Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are used differently by different employers. Some collect applications, some help recruiters search or organize them, and some apply role-specific screening rules. No formatting choice can guarantee a result, but clear structure gives both software and people a better chance to interpret your resume correctly.
The safest approach is simple: make the content readable as plain text, use familiar labels, and keep the important evidence in the main document flow.
Use standard section headings
Clear headings help readers find information quickly. Common options include:
- Experience or Work Experience
- Education
- Skills
- Projects
- Certifications
Creative labels can work in a portfolio, but a resume benefits from predictable language. If you use a summary, label it “Summary” or “Professional Summary” rather than a phrase a reader may need to interpret.
Keep the layout structurally simple
Avoid making essential details depend on images, decorative text, or complicated column ordering. A polished one-column layout is often a practical choice, especially when you are applying through multiple systems.
| Usually easier to review | Worth using with care |
|---|---|
| Selectable text, clear headings, standard dates | Images that contain text or contact details |
| Consistent job entries and bullets | Decorative icons used instead of labels |
| Simple tables only when their reading order is obvious | Dense multi-column layouts with essential information split across columns |
| A conventional font size and contrast | Text boxes used for core experience or skills |
Match terminology with evidence
Use important terms from the job description only when they accurately describe your work. If a role asks for stakeholder research, include that phrase where it reflects work you actually performed, then provide context: what you researched, for whom, and what changed as a result.
Repeating terms without evidence makes a resume less useful to a human reader. A concise bullet with a real example is stronger than a long keyword list.
Choose a file format based on instructions
Follow the employer’s application instructions first. PDF can preserve visual layout; DOCX may be requested by some systems or recruiters. CareerContainer’s resume builder supports both PDF and DOCX downloads, so you can prepare the format the application asks for.
Before uploading, open the exported file and check that headings, dates, bullet points, and links appear as expected. If the application site previews your file, review that preview too.
Run a final readability check
- Can you select and copy the text from the file?
- Are dates, employer names, and job titles consistent?
- Are the most relevant skills and results visible near the top?
- Are acronyms explained where a non-specialist reader might need context?
- Does the document remain readable at normal zoom and when printed?
For a broader writing checklist, read How to Write a Resume. For errors that can distract from otherwise strong content, visit Common Resume Mistakes.