How to format your resume for AI screening

In today’s job market, getting your resume in front of human eyes is often harder than it seems. That’s because many companies now rely on artificial intelligence (AI) to screen resumes before a hiring manager even sees them. These systems, commonly known as applicant tracking systems (ATS), are designed to filter out candidates who don’t appear to match a job’s requirements. If your resume isn’t formatted with AI in mind, there is a chance it may be passed over.

Here are some tips to optimize your resume so it stands a better chance of making it through AI screening and into the hands of a real person.

1. Read the job application instructions carefully

Before uploading your resume, take a moment to read any instructions provided by the employer. Some systems only accept certain file formats. For example, while PDFs are often preferred for maintaining layout, many ATS tools still struggle to read them. If the posting specifies a format like .doc or .docx, follow it exactly. You can always open the new file to double-check that nothing shifted or was lost in translation.

2. Keep formatting simple and clean

While visually appealing resumes may look great to human readers, they can confuse AI scanners. Elements like the following may interfere with how the AI scanner reads your resume: Tables, charts, boxes, images, logos, colored fonts, etc. To avoid misinterpretation, stick with a basic layout using plain text, default fonts, and consistent formatting. If you are unsure where to start, Indeed has a template specifically for AI screening.

3. Use keywords from the job description

AI resume screeners work by comparing your resume to the job posting. They search for key terms related to experience, skills, and qualifications. To improve your match score, carefully review the job description and identify specific terms and phrases the employer uses. Then, use what you identified and incorporate them into your resume.

4. Consider a resume summary

A clear and concise summary at the top of your resume gives both AI and human reviewers a quick snapshot of your qualifications. It’s also a good place to insert keywords. Keep the summary brief and focused on your top achievements and relevant experience.

5. Write clearly and concisely

Use straightforward language and avoid modern phrases or lingo that might not be universally understood. Bullet points are great for highlighting achievements and responsibilities, but make sure the language is direct. This makes your resume easier to scan—by both humans and scanners.

Final Thoughts

Optimizing your resume for AI doesn’t mean sacrificing professionalism. By presenting a clear, well-structured, and keyword rich resume, you’re giving yourself a stronger chance to move forward in the hiring process. Think of it as writing for two audiences: the machine that does the first scan, and the person who makes the final decision. Formatting your resume with both in mind could be the key to landing your next opportunity.

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