Does Resume Layout Matter for AI?

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more involved in the hiring process, it’s smart to consider what resume layouts are more easily read, especially for older applicant tracking systems (ATS). There are thousands of resume templates online, but not every format is friendly with older/legacy screening tools. While some layouts may seem more visually appealing, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best choice for the hiring team. In this guide, we’ll discuss the best types of templates to choose from during the resume-building process.

Yes, resume layouts matter for older ATS systems. Opt for a clean, simple template that prioritizes readability over aesthetics. Flashy logos, graphics, pictures, and charts can interfere with older systems’ ability to scan your resume for skills. If the screening tool can’t parse your content, your resume will be ranked lower or given a lower compatibility rating, which makes it less likely that a person will see your resume.

Content matters more than the template when it comes to your resume. Opt for a template that divides your information into clear sections while maintaining a healthy balance of white space.

Although AI screening tools should be able to detect most fonts, it’s best to select a more traditional style for better readability by recruiters and the hiring team. Cambria, Garamond, Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, and Helvetica are all suitable options for your resume content. Highly decorative fonts are more difficult for people who see your resume after it goes through the screening to read.

If your resume's formatting is overly complex and difficult to alter, choose another template. Allow the freedom and flexibility to customize your content according to the company’s needs.

For example, if you have eight years of experience in project management and plan on continuing in this field, you might not need to make any changes to the overall layout. However, if you were transitioning into project management from another occupation, you might need to adjust your experience and the skills section, which would lengthen or shorten your overall document.

It’s common knowledge that you must feature skills from the job description to be found in ATS searches and accommodate other company parameters. AI screening tools sometimes parse your document for these terms; without them, you won’t progress in the hiring process. That said, simply stuffing your resume with keywords isn’t the answer.

When you craft your professional experience section, consider how you’ve used these skill sets in your roles. It’s one thing to mention Agile in your skills section, and it’s another to spearhead the adoption of an Agile-Waterfall hybrid methodology that reduced overall project delivery times by 17%. Illustrating how you’ve applied your industry knowledge to generate value for organizations is a much better way to show employers your unique talents.

Writing is often a difficult process, and this is especially true regarding your resume. Many job seekers gravitate towards cliche terms such as “hard-worker” or “problem-solver” when describing themselves in the summary of qualifications. These keywords will not be searched by an AI screening tool, let alone an actual hiring manager.

Take a step back and reflect on what skills and experience define you as an industry professional. Are you a creative strategist or a forward-thinking leader? Do you pride yourself on driving initiatives or adapting to changing market landscapes? The most important thing is to accurately represent yourself which encapsulates your personal brand.

Don’t feel as if you need to reduce the depth of your content to pass through an AI screening tool. The human reader determines whether or not you get an interview, and that’s who you have to appeal to. If a particular achievement is complex and nuanced, don’t be afraid to provide that context for the hiring manager if it will add value to your resume.

Recent studies indicate that over 88% of companies employ AI screening tools as part of their hiring process. While it might be unnerving to know that the adoption of AI has become so widespread, the fundamental aspects of the hiring process are largely the same as they’ve always been for candidates.

PDF or Word files are fine. Word files are easier for systems to parse, but you want to ensure that your template is stable. Otherwise, there’s a risk of the formatting being compromised. With a PDF resume file, your layout tends to be more consistent.

As long as your layout is stable, the template should be readable for most AI screening tools. The only major concern is for overly decorative designs that might impact the ATS’s ability to find and parse information.