ATS-Friendly Resume Formatting Rules

The safest ATS format is single-column, standard headings, simple bullets, and consistent dates. Avoid tables, text boxes, icons, and content in headers/footers.

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Safe Format Checklist

  • Single-column layout

  • Standard headings: Summary, Experience, Skills, Education

  • Bullets with metrics

  • Dates aligned consistently

Formatting That Breaks ATS

  1. Columns

  2. Tables

  3. Text boxes

  4. Fancy section dividers

  5. Header/footer content

Your ATS-Safe Structure

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