How ATS parsing reads your resume

How can I test a Word resume to see how software will read it?

Save a copy as plain text and read it. This strips formatting and shows the text in the order Word stores it, which is close to what many parsers see first.

Steps:

  • In Word, choose File, then Save As, and select "Plain Text (.txt)". Accept the default encoding if asked; choose Unicode (UTF-8) if your resume contains Arabic, accented or other non-English characters.
  • Open the .txt file in Notepad or TextEdit.
  • Check that every section, job title, date and contact detail is there and in order.

Text in text boxes, shapes, headers or footers may be missing or moved; that is a sign to put that content into the main body. You can also export the Word file to PDF and run the copy-and-paste test.

Reviewed · by the ResumeBuilder.ae editorial team

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Templates to try

Free to edit and preview. Single-column layouts are the safest choice for applicant tracking systems.

ATS Classic

Single column

Use this template: ATS Classic

ATS Professional

Single column

Use this template: ATS Professional

ATS Minimalist

Single column

Use this template: ATS Minimalist

General guidance for job seekers, not legal or immigration advice. Employers and applicant tracking systems differ, so always follow the instructions in the job advert. Spotted a mistake? Email support@jobb.ae.

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