What Makes a Resume Template ATS-Friendly in 2024?
Design for the Robots First, Then the Humans
In the modern job market, your resume has to pass two tests: the robot test and the human test. Before a recruiter ever lays eyes on your resume, it's almost certain to be processed by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). While a visually creative resume with multiple columns, fancy fonts, and graphics might look appealing, it can be a death sentence when applying through an online portal. ATS software is powerful, but it can be rigid and easily confused by non-standard formatting. A good resume template prioritizes scannability for both the software and the human who will hopefully read it later.
Choosing an 'ATS-friendly' template means choosing a design that is clean, simple, and logically structured. Here are the non-negotiable hallmarks of a resume template that will get past the bots.
1. Single-Column Layout
This is the most critical and non-negotiable feature of an ATS-friendly resume. Many of the most popular resume templates online feature two columns, with contact information, skills, or education in a narrow sidebar. Avoid these at all costs. ATS parsers are generally programmed to read from left to right, then top to bottom. When faced with a two-column layout, an ATS can jumble the information. For example, it might read the first line of your main column, then the first line of your sidebar, and mash them together into a single, nonsensical line of text, causing your entire work history to be misinterpreted.
2. Standard and Readable Fonts
While it might be tempting to use a unique font to stand out, it's a risky move. If the ATS or the recruiter's computer doesn't have the font installed, it will be substituted with a default font, which can completely ruin your formatting. Stick to universally available, 'web-safe' serif and sans-serif fonts:
Font size should be between 10 and 12 points for the body text, with slightly larger sizes for headings.
3. Clear, Standard Section Headings
An ATS is programmed to look for specific, standard section titles to understand the structure of your resume. Don't get creative here. Stick to clear and unambiguous headings that the software will recognize:
Avoid clever titles like 'My Journey,' 'Where I've Made an Impact,' or 'Tools of the Trade.'
4. No Graphics, Images, or Icons
Logos, skill-level meters, icons for your phone or email, and especially photos can cause significant parsing errors. An ATS cannot read images. At best, it will ignore them. At worst, the image can disrupt the text flow and cause the system to misread or reject the entire document. The only acceptable 'graphics' are simple line separators and standard bullet points.
5. Simple Bullet Points
Use only standard, solid black circle or square bullet points to list your accomplishments. Avoid using fancy arrows, checkmarks, or other symbols, as they may be rendered as a garbage character by the ATS.
6. No Information in the Header or Footer
Some older ATS systems are programmed to ignore the header and footer sections of a Microsoft Word or Google Docs document. To be safe, all of your vital information—including your name and contact details—should be placed in the main body of the document, starting from the very first line.
The Final Check
When you find a template you like, your final test should be to save it as a plain text (.txt) file and then open it. Does the plain text version look clean, organized, and logical? Is all the information there in the correct order? If so, it's a good sign that an ATS will be able to parse it correctly. Tools like our AI checker at powerfulresume.in are designed to think like a real ATS, giving you the confidence that your formatted resume is ready for the digital gatekeepers.