How to Create an ATS-Friendly Resume in 2026

Practical guidance for resumes, LinkedIn, and cover letters. Written for 2026 hiring realities.

How to Create an ATS-Friendly Resume in 2026 is less about fancy design and more about making your value instantly readable. In 2026, most employers see your resume through an ATS (applicant tracking system) first, so clarity and structure win.

Below is a practical, step-by-step approach you can use today. It focuses on simple formatting, strong keywords, and accomplishment-first bullet points so your resume passes scans and still reads well to a human.

Start with a clean structure the ATS can parse

Use one column, left-aligned headings, and standard section titles like Experience, Skills, and Education. Avoid text boxes, columns, icons, and unusual fonts. If the system cannot read it, it cannot rank it.

Save as a .docx when possible, and only use PDF if the job post explicitly prefers it. When in doubt, a simple .docx with consistent spacing is the safest bet.

Mirror the job description without copying it

Read the posting and highlight the recurring skills, tools, and outcomes. Then reflect those terms naturally in your Experience and Skills sections. This is keyword alignment, not keyword stuffing.

Keep your keywords close to proof. For example, instead of listing “Project Management” alone, pair it with a result: “Led a cross-functional project that reduced cycle time by 18%.”

Write bullets that prove impact

Each bullet should answer: what did you do, how did you do it, and what changed because of it? Aim for numbers when you can, but you can also use scope (team size, budget, volume) when metrics are not available.

Quick checklist before you apply

Keep formatting simple, align keywords with proof, and remove anything that an ATS cannot parse. Then do a 10-second skim test: can someone understand your target role and top strengths without effort?

If you want to speed this up, use the tools on the site to check keyword match and strengthen bullet points. Then review one of the related articles below to refine the part you are working on most.

Sources: This guide reflects common ATS and recruiting best practices (formatting clarity, keyword alignment, and proof-first bullet writing) adapted for 2026 hiring workflows.

Next step: Want to apply this fast? Try the free tools on ResumeBoosted Tools to scan keywords, tighten bullet points, and draft a strong cover letter opener.