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The Ultimate Guide to Resume Headers ATS Can Read Correctly

9 min read

ResumizeAI

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Resume Headers ATS Can Read Correctly
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Struggling to get past Applicant Tracking Systems? Your resume header might be the invisible gatekeeper. This guide shows you how to build resume headers ATS can read correctly—step-by-step, with proven examples, common mistakes to avoid, and quick templates you can copy. Learn how to format contact info, choose readable job titles, handle multiple locations or URLs, and make your resume ATS-friendly without sacrificing design. By the end you'll have concrete header examples that pass ATS parsing, plus tools like Resumize.ai to automate the process and speed your job search.

The Ultimate Guide to Resume Headers ATS Can Read Correctly

Why Resume Headers Matter to Applicant Tracking Systems

Essential Elements: What to Include in an ATS-Friendly Header

Formatting Techniques ATS Can Read Reliably

How to Handle Multiple Locations, Remote Roles, and Titles

URLs, Links, and Social Media: What ATS Reads and What It Ignores

Testing Your Header and Using Tools Like Resumize.ai

Key Takeaways

  • 1Place your full name on the top line and a single-line contact block directly beneath it for reliable parsing.
  • 2Use one primary, industry-standard job title near your name to improve keyword matching.
  • 3Avoid images, icons, headers/footers, and text boxes in the header—ATS reads plain text only.
  • 4Include full text URLs for LinkedIn/portfolio/GitHub; don’t rely on icons or QR codes.
  • 5Save and submit as .docx or a text-based PDF; test parsing by copying header into a plain text editor.
  • 6State remote status or relocation willingness plainly if relevant: e.g., “Open to Remote” or “Willing to relocate.”
  • 7Use tools like Resumize.ai to test and optimize header parsing and fix hidden formatting issues.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but only if the creative elements don’t contain essential contact info or titles. Keep creative design below the header or in a separate portfolio page. For the top of your resume, use plain text for name, title, contact info, and location. You can add visual flair further down once ATS parsing is complete.
Most ATS do not read text embedded in images or logos. If you put your email or phone number inside an image, the ATS will likely miss it. Always duplicate essential contact info as plain text in the header to ensure it’s parsed correctly.
.docx is the safest choice for ATS compatibility because many systems parse Word documents more consistently. If an employer requests PDF, submit a text-based PDF (not an image-based scan). Before submitting, open the PDF and try to select the header text to confirm it’s readable.
Select one primary title that matches the role you want and add up to two secondary keywords separated by a slash or pipe (e.g., “Product Manager / Data Analytics”). Use the summary and skills sections to expand with additional titles and related keywords for better matching.
No. Full street addresses aren’t necessary and can clutter the header. Include city and state (or city and country) and indicate relocation willingness or remote status if relevant. Recruiters typically use city/region for searches, not street addresses.

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