ATS Resume Formatting Checklist (2026)

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

Formatting can affect readability and text extraction. It is worth checking, but a rejection alone does not identify a formatting problem or establish why an employer made its decision.

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

Review the exported document and any application fields populated from it. A checker can surface possible issues, but its extraction and score are specific to that tool. Correct confirmed problems without assuming the result represents every employer’s system.