ATS resume format rules (fonts, margins, headings)
Start with the rules, because they decide whether your content is read the way you meant. These are safe defaults, not magic tricks.
| Part | Good default | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Columns | One | Text reads in a clear top-to-bottom order. |
| Font | Arial, Calibri, Georgia or similar | Common fonts show up the same everywhere. |
| Body size | 10 to 12 pt | Easy to read on screen and in print. |
| Margins | 0.5 to 1 inch | Leaves room to breathe without wasting space. |
| Headings | Experience, Education, Skills | Software and recruiters know these names. |
| Bullets | Round or dash, 3 to 5 per job | Short lines are easy to scan. |
| File | PDF, unless told otherwise | Keeps the layout fixed. |
What a simple resume format looks like
Picture a clean white page. Your name sits at the top in larger type. Under it is one line of contact details. Below that, each section has a bold heading and a little space around it. There are no icons, photos, progress bars or coloured boxes. That plainness is the point: your words do the work.
1. [Your Name] - [City] | [phone] | [email] | [LinkedIn]
2. Summary: two or three lines on who you are and what you offer
3. Experience: newest job first, with title, company, dates and 3 to 5 bullets
4. Skills: a short list that matches the job post
5. Education: degree, school, year
6. Extras (only if useful): certifications, volunteering, languages
Simple resume layout: sections in the right order
Order depends on where you are in your career. Use the table below to pick the right one.
| Your situation | Section order |
|---|---|
| Several years of experience | Summary, Experience, Skills, Education |
| Student or new graduate | Summary, Education, Projects, Skills, Experience |
| Career changer | Summary, Skills, Experience, Education |
| Certifications are required | Summary, Certifications, Experience, Education |
For a closer look at the most common order, read the chronological resume template guide.
Simple resume examples you can copy
[Your Name] | [City, State] | [phone] | [email]
SUMMARY: [Job title] with [number] years of experience in [field]. Strong in [skill], [skill] and [skill].
EXPERIENCE: [Job Title], [Company], [MM/YYYY] to [MM/YYYY]
• [Action verb] [what you did] to [result, with number if true].
• [Action verb] [what you did] using [tool].
SKILLS: [Skill 1], [Skill 2], [Skill 3], [Tool 1], [Tool 2]
EDUCATION: [Degree], [School], [Year]
See complete samples by job on our resume examples page, or learn the wider rules in how to format a resume.
Simple vs modern vs creative resume formats
| Style | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | Most jobs, online applications, large employers | Can look plain; make up for it with strong bullets. |
| Modern | Tech, marketing, startups | Keep columns minimal and test with an ATS checker. |
| Creative | Design and media portfolios | Keep a plain version for application forms. |
- Photos, icons or skill bars that can hide or scramble text.
- Two or three columns that read out of order.
- Text in headers and footers that software may skip.
- Tiny fonts used to squeeze in more.
Simple resume format in Word or Google Docs
You can make this layout in Word or Google Docs: set one column, use the built-in heading styles and avoid text boxes. See our guides on Word resume templates if you prefer that route. If you would rather not fight with spacing, open the resume builder, pick a clean template and download a PDF.
One page is the target for most people. If you are unsure, read how many pages a resume should be, then run the file through the ATS checker.
Simple resume format FAQs
What is the best simple resume format?
For most people it is a single column in reverse-chronological order, with plain headings such as Summary, Experience, Skills and Education. It is easy to read, easy for software to parse and easy to update. Choose a different format only if you have a clear reason, like a long career gap or a creative field.
What should a simple resume include?
Include your name and contact details, a two or three line summary, work experience with short bullet points, skills, and education. Add certifications, volunteer work or projects if they help the job you want. Leave out photos, long personal details and anything that does not support the application.
Is a simple resume better than a designed resume?
For most jobs, yes. A simple layout is easier for applicant tracking software to read and for busy recruiters to scan. Creative fields like design may welcome a more visual portfolio, but even then a plain version of your resume is useful when you apply through an online form.
What font and margin size is best for a simple resume?
Pick a common, clear font such as Arial, Calibri or Georgia at about 10 to 12 points for body text, with slightly larger headings. Margins around half an inch to one inch keep the page tidy. Check the PDF preview to make sure nothing is cut off or cramped.
How long should a simple resume be?
One page is best for most people with under about ten years of experience. Two pages are fine for longer careers when every line is useful. If you are over one page by just a few lines, trim older or less relevant bullets rather than shrinking the font.
Can I make a simple resume in Word?
Yes. You can use Word or Google Docs with a single column and standard headings. Avoid text boxes and tables for layout. Mira Resume builds the layout for you and downloads it as a PDF, which keeps fonts and spacing the same on every device.
Does a simple resume format pass ATS?
A simple layout gives you the best chance of being read correctly, but no format can promise a result. The software also looks at your words, so match the job post and use real standard headings. You can run your file through our ATS checker to spot formatting problems before you apply.