The ATS vs. creative resume debate comes down to one question: how will this resume be reviewed? If it goes through an ATS (online portal, job board, company career page), use ATS-optimized. If it's reviewed directly by a human (referral, email, in-person), creative designs are acceptable.
ATS-optimized resumes prioritize parseability: single-column layout, standard fonts, no graphics, and keyword-rich content. They look clean and professional — not boring. A well-designed ATS resume with good typography and spacing looks polished and modern. It just avoids the specific design elements that break ATS parsing.
Creative resumes prioritize visual impact: custom layouts, color schemes, infographics, and design elements that showcase personality and design skills. They work beautifully in PDF format when viewed directly but often fail ATS parsing. These are ideal for graphic designers, UX designers, creative directors, and marketing professionals applying through portfolios or direct submissions.
The smart strategy for Indian job seekers in 2026: maintain two resume versions. Version A is your ATS-optimized resume — use it for all online applications, Naukri uploads, LinkedIn Easy Apply, and company career portals. Version B is your creative/designed resume — use it for networking events, email introductions, portfolio submissions, and roles specifically asking for design work. Both versions should contain identical content — only the formatting differs.