Formatting guide
A resume format that is readable by ATS software and people
The best resume format makes the same information easy for both audiences: a parser extracting text and a person scanning evidence quickly. That usually means fewer decorative layout tricks and clearer hierarchy.
Put this into practice
Upload a resume or start one from scratch. You can edit and score it free, then decide whether you want a rebuilt version.
Start with my resumeMake the text layer do the work
PDF is safe only when the words are real selectable text. Exporting a design as an image can turn your resume into a picture that an applicant tracking system cannot reliably read.
Before applying, select and copy a paragraph from your final PDF into a plain-text editor. If the order, contact information or bullets become mangled, repair the source layout and export again.
Use a predictable structure
Put your name and contact details at the top, then use standard headings such as Experience, Education, Projects and Skills. Keep dates and locations beside the relevant entry rather than in a detached design element.
Use simple bullets and one main column. Tables, sidebars and icon-only links can work in some systems but introduce needless parsing risk when your goal is broad compatibility.
Design still matters
ATS-friendly does not mean ugly. A strong name header, deliberate type scale, spacing and clean divider lines create a professional page without hiding the data software needs.
Grindly renders its rebuilt resumes from structured content so the visual layout and text extraction are checked together. You should still review the final PDF before sending it.
Questions people ask
- Should I use a two-column resume?
- For broad ATS compatibility, a single-column resume is safer. A two-column layout may parse correctly in some systems, but it creates more ways for reading order and headings to break.
- Can I use icons for email and LinkedIn?
- Use icons only alongside the actual email address and URL. Icon-only contact details may look clean but can disappear from extracted text.
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