Why Double-Column Resume Formats with Photos Are Outdated in 2025
In today’s competitive job market, a well-structured resume can make or break your chances of landing an interview. However, double-column resume formats with photos are becoming increasingly outdated in 2025. With advancements in Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and evolving hiring practices, it’s crucial to adapt to modern, ATS-friendly resume formats that maximize your job search success.
1. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) Rejection
Most employers use ATS software to screen resumes before they even reach a recruiter. These systems scan resumes for keywords, structure, and readability.
- Double-column formats confuse ATS algorithms, leading to incorrect parsing of key information.
- Photos and graphics get ignored by ATS, wasting valuable resume space.
- Many ATS software systems strip away design elements, leaving double-column resumes looking disorganized.
2. Poor Readability for Recruiters
Hiring managers spend only 6-7 seconds scanning a resume before deciding whether to proceed with a candidate.
- A single-column format follows the natural left-to-right reading flow, making it easier to skim through key details.
- Double-column resumes scatter critical information, making them harder to navigate quickly.
- Fancy designs and images can be distracting rather than helping recruiters focus on skills and experience.
3. Mobile & Cross-Device Compatibility Issues
With the rise of mobile recruiting, many hiring professionals review resumes on smartphones or tablets.
- Double-column layouts break on smaller screens, making content difficult to read.
- Single-column resumes ensure smooth scrolling and a consistent format across all devices.
4. Bias & Legal Concerns with Photos
Including a photo on a resume has been largely discouraged, and in many cases, hiring laws and best practices emphasize unbiased recruitment.
- Photos can lead to unconscious bias, affecting fair hiring practices.
- Some companies in regions like the USA, UK, and Canada discourage photos to comply with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws.
- A clean, professional text-based resume ensures focus remains on skills and experience rather than appearance.
5. Emphasis on Content Over Design
Modern recruiters prioritize content-rich resumes over fancy graphics and multi-column layouts.
- Employers look for quantifiable achievements, industry-specific keywords, and clear summaries rather than decorative elements.
- A minimalist, professional single-column format highlights expertise effectively and makes customization easier for different job applications.
6. Industry Standards & Global Hiring Trends
Hiring trends in 2025 emphasize clarity, efficiency, and ATS optimization. Leading companies and recruiters prefer:
- Single-column resumes with optimized keywords for easy scanning.
- No unnecessary design elements that can hinder parsing or readability.
- A professional, well-structured format that follows global hiring standards
