If you are struggling with the best resume formatting for ATS, I am here to help!
The ATS or Application Tracking System is used by almost 90% of all companies in 2026, and this software is used to scan your resume and save hiring managers a lot of time. However, if you do not format your resume correctly for ATS, it will get rejected before it even gets looked out. Therefore, here are the resume formatting rules:
Resume Formatting for ATS Rule #1
No Colors.
Yes, I know you’ve seen a lot of pretty resume templates formatted with colors, but this will get it rejected by the ATS System. Black and white only.
Resume Formatting for ATS Rule #2
No Columns.
Again, a lot of resume templates like to save space by dividing the page up into columns with fancy sidebars. But the ATS system cannot read more than one column across, so half your resume will end up not being read, and therefore likely rejected.
Resume Formatting for ATS Rule #3
No Non-Google Fonts.
Again, ATS is still a fairly primitive system, so it will not recognize non Google fonts, no matter how good they look. The fonts can be serif or non serif, just as long as they are Google fonts.
Resume Formatting for ATS Rule #4
No Special Characters.
I was writing a resume for a client one time, and she really wanted to include registered trademarks (®) after all of these big brands she have worked for. The problem was, symbols and special characters are not recognized by ATS, so it would have immediately rejected her resume, just based on that.
Resume Formatting for ATS Rule #5
No photos.
Again, all of these pretty resume templates featuring your photo at the top will get rejected by ATS. The only time I would format a resume this way would be for a creative field, like a model or actor, but only on the resume you personally hand in at your interview.
More Resume Formatting Tips
Now, when I write resumes for clients, one of the most successful things that has really set their resumes apart has been to included a detailed skills sets. For example, don’t just say “Good communication skills“, that will get you no where. You need to elaborate and make it more compelling, and with more searchable keywords such as, “Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage clients effectively.” That will get you noticed!
Another thing I do that really helps your resume to stand out is to add “quantifiers”. For example, don’t say “implemented cost saving procedures”, that tells them nothing. You want to say, “Spearheaded the implementation of ABC software that reduced wasteful inventory ordering by 45% and saved the company $35K annually.”
More Resume Format Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common errors to ensure your resume gets noticed:
- Non Uniform Formatting: Stick to one to two fonts, using the same font for the heading and the same font for the body. Keep all spacing consistent as well.
- Keep It Orderly: Start with the career summary, then the skills, then the jobs and then end with education.
- Education: Do not include a college degree from 10 years ago if you never finished it, and don’t include expired certifications and licenses.
- 1 Inch Margins: This is another requirements for the ATS system, you need 1 inch at the top, bottom, and on each side, otherwise information will get cut off when scanned.
- Inappropriate font size: Depending on the font, try not to go lower than 10 point. It has to be easily readable, otherwise you will likely tick off a hiring manager.
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About Me
A 20+ year personal brand and small business consultant, my advice has been featured in the NY Times, Success Magazine, American Express, Big Commerce, Business2Community to name a few – so this is professional advice you can trust! I offer both already-done-for-you resume templates as well as my Professional Resume Writing Service.
©2026 Gail Oliver. All rights reserved. Resume Formatting for ATS.
