Resume formatting isn't just about aesthetics — it directly determines whether an ATS can successfully extract your information. Here's every formatting element you need to get right.
Fonts
Use universally supported fonts: Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, Georgia, Helvetica, or Garamond. Use 10-12pt for body text and 14-16pt for your name. Avoid decorative, script, or uncommon fonts — some ATS may not render them correctly.
Margins & Spacing
Use 0.5" to 1" margins on all sides. Single spacing or 1.15 line spacing works best. Add a blank line between sections for clear visual separation without excessive white space.
Section Headings
Format headings consistently throughout. Use bold text to designate section headers. Optionally add a horizontal line below each heading. Avoid using all-caps for everything — uses it selectively for section headings only.
Bullet Points
Use standard bullet characters: • (bullet), – (en dash), or - (hyphen). Avoid custom symbols like ★, ►, ◆, or ✓ as ATS may not recognize them. Keep bullets consistent throughout the entire document.
Date Formatting
Choose one format and use it consistently:
- "Jan 2020 - Present" (recommended)
- "January 2020 - Present" (acceptable)
- "01/2020 - Present" (acceptable)
- "2020 - Present" (minimal but acceptable)
Always include month and year for employment dates when possible.
Contact Information
Place in the main document body, not in a header/footer. Include on separate lines: Full Name, Phone Number, Email, LinkedIn URL, City, State.
Elements to Avoid
| Element | Problem | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Tables | Text reading order scrambled | Use tabs or single-column layout |
| Text boxes | Content may be skipped | Use regular paragraphs |
| Headers/footers | Often ignored by parsers | Put all content in main body |
| Graphics | Invisible to ATS | Use text descriptions |
| Columns | Reading order issues | Single-column layout |
| Skill bars | Can't read graphic scales | Text skill list |
| Icons | Not extractable | Use text labels |
ATS-Safe Formatting Checklist
- Single-column layout
- Standard fonts (10-12pt body)
- 0.5"-1" margins
- Standard bullet points
- Consistent date formats
- Contact info in main body
- Clear section headings
- No tables, text boxes, or graphics
- DOCX or text-based PDF format
- No headers/footers with key info
Test your formatting: Run your resume through the ATS Checker to identify formatting issues.