File Type and Font: Optimizing Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Hey everyone! So you've painstakingly crafted the perfect resume, highlighting your skills and experience. But before a human even sees it, your resume has to pass through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Think of it like a robot gatekeeper. Getting past it requires more than just great content; it needs the right formatting too. That starts with the right file type and font.

File Type: Forget fancy PDFs with images and gradients. Stick to the basics. The most ATS-friendly file types are:

• .doc (Microsoft Word): This is generally the most compatible format. Most ATS systems have no trouble parsing .doc files.
• .docx (Microsoft Word): Similar to .doc, but slightly more versatile.
• .txt (Plain Text): A very basic format, but can be helpful as a backup if you're having trouble with other formats. However, it won't look as polished.

Avoid:

• .pdf: While widely used, PDFs can be tricky for ATS. The system can struggle to extract text from complex layouts, graphics, and special formatting.
• Pages (Apple): Not all ATS systems can handle Apple's Pages format reliably.
• Other unusual file types: Stick to the common formats mentioned above to guarantee compatibility.

Fonts: Keep it clean and simple. Avoid fancy or unusual fonts. The best options are:

• Times New Roman: A classic and highly compatible font.
• Arial: Another widely accepted and easily readable font.
• Calibri: A modern, clean font that works well.

Avoid:

• Script fonts: These are difficult for ATS to read and can lead to errors.
• Decorative fonts: Similar to script fonts, these are visually appealing but problematic for ATS.
• Unusual or obscure fonts: Stick to the widely used fonts for maximum compatibility.

Remember, the goal is to make it easy for the ATS to read and understand your resume. Using simple, standard formats and fonts is the best way to ensure that your resume makes it to the recruiter's desk. According to the Naukri Resume Blog, using a simple, clean format increases the chance of your resume passing ATS screening by a significant margin. Don't let a simple formatting error cost you a job interview!

Consider using RebuildCV to ensure your resume is ATS-compliant, regardless of the file type you choose. RebuildCV's AI will optimize your resume for maximum ATS compatibility.