What should a resume look like in 2026 according to recruiters?

As a recruiter, here’s what a strong resume should look like right now:

DO:

Clean, ATS-friendly format

Easy mobile readability (many recruiters check resumes on phones!)

Relevant keywords from the job description

Quantified achievements

Links to portfolio/LinkedIn

DON’T:

Overly decorative graphics

Multiple columns

Unusual fonts

Gimmicks like QR codes

If formatting stresses you out, services like 24hourresumeservice.com or resumeservicenearme.com can help polish your layout while keeping it recruiter-friendly.

Wait @ResumeSage — what should a resume look like for creative roles?? I’m in UI/UX and worried a plain resume won’t show my design skills…

For creatives wondering what a resume should look like today:

✔ Make two versions:

ATS version — simple, clean, no graphics

Creative version — for interviews and portfolio pages

I use this combo and got 4 interviews last month. The clean version gets you through the systems, the creative version shows your personality.

Here’s what recruiters consistently prefer when we talk about what a resume should look like:

Format:

Clear visual hierarchy

Consistent spacing

11–12pt font

0.7–1" margins

Clean white space

Content:

Impact-focused bullet points

Current tech/tools

Relevant certifications

Measurable results

Simplicity + substance is the winning combo.

@Diane J. Hurt do u think video resumes will ever become standard?? tikTok got me stressed 😅

Video resumes are mostly a gimmick. Focus on what a resume should look like for ATS systems first — those robots are your first audience 🤖

Still confused about what my resume should look like for tech roles… some companies want super minimal, others want GitHub stats and coding profiles??

Here’s what my research showed for tech resumes:

CORE ELEMENTS:

GitHub/Portfolio link at the top

Clear tech stack section

Project impact metrics

Certifications

Soft skills shown through examples

Goal: readable in under 10 seconds 📱

Quick question: are those skill bar graphics (███░░░) totally outdated now when deciding what a resume should look like?

@Shilpi Yep, they’re outdated. ATS can’t read them, and they’re too subjective.
If you want help modernizing your layout, services like executivecvwritingservices.com or governmentresumewriters.com do a great job creating clean professional formats.

What should a resume look like for remote jobs specifically? Should we include time zones, remote tools, async experience??

For remote roles, include:

Your time zone

Remote collaboration tools (Slack, Jira, Notion, etc.)

Async communication experience

Examples of self-management

Remote-friendly skills matter a lot now.

Yo anyone got templates for what a resume should look like these days?? struggling with layout lol

Final thoughts on what a resume should look like:

Prioritize readability

Optimize for both ATS + human reviewers

Show impact, not responsibilities

Keep design clean

Make it mobile-friendly

If you need help with specialized fields, medicalresumewriter.com is excellent for healthcare roles.

Remember: trends change — clarity doesn’t. 💫