendly resume, use a simple single-column layout, standard section headings like Experience and Skills, common fonts, and a .docx or text-based PDF file. Mirror the job description's key skills and title where they apply to you, and avoid tables, text boxes, images, headers, and footers that confuse parsers.
Keep the layout simple
Applicant tracking systems read top to bottom, left to right. A single-column layout parses most reliably. Avoid tables, multi-column designs, text boxes, and graphics for essential content, because parsers often read them out of order or skip them entirely.
Use standard section headings
Label sections with the terms the software expects: Summary, Experience or Work Experience, Skills, Education, Certifications. Creative headings like "Where I've Made an Impact" may not be recognized, which can cause your work history to be miscategorized or lost.
Match the job's keywords
Recruiters overwhelmingly filter by keywords. Read the job description and include the specific skills, tools, and job titles it names, where they are genuinely true for you. Put them in context in your experience, not as a hidden list. This alignment is the single biggest factor in how you rank.
Choose the right file type and font
Submit a .docx or a text-based (not image) PDF unless the posting says otherwise, so the text is selectable and parseable. Use common fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Georgia, and avoid embedding critical text inside images.
Check it before you apply
Run your resume against the target job description to see how well the keywords and skills align, then close the gaps. A quick check before submitting is far cheaper than a silent rejection.