In today’s competitive digital job market, electronic résumés are often your first impression. With applicant tracking systems (ATS) now scanning résumés before a recruiter even sees them, formatting and structure have become more important than ever. But with so much conflicting advice online, it’s easy to fall for misinformation. So, which of the following statements about electronic résumés is false? Let’s break it down and separate the myths from the facts to help you optimize your résumé the right way.
False Statement: Graphics and Images Help Your Résumé Stand Out
This is the most common false belief when it comes to electronic résumés. While graphic-heavy designs may seem impressive visually, they’re often unreadable by ATS platforms. Most applicant tracking systems cannot process images, logos, or icons. As a result, key data like your work history or contact details might be skipped entirely.
According to Jobscan, using graphics can actually lower your chances of being seen by a recruiter. These systems are designed to read plain text—not visuals. So while a fancy résumé may work in a creative interview, it won’t perform well in digital screening.
True: Plain Text or Word Format Is ATS-Friendly
One of the safest and most effective ways to submit an electronic résumé is by using .doc, .docx, or .txt file formats. These are easily parsed by all major applicant tracking systems and ensure that your keywords, dates, and job titles are properly detected.
As highlighted by Indeed, PDFs can sometimes be problematic, depending on how the system is configured. Unless the job listing specifically requests a PDF, it’s better to go with a Word document or plain text file.
True: Including Keywords from the Job Description Boosts ATS Ranking
Modern résumé screening tools rank your résumé based on how well it matches the job description. That means using keywords directly from the listing—such as “project management,” “SEO,” or “budget forecasting”—can drastically improve your chances.
This isn’t about stuffing buzzwords. It’s about matching the specific terminology employers use to describe the role. Tools like Resume Worded help tailor your résumé to specific jobs, increasing your compatibility score and visibility.
True: Avoid Tables, Columns, and Unusual Formatting
Another common misconception is that tables and columns improve layout. While this may be true for print, it’s a bad idea for electronic résumés. Most ATS platforms read text in a linear, top-to-bottom format. When you use columns or embedded tables, the data often gets scrambled, misread, or completely overlooked.
As explained in this CareerBuilder guide, sticking to a simple structure ensures your information is processed correctly by digital screening systems.
Best Practices for an Effective Electronic Résumé
Now that we’ve identified what’s false, here’s what you should focus on to ensure your résumé gets through ATS filters:
- Use standard section titles like Experience, Education, and Skills
- Stick to clean fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
- Submit your file in .docx or .txt unless otherwise specified
- Incorporate relevant keywords naturally from the job posting
- Use bullet points (– or •), not symbols or emojis
- Avoid using headers, footers, text boxes, or graphics
Following these best practices ensures that your résumé is both machine-readable and recruiter-friendly.
So, which of the following statements about electronic résumés is false? The answer is clear: Graphics and images do not help your résumé stand out—they hurt your chances. Electronic résumés should be simple, structured, and aligned with ATS requirements. Focus on text clarity, keyword optimization, and clean formatting. That’s how you make it to the next round.
By designing your résumé with both technology and recruiters in mind, you increase your chances of landing interviews—and ultimately, the job.