When submitting your resume electronically, understanding how applicant tracking systems (ATS) process headers and footers can make a significant difference in how your information is parsed and stored. Although headers and footers are common in traditional documents, their treatment in ATS can vary, potentially impacting your chances of being noticed.

How ATS Handles Headers and Footers

Most ATS software scans resumes linearly, focusing primarily on the main body text. However, headers and footers are often handled differently depending on the system. Some ATS platforms ignore headers and footers entirely, while others may parse their content if configured to do so.

  • Many ATS systems do not scan headers and footers, treating them as separate sections or ignoring them altogether.
  • Some ATS software may parse header/footer content if it appears consistently across pages, especially in multi-page resumes.
  • Content placed in headers/footers can be missed if the ATS is not configured to extract information from these areas.
  • Headers and footers are often used for contact information, which is crucial for recruiters; if not parsed correctly, this info may be lost.

Best Practices for Resume Headers and Footers

To ensure your key details are recognized, it’s essential to optimize how you use headers and footers in your resume. Here are practical steps you can take:

  • Avoid placing critical contact information solely in headers or footers. Instead, include it prominently in the main body of your resume.
  • If you choose to use headers or footers for your name or contact details, keep the information simple and consistent across pages.
  • Test your resume by submitting it to a free ATS scanner or by viewing it in plain text format to see if your contact info appears correctly.
  • Use a standard, clean format for headers and footers, avoiding complex graphics or unusual fonts that may hinder parsing.

How to Structure Your Resume for Better ATS Compatibility

Beyond headers and footers, structuring your resume effectively can improve ATS parsing. Focus on:

  • Using clear headings like 'Experience,' 'Education,' and 'Skills' to guide the ATS.
  • Including relevant keywords naturally within your main sections.
  • Keeping your formatting simple—avoid tables, columns, or graphics that may confuse ATS parsing.
  • Using standard fonts and file formats, such as Word (.docx) or plain text, for maximum compatibility.

Practical Tips for Testing Your Resume

Before submitting your resume, test how it will be processed by ATS. You can do this by:

  • Using free ATS resume scanners available online to see how your document is parsed.
  • Viewing your resume in plain text format to verify that contact details and key information are correctly extracted.
  • Asking a trusted friend or career coach to review your resume in different formats and provide feedback.

Remember: placing critical contact info in the main body of your resume ensures it will be seen, regardless of how ATS handles headers and footers.

Frequently asked questions

Should I avoid using headers and footers altogether?

Not necessarily. Use headers and footers sparingly and avoid placing essential contact details there. Focus on including key information in the main resume body for reliable parsing.

Can I rely on ATS to parse my contact information from headers or footers?

It depends on the ATS system. Many do not scan headers or footers, so it's safer to include your contact details prominently within the main sections of your resume.

What file formats are best for ATS compatibility?

Standard Word (.docx) files are generally the most ATS-friendly. Plain text files can also work well, but PDFs may sometimes cause parsing issues unless they are created with ATS compatibility in mind.