What is an ATS resume?
An ATS resume is a resume formatted so an applicant tracking system (ATS) — the software most employers use to collect and filter applications — can read it correctly. If the software cannot parse your resume, key details may be lost before a human ever sees it.
What makes a resume ATS-readable
- Real, selectable text (not a resume saved as an image or scanned PDF)
- Standard section headings like Experience, Education, and Skills
- A single-column core layout that reads top to bottom
- Common fonts and simple bullet points
- Keywords from the job description, used truthfully
ResumeCue templates are built to stay ATS-readable while still looking polished. You can also run the ATS resume checker to compare your resume against a specific job description.