Landing your dream job starts with a resume that works for both technology and humans. In today’s competitive job market, having a polished, well-structured resume isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential. But with so many candidates relying on fancy formatting, tables, and columns, it’s easy to wonder: are these enhancements helping or hurting your chances?
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The Formatting Dilemma: Style vs. Function
Many modern resumes use tables and columns to neatly organize work experience and skills. Andrea Kimball, Talent Acquisition Manager for Harris County, says this can be useful—but only if you play it smart.
“What I recommend is that you have a resume that you’re going to use to upload. Most applicant tracking systems (ATS) allow candidates to upload their resume into the system. And the system will automatically fill in generic information. First name, last name, contact information based off of that upload. However, if you are using enhanced formatting, sometimes that upload will be distorted.”
To avoid that issue, she advises candidates to prepare two versions of their resume.
“I recommend that candidates have an unformatted resume that they are going to use the upload functionality versus doing it manually,” she advised. “That will allow for a clean upload, but then have a more formatted, stylized resume that they can then attach to their application.”
The key takeaway? Keep your resume ATS-friendly while also having a visually appealing copy to impress hiring managers. And please keep in mind the basics: check grammar, spelling, and avoid acronyms or jargon that might confuse someone outside your field. Also, ensure all required attachments are correctly submitted.
Quick Resume Tips to Beat the ATS
- Use an unformatted version for ATS uploads to ensure all your information is captured correctly.
- Keep a styled version for human eyes when sending or presenting to interviewers.
- Preview carefully for grammar and spelling errors.
- Avoid industry-specific jargon or acronyms that may not be widely recognized.
- Attach required documents such as transcripts or licenses.
With these steps, you can maximize your chances of making it past the ATS and landing an interview. Remember, your resume is your first impression; make it count with clarity, accuracy, and a touch of polish.
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