Creating an ATS friendly resume is non-negotiable when job hunting. But is PDF the best file format for getting past Applicant Tracking Systems?
Creating an ATS friendly resume is non-negotiable when job hunting. But is PDF the best file format for getting past Applicant Tracking Systems?
What Are ATS Systems, and Why Do They Matter?
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are digital tools that help recruiters filter through the mountain of resumes they receive. Instead of reading each one by hand, ATS systems scan resumes for keywords, skills, and formatting to decide if a candidate fits the job.
Why does this matter? File format plays a massive role. If your resume isn’t in a format the ATS can read, it could end up in the dreaded “no” pile—even if you’re a perfect fit for the job.
Are PDFs Truly ATS-Friendly?
The short answer: sometimes. PDFs have a reputation for being clean and professional, but they’re not always a slam dunk with ATS systems.
On the plus side, PDFs maintain consistent formatting, ensuring your resume looks polished. The downside? Not all ATS software reads PDFs equally well. Some older systems may struggle with embedded fonts or complex layouts, making it harder for your resume to be scanned.
How Applicant Tracking Systems Process PDF Resumes
A common misconception is that if your resume looks great in PDF, it’s automatically ATS-compatible. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. ATS systems scan resumes, looking for specific keywords and analyzing other text like job titles, company names, and skills. When it comes to PDF files, a few things can make or break how easily the system can do its job.
ATS systems can typically handle text-based PDFs with no problem. But they stumble when it comes to scanned PDFs or ones with graphics and columns.
Many ATS systems read resumes line by line, so anything that disrupts that flow can hurt your chances. To strike the right balance:
- Use a standard font like Arial or Times New Roman.
- Stick to a single-column layout.
- Avoid using images, graphics, or decorative elements.
The goal? Create a resume that’s easy for an ATS to read but still looks good to human eyes.
Exporting a Resume to PDF
When exporting your resume to PDF, a few small steps can make a big difference. Start by creating your resume in a program like Word or Google Docs using a simple, ATS-friendly template. But you must never submit your resume as a Word (DOCX) document; always save it as a PDF.
If you can’t save it directly as a PDF, use PDF Converter to safely convert your resume to an ATS-friendly PDF.
Check that all text is selectable and that there aren’t any hidden columns
It helps to double-check that the text in the PDF is selectable, especially if you used LinkedIn to automatically generate a resume for you. You don’t want it to be nothing more than an image-based file. The quickest way to do this is to open the document in a PDF reader and hit Ctrl+A (Cmd+A on macOS) to select all elements. This will show if all the text is selectable and also allow you to check that nothing is separated into columns.
Is Your Resume Really ATS-Friendly?
Before hitting “send,” it’s worth confirming that your resume will sail through an ATS. Use an online ATS resume checker to preview how your resume will appear. These tools can highlight potential issues, giving you a chance to fix them before submission.
FAQs About ATS Compatibility and PDFs
What is an ATS friendly resume, and how do I create one?
An ATS-friendly resume is one that’s designed to play nicely with applicant tracking systems. Think of it as a resume that skips the fancy stuff and focuses on being clear and easy to read—for both humans and machines. Use a basic font like Arial or Times New Roman, keep it in a single-column layout, and save it as a text-based PDF. This way, nothing gets lost in translation when the ATS scans it. The simpler and cleaner it is, the better your chances of making it to the next round.
How do I know if my resume is ATS-friendly?
The easiest way to check is by running it through an ATS checker or resume scanner. If the text in your PDF is selectable (like when you can highlight it), that’s a good sign the ATS can read it too. Also, go through the job description and make sure you’ve included keywords and phrases they’re likely looking for.
How do I pass my resume at ATS?
It’s all about making your resume readable and relevant. Use the same keywords you see in the job listing—without overdoing it, of course—and stick to a clean layout. Avoid using graphics, columns, or weird symbols because they can confuse the ATS. Before submitting, preview how your resume looks in a simple text editor to catch any formatting hiccups. If it looks good there, you’re probably in the clear!
How to make an ATS compliant PDF?
Exporting a resume to PDF is simple, but a few extra steps can make sure it’s ATS-friendly. Start with a clean template in Word or Google Docs and save it directly as a PDF without scanning it. If you can’t save it directly as a PDF, use PDF Converter to change it from a Word document to PDF. Double-check that all the text is selectable and stick with standard headings like “Experience” and “Skills.” Our Edit PDF tool is great for updating text, changing font styles and sizes, and for fixing alignment issues. But for fixing serious layout issues like removing columns, it is better to edit your resume in Word format.
Can applicant tracking systems read PDF files?
Yes, most ATS systems can handle PDFs—but only if they’re formatted properly. If your PDF has fancy graphics, funky fonts, or a multi-column layout, there’s a chance the ATS won’t read it correctly. A plain text-based PDF is your safest bet because it keeps everything easy to scan. And if you want to be extra sure, run your resume through an ATS-friendly template or a checker to catch any issues before you apply.
Now you’re ready to create an ATS-friendly resume that checks all the right boxes!
