Format Resumes for Workday ATS Clients

When you submit a candidate resume to your Workday client, the system attempts to parse and extract information into structured fields. However, specific parsing technology details aren't publicly available, making it crucial to follow established best practices. The system works best with clean, simple layouts using standard fonts and conventional section headings like 'Work Experience' rather than creative alternatives like 'My Journey.' Complex formatting elements that look impressive to human eyes often confuse the parsing engine, potentially causing your candidate's information to display incorrectly or incompletely in your client's system.

Workday accepts multiple file formats including PDF, DOCX, DOC, HTML, and TXT, but not all formats perform equally well for staffing agency submissions. While the system technically accepts various formats, PDF and DOCX are most commonly recommended for professional submissions. DOCX files often parse more reliably than PDFs, especially when the PDF contains complex layouts or was created from design software. Understanding these nuances helps you choose the right format for each submission, ensuring your candidates' information displays correctly in your client's review process.

Parsing failures occur when resumes contain elements that Workday cannot properly interpret. Common culprits include graphics, tables, multiple columns, photos, text boxes, headers and footers, and non-standard section headings. Inconsistent date formats and uncommon fonts also create problems. Recruiters frequently report frustration with Workday's parsing accuracy, often requiring manual corrections. Some professionals avoid completing Workday applications entirely due to these technical difficulties, which means poorly formatted initial submissions can cost your client access to quality candidates and damage your agency's reputation for delivering ATS-ready talent.