Format and Structure of an ATS-Friendly CV
June 29, 2026 · 5 min read
Good formatting isn't decoration: it's what lets your information reach the automated filter intact and stay easy for a person to read.
Single column and clear headings
Single-column layouts read better. Use standard sections: Summary, Experience, Education, Skills. That way the ATS places each detail without confusion.
Fonts, dates, and order
Pick a legible font, a consistent date format, and reverse-chronological order (most recent first). Tidiness signals professionalism.
Export in the right format
Submit a file with selectable text (a well-generated PDF or DOCX), not a scanned image. If the text can't be copied, the ATS can't read it.
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