5 Resume Formatting Myths That Could Be Hurting Your Job Search
Resume formatting myths might be the reason your resume isn’t getting noticed. You’ve got the experience. You’ve done the work. But if your resume isn’t getting results, the problem might not be WHAT you’re saying, it could be HOW you’re formatting it.
In today’s digital-first hiring process, resume formatting plays a bigger role than most people realize. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan your resume before it ever reaches a human. And even when it does, hiring managers only spend a few seconds skimming before deciding whether to read more.
Let’s debunk five of the most common resume formatting myths and show you what to do instead so your experience gets the attention it deserves.
Myth 1: Fancy Templates Make You Stand Out
It’s easy to assume that a visually striking resume will help you stand out. You might be tempted by design-heavy templates from Canva or Etsy. While they may look impressive to you, they often confuse the ATS software.
Why it matters: Graphics, columns, and icons can interfere with how your resume is read by software, causing vital information to be skipped or misinterpreted. A beautiful design is useless if no one ever sees it.
What to do instead: Stick to a clean, single-column layout with standard fonts, simple formatting, and clear section headings. Your content, not color blocks or charts, should do the talking.
Want to know if your resume will pass ATS? Start with a free resume review.
Need more tips? Read: What Happens When Your Resume Gets Scanned by ATS
Myth 2: Your Resume Should Be One Page Only
If you’ve been in the workforce for more than a few years, cramming everything into one page can be frustrating. And it often leads to cutting out valuable details.
The truth: Your resume should be as long as it needs to be to tell your story well, without fluff. For most mid-level to senior professionals, a two-page resume is perfectly acceptable.
What to do instead: Focus on relevance, not length. Use space wisely, include impactful achievements, and remove outdated or unrelated experience. One page is not the rule; it’s just a guideline.
Also helpful: How to Structure Your Resume in 5 Easy Steps
Myth 3: You Need an Objective Statement at the Top
This myth still lingers, but it’s outdated. Objective statements typically focus on what you want from the employer, rather than what you bring to the table.
Why it matters: Hiring managers care more about how you’ll help them solve problems than about your career goals.
What to do instead: Use a Professional Summary. This 3-4 sentence section should highlight your experience, core strengths, and what you’re aiming to contribute in your next role.
Example: Digital marketing strategist with 7+ years of experience leading multi-million-dollar multi-channel campaigns, increasing customer engagement by 34%, and improving ROI by 56%. Skilled in SEO, paid media, and analytics. Seeking to drive brand growth in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
Need help writing this? Check out: Resume Basics Guide – Applying for Everything and Hearing Nothing
Myth 4: You Should Include Every Job You’ve Ever Had
More is not always better, especially on a resume. Including every job from the last 20 years may dilute your message and distract from what really matters.
Why it matters: Hiring managers don’t need your full career history. They need to see how your recent experience aligns with the job they’re hiring for.
What to do instead: Include only roles that are relevant to your current goals, and focus on the last 10-15 years. Group older roles under a brief “Earlier Career” section if they’re helpful for context but not central to your story.
This helps streamline your resume while still acknowledging your full background.
Myth 5: ATS Software Only Scans for Keywords
Many people believe that resume formatting doesn’t matter because the ATS just scans for keywords. While keyword optimization is essential, formatting still plays a crucial role.
Why it matters: If your formatting is inconsistent or overly designed, the ATS may not be able to read your resume properly, even if it includes all the right keywords. The result? Your application never reaches a human.
What to do instead: Include relevant keywords, but place them within a well-organized, clearly formatted document. Avoid text boxes, columns, and headers/footers for important information.
The Bottom Line: Format Supports Your Message
Formatting isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about function. A well-formatted resume helps your skills and experience shine. It shows that you understand how to communicate professionally and that you’re serious about the role.
When your resume is clean, clear, and aligned with modern hiring standards, you not only get noticed, you get considered.
Need Help Updating Your Resume Format?
At ProTouch Careers, we help professionals cut through the noise with resumes that are structured for success. If you’re unsure whether your format is helping or hurting your search, we’re here to help.
Start with a free resume review, or explore our resume writing packages to take the next step.
Don’t let formatting myths hold you back. Let’s make your resume work smarter, for you.
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