ATS-friendly resume checklist
This checklist runs entirely in your browser. It does not save or transmit your selections.
Use clear, familiar resume sections
Most resumes benefit from a predictable structure. Exact sections depend on your experience, but common headings include:
Avoid creative labels when a familiar heading is clearer. For example, “Experience” is usually more direct than “My Journey.”
Organize each job consistently
Customer Support Specialist
Northwind Services · Chicago, IL
March 2023–Present
- Resolved customer account questions through email and live chat while documenting recurring issues for the support team.
Choose formatting that protects reading order
A clean one-column layout is the safest general-purpose default. Some systems can process more complex designs, but complexity adds little value when it makes information harder to extract or scan.
| Use | Avoid or test carefully |
|---|---|
| Normal text for important information | Important content embedded in graphics or screenshots |
| Standard bullets and consistent spacing | Decorative symbols that replace meaning |
| Simple one-column reading order | Multiple columns, floating text boxes, or overlapping elements |
| Contact details in the document body | Contact details only in a header, footer, or shape |
| Readable type size and contrast | Very small text used to force content onto one page |
Page count should follow the amount and relevance of your experience. Do not remove useful evidence merely to obey a universal one-page rule.
Should you submit a PDF or DOCX resume?
Follow the employer’s instructions first. Real ATS products support different file types. Lever documents support for text-based formats including DOCX and PDF, while also noting that image files such as JPG and PNG are not parseable by its resume parser.
If the posting accepts PDF, export a text-based PDF and confirm that you can select and copy its text. If the application requests DOCX, submit DOCX. Do not rename a file extension without actually converting the document.
Use resume keywords honestly
Resume keywords are role-relevant terms such as skills, tools, certifications, methods, job titles, products, and responsibilities. The strongest keywords are supported by clear evidence in the resume.
Useful keyword use
Job posting: “Document customer issues in Salesforce.”
Resume: “Documented customer issues and follow-up actions in Salesforce for the support team.”
Misleading keyword use
Adding “Salesforce administrator” to a skills list when you only viewed reports and cannot explain administrator responsibilities.
Do not paste every term from a job posting into a skills section. First classify each requirement as demonstrated, partially demonstrated, or not demonstrated.
Use the job-description tailoring workflowUse numbers only when they are accurate
A number can make scope or results clearer, but invented metrics damage credibility. Use a number only when it is accurate, reasonably supported, and something you can explain if asked.
Without a verified number
Coordinated weekly status updates across product, design, and customer support teams to keep launch tasks visible.
With a verified number
Coordinated weekly status updates across three teams and maintained a 45-item launch tracker through release.
Both can be effective. The second version is stronger only if the numbers are true and meaningful.
Complete a final human review
- Compare the resume with the job posting one last time.
- Remove unsupported skills, metrics, and claims.
- Check names, dates, employers, education, and contact details.
- Open the exported file and test text selection.
- Read the document in order without relying on visual placement.
- Confirm that the correct file is attached before submitting.
Sources and further reading
Reviewed by: Julio Fernandez
Last reviewed: July 25, 2026