ATS Optimization
Resume Formatting for ATS (2025 Guide)
Fonts, columns, tables, and file types — what breaks parsers and what safe formatting looks like.
By CVPage AI Editorial · Published 2025-02-22 · Updated 2026-05-21 · 8 min
Most ATS failures are formatting failures, not content failures. Fancy templates sell on aesthetics but strip parse accuracy.
Safe choices
- .docx or simple PDF exported from Word/Google Docs
- Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, 10–12pt body
- Left-aligned text, clear section labels
Risky choices
- Two-column Canva layouts
- Icons instead of words for skills
- Tables for work history
- Scanned image PDFs
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