Greenhouse ATS Resume Guide
Formatting advice for applying to companies that use Greenhouse: layout, file type, readable structure and how recruiters typically review profiles.
Published 3 November 2026 · 5 min read
Short answer
For Greenhouse applications, use a simple, one-column, text-based PDF or DOCX with clear headings and concise bullet points. Avoid layouts that rely on tables, columns or graphics.
Recruiters often view your original file as well as extracted data, so the resume should be clean for both people and software.
How Greenhouse applications typically work
Greenhouse is widely used by technology companies and fast-growing businesses. Applications are often short forms with a resume upload and optional questions.
The platform may extract details from your resume into your candidate profile, and hiring teams review applications using that profile and the attached file.
Common mistakes that cause problems
- Two-column or sidebar layouts that scramble the reading order.
- Tables and text boxes used to align dates, skills or contact details.
- Contact details placed only in the header or footer.
- Icons instead of words for phone, email, location or LinkedIn.
- Skill bars, charts, photos and decorative graphics.
- Scanned or image-based PDFs with no selectable text.
Greenhouse-specific tips
- Lead each role with measurable results — hiring teams scan quickly.
- Keep your resume to one or two pages.
- Add your LinkedIn or portfolio URL as plain text, not only as an icon.
- Answer the custom application questions carefully; they are often reviewed alongside your resume.
- Use a clear file name with your full name.
Recommended format checklist
- One-column layout, top to bottom.
- Standard headings: Summary, Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications.
- Job title, company, location and dates on clear lines for each role.
- Consistent date format, for example 03/2022 – 05/2024.
- Plain bullet points with concrete results.
- Common fonts such as Arial, Calibri or Georgia, 10–12 pt.
- Contact details as plain text in the body of the page.
- Text-based PDF or DOCX, unless the job post asks for a specific format.
How to check your resume before applying
- Open your PDF and try to select and copy all the text. If you can't, it is probably image-based.
- Paste the copied text into a plain text editor and check that it reads in a logical order.
- Make sure your name, email, phone, job titles and dates appear correctly.
- If the portal pre-fills a form from your resume, review every field before submitting and fix what was misread.
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Frequently asked questions
- Do recruiters see my original resume on Greenhouse?
- Typically the uploaded file is available to the hiring team, which is why it should look clean as well as parse well.
- Is a designed resume OK for startups using Greenhouse?
- Simple, well-spaced design is fine, but avoid columns, tables and graphics that can disrupt text extraction.
- PDF or DOCX for Greenhouse?
- Both are commonly accepted. Make sure the PDF has selectable text, not a scanned image.
- Should I include a cover letter?
- If the form offers it and the role interests you, a short tailored cover letter can help.
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Guide written with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team