Guide
ATS Resume Template Guide
What to look for in an ATS resume template, including section headings, spacing, typography, links, and export behavior.
Direct answer
An ATS-friendly template should make parsing easy without making the resume look generic. The best templates use clear headings, readable spacing, simple hierarchy, and export-safe formatting.
Use standard section names
ATS systems and recruiters both benefit from familiar labels. Experience, Education, Skills, Projects, Certifications, and Summary are easier to parse than decorative alternatives.
- Experience
- Education
- Skills
- Projects
- Certifications
Keep visual design readable
A resume can look premium without becoming hard to parse. Avoid cramped columns, heavy graphics, unclear icons, and decorative layouts that hide section meaning.
- Readable spacing
- Clear hierarchy
- Simple icons
- Export-safe layout
Check link and contact clarity
Email, phone, portfolio, GitHub, LinkedIn, and location should be easy to read and copy. Links should support proof, not clutter the top of the resume.
- Contact details
- Portfolio
- GitHub
Test before sending
Before submitting a resume, run a scan for section completeness, text extraction, keyword placement, and formatting risks.
- Text extraction
- Section scan
- Keyword review
- PDF export check
Use ATS-ready templates
Start with Credensa templates and run a private scan before sending your resume.