In today’s competitive job market, your resume is often your first and only chance to make a strong impression. But with most companies using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen applications, even the most qualified candidates can be overlooked if their resumes aren’t properly formatted. This is why choosing the best fonts and formats for an ATS-friendly resume is essential.
Whether you’re preparing to study in the UK and looking for part-time work opportunities, or you’re applying for full-time positions after graduation, an ATS-optimized resume increases your chances of being shortlisted. As one of the trusted study in the UK advisors, Erudmite helps students not only with admissions but also with career preparation, including resume guidance.
Why ATS-Friendly Resumes Matter
Most multinational companies and even smaller organizations use ATS software to filter applications before a hiring manager ever sees them. The system scans resumes for keywords, structure, and formatting, ranking them according to relevance.
If your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, it may never reach the recruiter’s desk. That’s why choosing the right font and format is just as important as listing your experience and skills.
For example, students applying to UK universities from the UAE often seek part-time work while studying. Employers in the UK heavily rely on ATS software to screen applicants. A poorly formatted resume could prevent you from even being considered for opportunities.
Best Fonts for ATS-Friendly Resumes
When it comes to resumes, simplicity always wins. Fancy fonts may look stylish, but ATS software often cannot read them correctly. Here are the most ATS-friendly fonts:
1. Arial
A clean, professional, and widely recognized font that ATS systems read without errors. Arial is perfect for students preparing their first resume before they study in the UK with scholarship opportunities.
2. Calibri
Modern and minimalistic, Calibri has become the default font for many platforms. It ensures your resume looks polished and professional.
3. Times New Roman
A traditional favorite, Times New Roman is safe, professional, and universally accepted. For formal applications, it’s still an excellent choice.
4. Georgia
If you want a slightly more stylish yet readable font, Georgia works well. It adds personality without risking ATS readability.
5. Verdana
Great for digital applications, Verdana has wider spacing, making it easy to read both for humans and ATS.
💡 Tip: Stick to font sizes between 10 and 12 points for body text and slightly larger for headings.
Formats That Work Best for ATS
Formatting is just as important as font choice. Here are the top ATS-friendly resume formats:
1. Reverse-Chronological Format
The most popular and ATS-approved format, it lists your most recent experiences first. Recruiters and systems prefer this format because it highlights recent achievements.
When to use it:
- Recent graduates applying for their first job while studying abroad
- Professionals with consistent career growth
2. Functional Format
Focuses on skills rather than work history. While less common, it can help students who have strong academic achievements but limited work experience.
When to use it:
- Applicants for internships or part-time jobs
- Dubai students studying abroad with limited job history
3. Hybrid (Combination) Format
Mixes skills and work history, providing the best of both worlds. It’s ideal for international students applying to multiple types of roles.
When to use it:
- Candidates with both strong education and relevant part-time experience
- Students transitioning to careers in new industries
Resume Sections That ATS Scans First
When creating your resume, keep in mind that ATS systems prioritize certain sections. Here’s what you must include:
- Contact Information – Full name, phone number, professional email, and LinkedIn profile.
- Professional Summary – A short, keyword-rich summary highlighting your goals.
- Education – Include your university details, especially if applying to UK universities.
- Work Experience – List relevant experience in reverse-chronological order.
- Skills – Add industry-specific skills using keywords ATS will recognize.
- Certifications – Especially useful for students applying from study abroad programs from UAE.
Common Resume Mistakes That Fail ATS
Even highly qualified candidates get rejected due to formatting mistakes. Here’s what to avoid:
- Using graphics, tables, or images (ATS can’t read them).
- Submitting in PDF format when the job listing specifies Word.
- Overloading with buzzwords instead of real keywords.
- Using headers/footers for key information (ATS may skip them).
- Inconsistent formatting and bullet points.
💡 Pro tip: Always keep a “plain-text” version of your resume ready for ATS submissions.
How Resume Strategy Helps Students Studying Abroad
When students apply to study in the UK from UAE, preparing an ATS-friendly resume becomes an essential skill. UK employers frequently use ATS, even for part-time roles in retail, hospitality, and corporate internships.
At Erudmite, we go beyond admissions—we provide career counselling in Dubai, one-on-one education counselling, and even guidance on UK student visas. This ensures students are prepared not just to get into their dream university but also to succeed in the job market.
For instance, as a trusted educational consultant in Dubai, Erudmite regularly helps students with student career planning in Dubai, ensuring their resumes align with both university and employment expectations.
Throughout our consultation experience, students often ask questions like:
- “What’s the best font for a CV for UK jobs?” → Arial or Calibri is safest.
- “Can I use colors in my resume?” → Stick to black text with minimal gray for headings.
- “Will ATS read my internship experience from Dubai?” → Yes, as long as it’s formatted properly.
- “How do I apply for a UK university while preparing my CV?” → You can check our Why Study in the UK guide for complete steps.
Final Tips for Crafting an ATS-Friendly Resume
- Use simple, clean fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
- Stick to reverse-chronological or hybrid formats.
- Add keywords relevant to your career goals.
- Save in Word (.docx) format unless otherwise specified.
- Tailor your resume for each application.
Crafting an ATS-friendly resume is just the first step toward achieving your academic and career dreams. If you’re planning to study in the UK, need help with university admissions, or want student visa consultants in Dubai to guide you, our team at Erudmite is here to help.
Book a free appointment with our experts today and take the next step toward your international education journey.
FAQs
Q1: What format should I use to send my resume to UK employers?
Most UK employers prefer Word (.docx) files as they are easily scanned by ATS software.
Q2: Should I include a photo in my resume for UK jobs?
No. Photos can confuse ATS systems and are not recommended in UK-style resumes.
Q3: Can I use the same resume for university applications and jobs?
Not exactly. University applications may require a CV highlighting academics, while jobs need a professional resume tailored for work.
Q4: What’s the difference between a CV and a resume for UK applications?
A CV is often longer and academic-focused, while resumes are shorter and skill-focused for jobs.
Q5: Where can I get expert help with my resume and UK study plans?
You can consult Erudmite—one of the best education consultants Dubai—to get guidance on both.
