Applicant tracking systems extract plain text from your file and map it into fields recruiters search. Fancy layouts often parse poorly even when they look great to humans.
Top tips
- Prefer a simple Word layout saved as .doc when an employer asks for Word. Many ATS tools parse .doc most reliably; some struggle with complex .docx, RTF, or image-only files.
- Use simple formatting: avoid headers and footers for contact info, templates with heavy graphics, borders, shading, and decorative symbols (standard bullet points are fine).
- Customize each résumé for the specific role using language from the job description — not a one-size-fits-all file. Use specific tool names (e.g. “Adobe Photoshop”) instead of vague labels (“image-editing software”).
- Place keywords in context inside accomplishment bullets, not only as a disconnected skills list.
- Proofread carefully. ATS parsers and recruiters both penalize typos and garbled text.
Format checklist
- Avoid special characters and accented letters in the file (e.g. “résumé” may parse as “r?sum?”).
- Do not put punctuation in your name line — no parentheses, commas, slashes, or hyphens in the name itself.
- Use a single-column layout (no tables, multi-column sections, or text boxes).
- Use readable body text (about 11 pt or larger in Word; our PDF export uses ATS-safe sizing).
- Put only your name on the first line — move degrees and certifications to a separate line.
- Stick to standard fonts (Arial, Georgia, Tahoma, Calibri, Verdana).
- Include months in date ranges (e.g. 06/2010 – 08/2012) and align dates to the right when possible.
- Avoid condensed/expanded text or extra spaces between letters.
- Use consistent capitalization and punctuation so parsers can assign fields correctly.
- Spell out terms plus abbreviations when space allows (Certified Public Accountant (CPA)).
Do
- Submit through the company ATS even when you have an employee referral.
- Use the exact job title from the posting on your résumé when applying for that role.
- Place employment and education dates on the right side of each entry when possible.
- Consider ALL CAPS section headers (EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION) to help parsers categorize content.
- Upload the file when the form allows it instead of pasting into text boxes.
Don’t
- Don’t put MBA, CPA, etc. next to your name — list credentials on their own line.
- Don’t list skills you can’t defend in an interview or skills assessment.
- Don’t mix many fonts or sizes across the document.
- Don’t rename sections (“My Journey,” “Toolkit”) — parsers may dump that text into uncategorized fields.
Source: UIC Office of Career Services. For parsing research and the 25–35 keyword band, see How ATS really works.