How to Format Your Resume in 2026

The ATS Problem (And Why Formatting Matters)

Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes before humans see them. If your resume isn't formatted correctly, it gets auto-rejected — no matter how qualified you are.

Your resume needs to be readable by both machines (ATS) and humans (recruiters). That means clean, simple formatting with the right structure.

The Resume Format That Works in 2026

Use reverse-chronological format (most recent experience first). This is the gold standard for ATS and recruiters.

ATS-Friendly Formatting Rules

Follow these rules to avoid getting auto-rejected:

✅ DO:

• Use standard section headings: "Work Experience," "Education," "Skills" (not "My Journey" or "What I've Done")
• Use standard fonts: Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Helvetica (10-12pt)
• Use simple bullet points: Standard circles or dashes (not icons or custom graphics)
• Save as .docx or .pdf: Both work, but .docx is slightly safer for older ATS
• Use keywords from the job description: Mirror the language they use
• List dates consistently: "Jan 2023" or "01/2023" (pick one format and stick to it)
• Include your phone number and email at the top (not in a header/footer)

❌ DON'T:

• Use tables or columns: ATS often can't parse them correctly
• Use headers or footers: ATS may skip this content entirely
• Use images, graphics, or logos: ATS can't read them
• Use creative fonts or colors: Stick to black text on white background
• Use text boxes: They break ATS parsing
• Use functional or skills-based formats: ATS prefers chronological
• Submit as a .pages, .png, or .jpg file: Most ATS can't read these

One Page or Two Pages?

How to Structure Each Section

1. Header

2. Professional Summary (Optional but Recommended)

A 2-3 sentence snapshot of who you are and what you bring. Tailor this to each job.

3. Work Experience

List jobs in reverse-chronological order. For each role:

Key formatting tips for work experience:

• Use action verbs: "Led," "Increased," "Managed," "Built," "Drove"
• Quantify results: Numbers \> vague statements (e.g., "Increased sales by 25%" vs "Improved sales")
• Keep bullets to 1-2 lines: Recruiters skim — make it easy
• Tailor to the job: Highlight experience that matches the job description

4. Education

Tips:

• If you have 5+ years of experience, move education below work experience
• Don't include GPA unless it's 3.5+ and you're a recent grad
• Include relevant coursework if you're early-career

5. Skills

List hard skills and tools. This is where ATS looks for keywords.

Do NOT list soft skills like "teamwork" or "communication" — they're assumed and don't help with ATS. Save those for your cover letter or interview.

Common Formatting Mistakes to Avoid

File Naming and Submission

Don't submit a file named "resume.pdf" or "MyResume_Final_v3.docx"

Use this format:

FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf

Example: John_Smith_Resume.pdf

Test Your Resume

Before submitting, run it through an ATS checker:

• Jobscan: Compare your resume to the job description and get an ATS score
• Resume Worded: Free ATS scan with feedback
• Copy/paste test: Copy your resume into a plain text editor — if it looks broken, ATS will struggle too

Special Cases

Career Gaps

Use years only (not months) to mask short gaps. "2022 - 2024" hides a 6-month gap better than "June 2022 - January 2024."

Freelance or Contract Work

List it like a regular job. If you had multiple clients, group them under one entry: "Freelance Marketing Consultant | 2023 - Present"

Career Changers

Add a strong summary at the top explaining your pivot. Emphasize transferable skills in your work experience bullets.