AI Resume Builder — create an ATS‑friendly resume in minutes

Short answer: An ATS-friendly resume uses simple formatting, standard section headings, and job-relevant keywords so applicant-tracking systems can parse it correctly.

Do this

• Use clear headings like Work Experience, Education, Skills.
• Keep layout simple (no tables, text boxes, graphics, icons).
• Mirror keywords from the job description in natural sentences.
• Use common fonts; export .docx or PDF as the employer requests.
• Left-align, one column, bullet achievements with verbs + metrics.

Avoid

• Images, charts, multi-column layouts, heavy styling; ATS can drop or mangle them.

Rule of thumb: 1 page for students/new grads/early career; up to 2 pages for experienced professionals. Academic CVs can run longer and include publications.

Why: Recruiters skim quickly; concise, relevant content wins. If you truly need two pages, ensure both are balanced and targeted; don’t add filler.

In the U.S., a resume is a 1–2 page, role-targeted marketing document. A CV (curriculum vitae) is comprehensive and mainly used in academia/research. In much of Europe, “CV” often means what Americans call a resume; the EU also offers a standard Europass CV format.

Quick guide

• Applying to U.S. industry roles → Resume (1–2 pages).
• Applying to U.S. academic/federal roles → CV (multi-page).
• Applying in the EU → local employers often say CV; format is resume-like; Europass is widely recognized.

• Reverse-chronological (most common): Highlights recent experience; best if you have a steady work history.
• Functional: Skills-first; useful to de-emphasize gaps, but many recruiters/ATS prefer timelines.
• Hybrid/Combination: Skills summary on top + reverse-chronological jobs—often the safest choice.

Tip: Regardless of format, keep sections scannable, quantify results, and align keywords to the JD.

U.S./Canada/UK: Don’t include a photo. The EEOC advises employers not to request photos to avoid discrimination concerns, and many ATS/workflows strip images anyway.

Europe/Asia: Norms vary (e.g., some regions expect photos), but multinationals increasingly follow no-photo practices. When unsure, check the job ad and local conventions; maintain a photo-free version for global applications.

Short answer: Follow the job ad. If unspecified, PDF preserves layout; some ATS/portals require .docx.

Do this

• Default to PDF for consistent formatting.
• Keep a clean .docx version in case the portal requires it.
• Use clear file names (e.g., First_Last_Resume.pdf).

Avoid

• Scanned/image resumes.
• Password-protected PDFs.

• Students/new grads: include if ≥ 3.5/4.0 or when requested; major GPA is fine if stronger.
• Experienced (3+ years): optional; prioritize achievements, skills, and impact instead.

• Mirror high‑value keywords naturally in bullets (skills, tools, role names).
• Prioritize 4–6 bullets per role that map to the job’s top requirements.
• Quantify results and surface recent, relevant projects.
• Use ATS‑friendly section headings the posting expects.

• Show relevant projects, freelancing, volunteering, coursework, or caregiving.
• Address briefly in summary or cover letter (1 sentence max); focus on the present.
• Emphasize outcomes and current skills; avoid over‑explaining.

Do this

• List role‑relevant hard skills/tools (e.g., Python, SQL, Figma).
• Group by category (Languages, Frameworks, Tools) for scannability.
• Validate against the job ad and your real experience.

Avoid

• Generic soft‑skill lists (e.g., “teamwork”); show them via achievements.
• Overlong skill dumps that dilute relevance.