At first, it might seem like a simple choice: Should your resume be formatted with one column or two? But in fact, there's no universal right answer. Yes, one column is better in most cases; however, there are some situations where two columns might be the better choice.
In this article, we'll discuss the differences between one-column resumes and two-column resumes, to help you make the right call when you're applying for jobs. We'll also explain how Sprout's AI-powered resume optimization can take all the guesswork out of your job search. With Sprout, your resume is formatted correctly for you every time you apply.
TLDR:
One-column resumes pass ATS (applicant tracking system) reviews much more reliably than two-column resumes.
Choose a one-column layout for online applications and for conservative industries.
Consider using two columns only when emailing your resume directly to someone or handing them a printed copy.
You may want to make two versions of your resume: for example, a one-column version for online applications, and a two-column version for in-person networking.
What Is a One-Column Resume?
A one-column resume follows the traditional resume format. It looks like a page in a book: information flows from the top of the page to the bottom. Your contact details sit at the top, followed by your professional summary, work experience, education, and skills.
Benefits of this format include its easy-to-follow structure. Hiring managers know exactly where to look for specific information.
In addition, one-column resumes are better at maintaining consistency across different viewing scenarios. Whether someone opens your resume on their phone, tablet, or prints it out, the content will likely display exactly as intended.
This format also works well when you have substantial work experience to showcase. The vertical flow gives you plenty of room to detail your accomplishments without cramming information into tight spaces.
What Is a Two-Column Resume?
A two-column resume splits your information between a narrower sidebar (often on the left side of the page) and a wider main content area. It looks more like a page in a magazine or a newspaper. In many two-column resumes, the sidebar is for important facts (such as contact information, degrees, certifications, or languages) while the main column tells your professional story in more detail.
Using two columns gives you more options for how you display and organize information. And in fields where creativity is important, a two-column resume may make more of an impact.
Benefits of this format include its flexibility. It gives you more options for how you present your skills and background. And a two-column design works well for candidates with diverse skill sets or multiple certifications.
One-Column Resumes vs Two-Column Resumes: Pros and Cons
If you want to land more interviews, format choice may matter more than you think.
In addition to the already mentioned advantages, one important benefit of one-column resumes is that applicant tracking systems are better able to parse them (and surveys say that upwards of 90% of recruiting professionals use these systems). In addition, the traditional structure feels familiar to most hiring managers, reducing cognitive load during review. It's also important to mention that complex formatting is likelier to be harder to read on devices like phones and tablets.
Minimalism is a key trend in resumes for 2025, so most resumes use a simple format and black-and-white design. But one-column resumes can seem less visually interesting. This is a drawback in some fields. So creative elements may be appropriate for resumes for roles in creative industries.
ATS Compatibility Issues with Two-Column Resumes
Applicant tracking systems expect information to flow in a predictable pattern, from left to right and from top to bottom. When an ATS encounters two columns, it doesn't read the information in the right order.
ATS software also expects specific data in standard locations. When your phone number appears in a sidebar instead of the header, for example, the system might not recognize it as contact information. Creative formatting that looks great on a printed page can flummox an ATS.
And the stakes are high. If the ATS can't properly extract your information, your resume never reaches human eyes.
So if you like the look of a two-column resume, you may want to create two versions of your resume: a one-column version and a two-column version (one for ATS reviewers and one for humans).
When to Use One-Column Resumes
You should probably choose a one-column format in these situations:
When you're submitting a resume through a company career portal or job board.
When you're applying for a job in a conservative industry such as finance, healthcare, or law.
When you're applying for an entry-level position (in most industries, hiring managers expect straightforward presentations from new graduates and career changers).
When you have substantial work experience to showcase. The one-column format gives you room to tell your professional story in full detail.
When to Use Two-Column Resumes
You may want to consider a two-column format in these situations:
When you're applying for a job in a creative industry such as graphic design, media, or advertising and you know your resume is going directly to a person.
When you're sending your resume straight to a hiring manager or recruiter.
When you're printing resumes for career fairs and networking events. Printed resumes handed directly to recruiters don't face parsing challenges, making this the perfect opportunity to show design skills through formatting.
How Sprout Solves Resume Format Challenges
Sprout automatically generates clean, ATS-optimized resumes for every job application. Rather than risking formatting issues or broken columns, Sprout always produces a consistent one-column structure that parses correctly in automated systems.
And you can rest assured that Sprout will generate an ATS-friendly resume for each role. You upload your base resume once, and Sprout handles tailoring the content, keywords, and structure so both ATS systems and hiring managers see the right version every time.
Instead of experimenting with two-column layouts that may get rejected, Sprout produces proven, ATS-safe resumes that reliably surface on the employer side.
With more than 100,000 job applications completed through AI automation, Sprout has eliminated the technical barriers that prevent qualified candidates from reaching human reviewers.
And resume personalization extends beyond just swapping out keywords. Our system adjusts visual hierarchy, section emphasis, and even format structure to match what each employer expects to see.
FAQ
How do I know if my two-column resume will pass through applicant tracking systems?
Many of these automated systems struggle to read two-column formats correctly. The safest approach is to use one-column formats for all online applications and job board submissions.
When can I use a two-column resume instead of the traditional format?
Use two-column resumes only when sending directly to hiring managers via email, at networking events, and/or when applying to creative industries that value visual design. Avoid them for online job applications and conservative industries like finance or healthcare.
Can I use both resume formats for different job applications?
Creating both versions is a good strategy. Use one-column resumes for online applications and job boards to guarantee ATS compatibility, and use two-column versions for career fairs, direct email submissions, or creative industry networking where human reviewers see your resume first.
Why do traditional industries prefer one-column resume formats?
Conservative industries like banking, law, healthcare, and government focus on substance over visual creativity and rely heavily on automated screening systems. One-column formats align with their professional expectations and allow reliable ATS processing.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Resume Format
The format battle comes down to one simple reality: ATS compatibility usually beats visual appeal in today's job market, and one-column resumes are more ATS-friendly. That said, there are some industries and scenarios where two-column resumes make sense. And you can always let Sprout take the formatting guesswork off your plate; it automatically selects the optimal format for each job you apply for. So you can focus on finding roles to apply for and perfecting your interview skills.
