ATS guide

Greenhouse Resume Format: Tips to Pass Greenhouse ATS

How Greenhouse handles your resume and the format recruiters can search easily. File types, headings and keyword tips, plus a free ATS check.

Short answer

Greenhouse stores your resume file and makes its text searchable for recruiters, who often review the file itself. Use a clean single-column PDF or Word file, standard headings, and the posting's real keywords in your work bullets. Answer the application questions carefully, since knockout questions are where most automatic filtering happens.

Key facts

Best file
Text-based PDF or Word .docx
Recruiters see
Your actual file plus searchable text
Filtering
Mostly from application questions
Check it
3 free checks a day with a free account, then $5 / 10 credits or $4.99/month for 50 checks.

How Greenhouse uses your resume

Greenhouse keeps the file you upload and indexes its text, so recruiters can search for skills and titles across candidates. Because people usually read the original file, design matters too, as long as the text is still readable.

Greenhouse checklist

  • Keep the text selectable: no scanned pages or text inside images.
  • Use the job title from the posting where it truthfully fits your experience.
  • Show skills in bullets with results, not only in a list.
  • Answer every required question; they often decide who moves forward.
  • Add your LinkedIn link so recruiters can confirm details quickly.

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Questions

Does Greenhouse auto-reject resumes?

Rarely on its own. Rejections usually come from knockout questions set by the employer or from a recruiter's review.

PDF or Word for Greenhouse?

Both work. A text-based PDF keeps your design exactly; Word is a safe default if unsure.

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