Modern ATS can read two-column resumes if formatted right. Get the 6 critical 2026 best practices, avoid parsing errors, and choose the safest format.
Problem: Job seekers keep asking whether they must use a single‑column layout in 2025–2026 to “pass ATS” or if two‑column resumes are still compatible with applicant tracking systems.
Answer: Modern ATS can read both single‑ and two‑column resumes when the structure is clean and text‑based; the real compatibility best practices are to avoid text boxes, images, scanned PDFs, and nonstandard headers that break parsing—not to avoid columns themselves.
Yes, modern applicant tracking systems can read two‑column resumes when they are built correctly. The long‑standing belief that all resumes must be single column is outdated. Testing and official documentation from major ATS providers including Greenhouse, Workday, iCIMS, and SAP SuccessFactors show that column layout alone does not break parsing; problems occur only when formatting relies on elements that disrupt text extraction.
Resume columns ATS compatibility best practices prioritize clean structure and readable text. Single-column layouts are safest, but well-built two-column resumes also work when formatting is clear and validated.
A single column resume presents all content in one continuous vertical flow. Sections appear in a clear top-to-bottom order, usually including:
This layout is universally compatible with applicant tracking systems and remains the safest option when applying across many companies or older systems. It works especially well for early-career professionals or roles that do not require dense technical detail.
Single column resumes eliminate ambiguity in reading order and reduce the chance of parsing errors.
A two column resume divides content vertically, typically placing skills, tools, or certifications in a narrower column while reserving the main column for experience and education.
When structured correctly, two column layouts can:
The risk is not the layout itself, but how it is built.
Yes. Modern ATS platforms can read two column resumes when they are created using native document formatting.
Platforms like Greenhouse, Workday, Lever, and iCIMS successfully parse documents that use proper column formatting in Word or Google Docs. Problems occur when layouts rely on:
These objects disrupt the document’s logical reading order, causing parsing errors.
Columns are safe. Text boxes are not.
Across all major systems, the same issues appear consistently:
None of these issues are caused by using columns. They stem from how the content is embedded.
Early ATS platforms from the 2000s struggled with anything beyond plain text. At that time, recommending single-column resumes made sense.
Modern systems now use natural language processing. Greenhouse, for example, understands semantic relationships between phrases such as “led a team of five” and “managed five direct reports.”
Despite this progress, outdated advice continues circulating online, leading many job seekers to avoid visually effective layouts unnecessarily.
The decision is not about ATS limitations. It is about risk tolerance and presentation goals.
If your resume reads cleanly in plain text, it will parse correctly.
ATS platforms do not automatically reject candidates based on formatting.
They store resumes, extract searchable text, and help recruiters filter candidates using keywords and experience fields. Recruiters still see the original resume exactly as submitted.
If parsing fails, your resume is not rejected. It simply becomes harder to find during keyword searches. That is why clear structure matters more than visual complexity.
Single column resumes are the safest option.
Two column resumes are perfectly acceptable when built correctly.
The real risk is not layout. It is poor structure, hidden text, and formatting shortcuts.
The key is not choosing one format over the other, but understanding how ATS systems actually read your content. Put your resume to the test using our ATS grader below.
Our AI-powered ATS scoring system helps organizations assess and standardize resume quality at scale. ATS-compliant templates support consistent formatting, keyword alignment, and interview readiness across cohorts.
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Employability Systems & Applied Research
Team Yotru
Employability Systems & Applied Research
We bring expertise in career education, workforce development, labor market research, and employability technology. We partner with training providers, career services teams, nonprofits, and public-sector organizations to turn research and policy into practical tools used in real employment and retraining programs. Our approach balances evidence and real hiring realities to support employability systems that work in practice. Follow us on LinkedIn.
Before you start building your resume, here are answers to the most common questions Costco applicants ask.
In 2026, the safest ATS practice is to use a clean single-column resume layout for all core sections, including work experience, education, and skills. While modern ATS platforms can technically read columns, single-column formats reduce parsing ambiguity and perform better with AI-driven scoring and normalization layers. Standard section headings, left-aligned text, and simple bullet points help ensure content is interpreted correctly before ranking and shortlisting occur.
This article is written for job seekers applying through modern applicant tracking systems, particularly those targeting roles at large employers like Costco. It explains how resume layout choices affect ATS parsing and helps candidates choose the right format for their experience level and role type.
This analysis is based on official documentation from major ATS platforms, including Greenhouse, Workday, iCIMS, and SAP SuccessFactors. It is supported by independent testing, recruiter feedback, and real-world hiring insights from professional forums and industry communities.
This content is based on documented ATS behavior, public guidance from major hiring platforms, and real-world resume testing. Our goal is to provide clear, practical advice grounded in how modern hiring systems actually work—not outdated assumptions or myths.
This information is provided for general guidance only. Hiring processes, ATS behavior, and employer preferences may vary by organization and role. Always review job-specific requirements and verify formatting before submitting your application.
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