ATS guide

Lever Resume Format: Tips to Pass Lever ATS

How Lever parses your resume into a candidate profile, the format that reads cleanly, and keyword tips recruiters search. Free ATS check included.

Short answer

Lever turns your resume into a searchable candidate profile and keeps the original file for recruiters to read. Use a single-column text-based PDF or Word .docx, standard headings, one clear title and company per role, and the posting's real skills inside your work bullets. Recruiters search Lever by keywords and tags, so honest, specific wording matters more than design.

Key facts

Best file
Text-based PDF or Word .docx
Profile fields
Contact, work history, education, links
Recruiters search
Keywords, titles, tags and sources
Check it
3 free checks a day with a free account, then $5 / 10 credits or $4.99/month for 50 checks.

How Lever reads a resume

When you apply, Lever extracts your name, email, phone, links and work history into a candidate profile. Recruiters then add tags and notes, and later search everyone in the system by keyword, so a resume submitted today can surface for a different role months from now.

Text inside images, tables or side columns can be skipped or merged, which makes your profile harder to find.

Lever formatting checklist

  • Put your email, phone and LinkedIn or portfolio link in the body as plain text.
  • One role per block with title, company and Month Year dates.
  • Use the exact skill names from the posting that honestly apply to you.
  • Keep a short Skills section and repeat key skills in your bullets.
  • Fill in the optional links and additional information fields; recruiters read them.

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Questions

Does Lever accept PDF resumes?

Yes. Text-based PDFs and Word .docx files both parse well. Avoid scanned PDFs and images.

Does Lever automatically reject resumes?

Not by itself. Filtering usually comes from required application questions or a recruiter's review.

Can recruiters find my resume later in Lever?

Yes. Applications stay searchable, so clear titles and keywords help you surface for future roles at the same company.

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