An "ATS-friendly" resume simply means one that's laid out clearly enough for an applicant tracking system to read without scrambling your details. There are no tricks or secret keywords involved — it comes down to clean formatting and using the right words for the role. A resume that's easy for software to read is usually easier for a person to read too.
What is an ATS?
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software that employers and recruiters use to collect, store and search job applications. When you apply online, your resume often goes into one of these systems first. Recruiters then search and sort applications within it before reading them. If the system can't read your resume properly, some of your details might not come through clearly — so clean formatting helps make sure nothing important gets lost.
Why formatting matters
Most systems pull the text out of your file and try to sort it into fields like work history, education and skills. Simple, well-structured resumes come through accurately. Heavily designed ones — with graphics, columns or text tucked into images — can come through jumbled or with parts missing. The aim isn't to "beat" anything; it's to present your information so plainly that it survives this process intact.
What helps a resume read cleanly
- A simple, single-column layout. Top-to-bottom order is easiest to read in the right sequence.
- Standard section headings. Use clear labels like "Work Experience", "Education" and "Key Skills" so each section is recognised.
- Real, selectable text. Type your details as text rather than placing them inside an image or graphic.
- Common fonts and plain bullet points. Standard fonts and simple round bullets read reliably.
- The words from the job ad. Use the same terms the ad uses for skills and qualifications, where they genuinely apply to you.
- Spell out, then abbreviate. For example, "Working with Children Check (WWCC)" covers both how people search.
- The requested file type. Send what the employer asks for — often a Word document or PDF — with a clear file name.
What to avoid
- Photos and logos. They add nothing the system can read and aren't used on Australian resumes anyway.
- Tables, text boxes and multiple columns. These can be read out of order or skipped.
- Skills shown only as graphics. A "4 out of 5" skill bar is just a picture to the software — list the skill as text.
- Important details in the header or footer. Some systems ignore these areas, so keep your contact details in the main body.
- Heavily designed templates. If a layout looks complex, it probably reads poorly — simpler is safer.
Keep it human too
A real person still reads your resume once it's shortlisted, so write for both. Use the job ad's language where it honestly fits, but don't stuff in keywords or repeat phrases unnaturally — it reads poorly to a person and doesn't help. Aim for a resume that's clean, clear and genuinely reflects your experience. If you start from our resume templates, you're already using a simple, single-column layout with standard headings, and the resume checklist helps you do a final review.
Key takeaways
- An ATS reads and sorts your resume before a person does
- Use a simple, single-column layout with standard headings
- Keep details as real text, not inside images or graphics
- Use the job ad's words where they genuinely apply to you
- Write for software and people — never keyword-stuff
Start from a clean layout
Our free resume templates use a simple, single-column format that's easy for software and people to read.
Browse clean resume templates