Creating a resume that's ATS-friendly isn't that hard. It just requires some careful planning.

ATS-friendly formatting ensures your resume can get through to a hiring manager without being rejected by an applicant tracking system (ATS). Avoid unusual formattings like special graphics or images, as this can confuse the ATS.

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Formatting

When it comes to formatting your resume, less is more. The goal of your format should be to create a clean, professional-looking document that is easy for employers to read. Avoid adjusting your margins to try and fit more information onto the page, as this can make it hard for hiring managers to discern what is most important.

The most traditional and widely-used resume format is the reverse chronological. This style begins with your most recent position at the top of the page and then walks backward through your career history. This format is best for job seekers who have a consistent career path and want to showcase their progression. However, the functional format may be a better choice if you have gaps in your employment or are looking to change careers.

Fonts

The fonts you choose can make a big impact on how your resume looks. When choosing a resume font, readability and clarity should be top priorities. Avoid casual fonts like Comic Sans or Papyrus, which can give off a childish vibe. Also, stay away from fonts that are polarizing or may inspire strong positive or negative emotions.

Consider a serif font, such as Garamond or Book Antiqua, for the body of your resume. These fonts have a classic look and feel familiar to reviewers, as they're often used in academic papers or publications.

A sans-serif font, such as Helvetica or Arial, works well for the headings and footers. These fonts are easy to read and look professional.

White Space

White space, or the areas on a resume without text, is important for making a resume look professional. You want to have enough white space so that it’s easy for recruiters to read your resume but not so much that it looks crowded or unorganized.

You should also make sure to use an easily readable font and avoid using bold or italicized text. This can make your resume difficult to read and may give the impression that you’re not professional.

Choosing the best resume format is essential for getting the job. There are many different formats to choose from, including chronological, functional, and combination. Each has its benefits, but you should choose the most relevant to your experience and industry.

Capitalization

When creating a resume, you want to be sure that all of the information is easy for the recruiter or hiring manager to read. One way to do this is by using proper capitalization.

Proper capitalization is important regarding job titles, company names, and dates of employment. Also, make sure to capitalize all important words in your description of work experience.

Using a professional font is another thing that can help your resume look more polished. Use Times New Roman or a similar serif font (fonts with tails) and keep the size at 14-16 points. Avoid fancy fonts, such as Curlz MT, or other fun fonts that could distract your reader. Remember that the recruiter or hiring manager is looking for information that will help them decide whether you are a good fit for their organization.