Why Simple Formatting Wins

Today we’re continuing the series: Creating Winning Resumes in an AI World.

In Part 2, I discussed why context matters more than simply stuffing resumes with keywords. Today, we’re looking at something more technical but equally important: formatting.

Many resumes are overlooked not because the candidate lacks experience, but because the resume cannot be read properly by applicant tracking systems (ATS) and AI screening tools.

These systems often struggle with:

  • Multi-column layouts
  • Graphics and icons
  • Text embedded in images
  • Unusual formatting

When parsing fails, important information may never be captured. That means qualified candidates can be filtered out before a recruiter even sees their resume.

For example:

  • Skills placed in a sidebar may not be detected
  • Job titles inside design elements may not be read correctly
  • Key accomplishments can get lost entirely

Simple formatting performs better:

  • Use a single-column layout
  • Use standard headings like “Work Experience” and “Education”
  • Keep formatting clean and consistent

A resume does not need to look flashy to be effective. In fact, the best-performing resumes are often the simplest.

One helpful test: If your resume were converted to plain text, would your experience still be clear and compelling?

Formatting is not just about aesthetics. It is about clarity, readability, and accessibility for both AI systems and human reviewers.

If you are unsure whether your resume format is helping or hurting your chances, I help clients restructure resumes so they perform more effectively in both systems and human review.

Whether you are actively job searching or preparing for future opportunities, now is a great time to strengthen your resume. Let’s talk.

Keywords Are Not Enough

Welcome back to my series Creating Winning Resumes in an AI World.  In Part 1, I explained how AI systems act as the first gatekeeper in the hiring process.

The next question is how those systems actually evaluate your resume.

Many people still believe success comes down to keywords alone however that is no longer the case. Gone are the days when stuffing your resume with keywords would be enough to increase your ranking in the applicant tracking system.

Modern AI tools evaluate context. They assess how skills are applied, not just whether they appear.

Consider this:

“Leadership, communication, strategy”

Versus:

“Led a cross-functional team to execute a strategy that increased revenue by 15 percent”

The second example provides context and outcome. It signals impact.

Another example:

“Responsible for marketing campaigns”

Versus:

“Developed and executed digital marketing campaigns that increased qualified leads by 40 percent”

This is where resumes often fall short. They describe tasks instead of outcomes.

To improve this, focus on three elements:

  • What problem you addressed
  • What action you took
  • What result followed and the impact you fostered

For example:

“Reduced onboarding time by redesigning training materials and implementing a structured onboarding process”

Keywords help with visibility. Context drives selection.

If your resume feels too general or is not generating interviews, I work with clients to translate their experience into clearer, more results-driven content.

Contact me

Creating Winning Resumes in an AI World

AI hasn’t eliminated resumes, but it has completely changed how they’re evaluated.

Today, your resume is reviewed by algorithms before it ever reaches a human. That shift has created confusion for job seekers: Should you write for machines? For recruiters? For both?

In this series, I will break down exactly how to create a resume that works in today’s hiring landscape where AI screens, ranks, and filters candidates at scale.

Each article focuses on one critical element of modern resume strategy, giving you practical ways to stand out without overcomplicating the process.

The AI Gatekeeper


We are starting with the first and most overlooked shift.

Most resumes are rejected before a human ever reads them.

Not because candidates lack experience. Not because they are unqualified. Often it is because their resume is not built for how hiring works today.

AI is now the first reviewer.

Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems to manage application volume. These systems scan, parse, and rank resumes within seconds. They are actively deciding who moves forward.

Here is what happens behind the scenes:

Your resume is converted into structured data.
Your experience is mapped against the job description.
A relevance score is assigned.

If your resume does not meet that threshold, it may never be seen.

For example, a candidate may have strong project management experience. But if their resume says “supported projects” instead of “managed projects,” the system may not recognize alignment.

Another example is job titles. If your title does not match common industry language, and you do not clarify it, your ranking may drop.

This is where many job seekers misread rejection. It often happens before a person is involved.

A strong resume today is not just about what you have done but rather how clearly your experience can be interpreted.

If you are reworking your resume or not seeing traction in your search, I work with clients to evaluate and reposition their experience for today’s hiring systems.

Maximize your LinkedIn Presence

There are over 600 million LinkedIn users worldwide and it is the #1 professional social media platform, yet many people aren’t taking full advantage of their account.   

Control Your Narrative

LinkedIn allows you to tell your own professional story and can be a great tool in creating your professional brand.  Your profile lets you tell people who you are, what you are good at, and what you are interested in.  Unlike a resume that is limited in space and format, LinkedIn allows you to speak directly to your audience in a more personal voice and include photos, videos, and examples of your work.

Showcase your accomplishments

LinkedIn offers a variety of sections where you can highlight your professional achievements.  You can customize a profile that gives your audience a holistic view of what makes you unique by including:

  • Certifications and awards
  • Portfolio examples
  • Presentations
  • Leadership and volunteer experience
  • Professional organizations

Stay connected

Share articles and create posts that add value to your audience.  Regular posting not only helps to build a reputation as an expert in your field but also keeps you in front of your network by showing up in their feed when you are active.

Posts that get shared by your connections also expand your reach to previously untapped audiences and allow you to grow your network.

Improve your Discoverability

Completing your profile will increase your profile search results, meaning that you show up more often when users search for people with your keywords.   Recruiters often search LinkedIn for candidates to fill their open positions and having your relevant skills and experience listed will increase your likelihood of being found.

Don’t overlook these 3 effective interviewing tips

Are you preparing for your job interviews effectively? These simple but overlooked strategies will set you apart from your competitors.

Review the job description

Go through the objectives and responsibilities listed in the job description and think of specific examples of when you’ve done similar work in your previous roles.  Having examples pre-identified and written down will ensure you don’t blank out under pressure and will give you confidence when speaking about your experience. 

Focus on what you can do for them

Businesses want to know that you can solve a problem or need they have.  Keep your answers focused on the impact you’ve made in your previous roles.  Use the S.T.A.R (Situation Task Action Result) framework to demonstrate the results you have achieved.

Use their language

Research your target organization’s mission and vision statements and take note of the keywords and phrases they use to describe themselves.  By weaving these keywords into your answers, you will mirror their company culture.  Show your interviewer that you are interested in furthering their mission, not just another candidate looking for a paycheck.