Resume Structure: Building an ATS-Friendly Layout (2026)
A clean structure helps ATS parsing and helps recruiters scan your resume quickly. Use a single-column layout, standard section headings, and a chronological or hybrid format.
An ATS-friendly resume structure is less about “beating software” and more about making your information easy to extract and easy to read.
Experts recommend keeping formatting simple, using traditional headings, and avoiding formatting that breaks parsing like columns, tables, and graphics.
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What “ATS-friendly structure” means
Structure is how your resume is organized: layout (one vs. two columns), section order, headings, and how consistently you present titles, dates, and bullets.
ATS software parses resumes into fields recruiters can search; if the structure is confusing, your information can be mis-filed or missed.
The ideal ATS resume layout
Use a single-column, top-to-bottom layout so both the ATS and recruiter see your experience in the intended order.
Avoid layout traps
Avoid columns, tables, graphics, and headers/footers because they can cause the ATS to scramble or skip content.
Recommended ATS section order
- 1Contact information (in the body, not header/footer).
- 2Resume headline (optional; target job title).
- 3Professional summary (optional; 2–4 lines).
- 4Work experience (reverse chronological).
- 5Education.
- 6Skills (grouped by category).
- 7Certifications (if relevant).
- 8Projects (if relevant).
- 9Languages / volunteering / publications (optional).
Insight: Major hiring platforms emphasize using clear, labeled sections with standard headings so ATS can categorize content correctly. After structure: optimize keywords.
Choose the right resume format (chronological vs. hybrid)
For ATS readability, use a reverse-chronological format (best default) or a hybrid format (skills summary + chronological experience).
We recommend chronological or hybrid formats and warn that purely functional resumes can be harder for ATS to interpret.
Use standard section headings (don’t get creative)
ATS systems often use headings to detect where each section starts and ends. Use conventional labels instead of creative ones.
Insight: Clear, standard headings help ATS find your qualifications and skills efficiently.
The safe blueprint (what each section should look like)
Contact information
Keep contact info as plain text at the top of the page (not in header/footer).
Professional summary (optional)
Use 2–4 lines that align with the role and include key skills naturally.
Work experience
Use a consistent pattern: Job Title — Company, Location; Date range; 3–6 bullets with outcomes, tools, and scope.
Skills
Use a categorized list; avoid excessive keyword stuffing and keep skills relevant to the job posting.
Formatting rules that protect structure (and parsing)
Common structure mistakes (and fixes)
| Mistake | Why it hurts | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Contact info in header/footer | Some ATS may not read headers/footers reliably. | Move contact info into the main body at the top. |
| Two-column “skills sidebar” | Columns can scramble reading order. | Convert to single-column; move Skills below Summary or above Education. |
| Functional resume with no dates | ATS and recruiters rely on timelines to interpret experience. | Switch to chronological or hybrid with clear dates. |
| Creative headings (e.g., “My Journey”) | ATS may not map it to standard fields. | Rename to “Work Experience” or “Professional Experience”. |
| Icons/symbol bullets | Nonstandard characters can break parsing. | Use standard bullets (•) and plain text. |
60-second self-check: does your structure pass ATS?
- Resume reads top-to-bottom cleanly in plain text.
- Headings are standard (Work Experience / Education / Skills).
- Work history is chronological with consistent date ranges.
- No tables, columns, graphics, or header/footer content.
- Target job title and key skills appear naturally (not stuffed).
FAQ
Related Resources
What is an ATS?
The fundamental guide to understanding the tech.
Resume parsing & format
Deep dive into how ATS parsers read your file.
Resume keywords optimization
How to rank higher without keyword stuffing.
Check my CV (free)
Test if your resume parses correctly.
Sources
- Major ATS Providers — Best Practices Guidelines
- Indeed — How To Write an ATS Resume (Template and Tips)
Want to see how an ATS reads your resume?
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