Want Flexible Work? How to Make Your Case to an Employer

Stick to DOCX or PDF files. Use a single-column layout; multiple columns and tables can cause parsers to mismatch job titles with employment dates. Don’t put your contact information in the header or footer since ATS omits content there. Strip hyperlinks and use plain text instead (e.g., linkedin/in/name). Use a standard round bullet (•) since fancier options render as error characters.

The simplest-formatted resumes are still the most likely to parse correctly, and they will remain so for the foreseeable future. Part of the problem is that, as more job seekers use AI to help with their resumes, many resumes not only sound the same but also look the same! Visual differentiation can go a long way without sacrificing parseability.

Stay away from templates that include your picture. The safest approach is a clean, simple Word document with standard section headings, conventional fonts, clear hierarchy, and no tables, text boxes, graphics or critical information in headers/footers. More importantly, your résumé MUST clearly communicate relevant qualifications aligned with the employer’s needs and language.