How to Make an ATS-Friendly Resume

Updated October 2026 · Best Resume Studio

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software employers use to collect and search applications. It extracts text from your resume into fields such as name, job titles and skills. If it can't read your resume, a recruiter may never see your strongest points.

Use real text, not images

Your PDF must contain selectable text. Resumes exported as pictures can't be read by an ATS. In Best Resume Studio, the Download PDF button creates a real-text PDF through your browser's "Save as PDF" option.

Keep headings standard

Use common section names: Summary, Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications. Creative names such as "My Journey" can confuse parsers.

Choose a simple layout

One column is the safest. Avoid tables, text boxes and putting contact details in the page header. Icons are fine as decoration, but the text next to them must be real text.

Match keywords honestly

Recruiters search the ATS for skills and job titles from the job description. Use the same wording where it is true for you — for example "project management" rather than only "PM". Our builder's job description match shows which important words are missing from your resume.

Use consistent dates and job titles

Write dates the same way everywhere (e.g., "Jan 2022 – Mar 2025") and keep your official job title, adding a clarification if needed.

Quick ATS checklist

• PDF with selectable text (or .docx if the employer asks)
• Standard headings and one main column
• Keywords from the job post where accurate
• No important text in images or headers/footers
• File name like Firstname_Lastname_Resume.pdf

Browse our ATS-friendly templates.