How to Beat the ATS in 2026: Resume Formatting and Keyword Tips That Work

What an ATS does

Most mid-size and large employers use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to collect, parse, and rank applications. The software pulls your resume into fields like job titles, dates, and skills, and recruiters search those fields. If the ATS can't read your resume, or doesn't find the terms the recruiter searches for, your application can be overlooked.

Formatting rules

• Use a clean, single-column layout with standard headings: Summary, Experience, Education, Skills.

• Avoid text boxes, tables used for layout, headers and footers holding key info, and graphics.

• Use common fonts and plain bullet points.

• Write dates the same way every time, for example 'Mar 2022 to Present.'

Keywords without stuffing

Compare your resume with the job posting. Find the hard skills, tools, certifications, and job titles that appear more than once, and work the ones you genuinely have into your summary, skills section, and accomplishments. Recruiters still read what the ATS ranks, so every keyword needs to sit in a real sentence that proves it.

File type

Submit a Word file (.docx) unless the employer asks for PDF. Most modern systems read text-based PDFs well, so it's worth keeping both versions ready. That's why every Top Resume Pros resume is delivered in Word and PDF.

Tailor each application

One master resume is a starting point, not the finish line. Spend ten minutes per application adjusting your summary and top bullets to the posting.

Get a free ATS check

Not sure your resume will parse cleanly? Request a free resume review and get feedback within 1-4 business hours. Every resume we write is ATS-optimized. Call (503) 433-5526 or email resumecounselor@topresumepros.com.