ATS Resume Formatting Checklist (2026)

The ResumeWizard Team · March 4, 2026 · 5 min read

Formatting is the most common reason a qualified resume gets filtered out. The fix isn't a fancier design — it's a layout the parser can read cleanly.

Layout & structure

• Single column, top to bottom — the order the parser reads.
• Standard section headings the ATS recognizes (Experience, Education, Skills).
• Reverse-chronological experience with clear company, role, and dates.
• Contact details in the body, not only in the header or footer.

Fonts, files & graphics

• Common fonts (Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, Georgia) at 10–12pt.
• Export a text-based PDF — never a flattened image.
• No tables or text boxes for content that must be parsed.
• Don't rely on icons or color to convey meaning.

Verify before you apply

Don't guess. Run your resume through an ATS checker to see the parsed output and your score, then fix anything that came through wrong. ResumeWizard's templates are parser-tested and its checker shows you exactly what an ATS extracts.