Stick to standard sections
Use familiar headings like Summary, Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications. Creative labels like 'My Journey' may not be parsed correctly.
ATS & Keywords
Format your resume so both software and recruiters can read it cleanly.
You do not need a plain-text resume. You just need a clean format that an ATS can parse without confusion, while still looking good when a human opens it.
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Avoid layouts that break parsing
Tables, text boxes, graphics, and heavy columns can be misread or skipped by parsers. A single-column layout is the safest choice.
- Use a single-column layout
- Save as PDF unless the employer asks for Word
- Avoid headers, footers, and images for critical information
Use consistent formatting for dates and titles
Keep company, title, and date information in a predictable order. Inconsistent formatting makes it harder for both parsers and recruiters to understand your timeline.