Resume formatting that works for ATS and people
Good formatting creates hierarchy without asking the reader to decode the page. It should survive export, parsing, printing, zooming, and a thirty-second scan.
Build a clear hierarchy
Use consistent type sizes for section headings, roles, organizations, dates, and body copy. Bold can guide attention; italics can add secondary distinction. Avoid highlight colors, decorative icons, and excessive visual styles.
- Readable body type
- Consistent spacing
- Strong section labels
- Simple bullets
- High contrast
Choose columns intentionally
A single column offers the safest reading order. A restrained two-column template can work when secondary material stays separate and the exported text remains logical. Do not split core experience across competing columns.
Control density
Edit content before reducing font size or margins. White space is functional: it separates roles, helps scanning, and makes a dense career history feel deliberate rather than compressed.
- Keep line lengths comfortable
- Avoid orphan headings
- Review page breaks
- Use consistent date alignment
Verify the exact export
The editor is not the final artifact. Open the PDF, compare its font family and size with the preview, select and copy the text, inspect links, and test at normal zoom before applying.