How to make an ATS-friendly resume

Before a recruiter ever reads your resume, an applicant-tracking system (ATS) often scans it first. If the software can’t read your resume — or doesn’t find the right keywords — you can be filtered out before anyone sees your name. Here’s how to make sure that doesn’t happen.

What is an ATS?

An applicant-tracking system is the software most companies use to collect and search applications. It parses your resume into fields (name, experience, skills) and ranks it against the job description. If your layout confuses it, your details get lost.

7 rules for an ATS-friendly resume

1. Use a simple, single-column layout — no text boxes, tables, or columns that scramble the reading order.
2. Stick to standard section headings: Summary, Experience, Education, Skills.
3. Use a common font and real text — never put key info inside an image or graphic.
4. Mirror the exact keywords from the job ad (skills, tools, job titles).
5. Save and upload as a PDF unless the ad asks for .docx — both work if the text is selectable.
6. Spell out and abbreviate (“Search Engine Optimization (SEO)”) so either match is found.
7. Keep formatting consistent: same date format, bullet style, and spacing throughout.

A template that already passes

Every iQResume template uses a clean, single-column, ATS-readable structure. Fill in your details, add the keywords from your target job, and download a PDF that both software and people can read — no sign-up to start.

Build an ATS-friendly resume →

More resume guides

See resume examples by job built on an ATS-readable template, write a matching cover letter, read resume vs CV to pick the right document, or learn how to write a CV.

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