Can I Use Tables to Format My Resume?

The dreaded ATS & Table debate. Short answer – I wouldn’t. Caveats – it’s probably ok. The ATS debate really stems a lot from actual fact, but has been bumped up by resume writers and other career professionals looking to add value to their clients. Some if it totally accurate, some if it more fluffy. 

Look, the platforms ATS are built on get SMARTER and smarter every day, just like all of our technology. So if you’re telling me that an iPhone can literally run my household, but no one can build a resume scanning software that can read tables, I have a hard time with it.

I do, however avoid using tables, text boxes, lines and pictures. I like to create a document that is compelling without being overwhelming, one that really focuses on well-written content and showcases my client’s personal brand.

I also can’t stress enough that you should be getting a plain txt version from your resume writer. It’s free to create, takes about 10 extra minutes, and is 100% the version you should use to upload or copy/paste into most job boards. A hiring manager or HR pro is well-versed at reading stripped down versions of resumes, and this is where the content is king. Without all the fancy formatting, is your resume still powerful and effective? It should be!

Once you get through the scan and a hiring manager is wowed by all you’ve done, then zing em with your beautifully formatted pdf version. It’s a slam dunk 🙂