Why every web developer should code their resume (and not the other way around)

A coded resume, ATS compatible and much more

ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) are those software tools that HR departments use to automatically filter applications. They scan resumes to extract information: name, skills, experience. The problem? A resume made in Photoshop or Illustrator is just a pretty image to them. Result: straight to the trash.

The good news? A resume exported from HTML/CSS is 100% ATS compatible. The generated PDF remains textual, structured, perfectly readable by these robots. No compromise between aesthetics and functionality.

Sure, Word remains "simpler" for most profiles. But for a web developer, it's the perfect opportunity to showcase mastery of your own tools. And if you already have or want to create an online portfolio, it's the ideal moment to integrate your resume into the same ecosystem.

Why a web dev should code their resume

Imagine a star chef buying frozen meals to feed their guests. Absurd, right? Yet that's exactly what a web developer does when opening Word or Canva to create their resume.

You spend your days structuring content in HTML, designing interfaces in CSS, optimizing user experiences... and you trust Microsoft Word to represent you professionally? There's an inconsistency there.

It's a matter of professional identity. You're not just someone who "does web," but someone who lives the web. So show directly what you can do, starting with your resume.

We agree, coding a resume doesn't require the same effort as a Word template, and it won't impress a random recruiter. But for a web developer position, it's a strong signal: you master your craft, you understand technical challenges, and you're capable of producing content adapted to your audience.

The unique advantages of HTML/CSS resume

Guaranteed ATS compatibility

The PDF generated from HTML code remains textual and perfectly structured. ATS can extract your information without problems, unlike graphic creations that become unreadable images for algorithms.

Live technical demonstration

Your resume becomes a demonstration of your skills:

• Print media queries: you master multi-platform adaptation
• Semantic structure: your HTML tags show you think about accessibility
• Clean CSS: your code is readable and maintainable
• Responsive design: web version viewable on all devices

Advanced automation

With a bit of templating, you can automatically generate:

• Multilingual versions (French, English...)
• Specialized variants (tech lead, frontend, fullstack...)
• Adapted formats (web, PDF, print...)
• Synchronized updates everywhere

Total visual consistency

Same typography, same colors, same identity as your portfolio. Your professional ecosystem becomes coherent and recognizable.

Native accessibility

Well-structured HTML is infinitely more accessible than a patched-together PDF. Screen readers, keyboard navigation, adaptive contrast... it's all there.

The winning strategy: website + PDF export

The optimal approach is one source code for two deliverables:

The interactive website

• SEO-friendly: indexed by Google
• Easy sharing: just a simple link to send
• Analytics: you know who views your profile (if you connect the right tools)
• Real-time updates: always the latest version

Traditional PDF export

• Classic applications: compatible with all HR processes
• ATS compliant: passes all automatic filters
• Archiving: frozen version for certain contexts

Maximum ROI: you develop once, you deliver two formats. Pure efficiency.

My tips for making your resume in HTML/CSS

Essential technical tips

Page format management with @page (see mdn):

@page {
  margin: 2cm;
  size: A4;
}

Avoid unsightly breaks with break-[before | inside | after] (see mdn):

h1 {
  break-after: avoid; /* avoid page break under a title */
  page-inside: avoid; /* avoid page break inside a title */
}

section {
  break-inside: avoid; /* avoid page break inside a section */
}

Page breaks should be handled with caution, you need to test and adjust according to content. Don't prevent all page breaks, otherwise the browser might not be able to fit the content on pages.

Force background and color to apply in print:

print-color-adjust: exact;

Style adaptation for print with @media print:

h1 {
  font-size: 24px;
  @media print {
    font-size: 18px;
  }
}

Embedded fonts for consistency:

@import url('https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Inter:wght@400;600&display=swap');

For optimal Chrome export:

• Destination: "Save as PDF"
• Disable headers and footers
• Margins at your convenience (removing them can be risky if you print)
• Background colors enabled (force in CSS with printColorAdjust: exact; normally)

Common mistakes to avoid

• ❌ Images too heavy (slow export, explode PDF size)
• ❌ Poor contrasts, black background (unreadable when printed)
• ❌ Text in images (not readable by ATS)
• ❌ CSS too complex (possible export bugs)
• ❌ Forgetting to adapt design for print (font size, spacing, page breaks...)

Conclusion: Your resume is your first technical demo

Let's recap: a coded resume means ATS compatibility + technical demonstration + professional consistency. Triple win.

But beyond rational arguments, there's a philosophy: your resume is your first technical demo. Coding it already proves you know how to use your tools to showcase yourself. It shows you don't just endure technology, you master it to create exactly what you need.

A web developer who codes their resume is someone who understands their craft all the way through. And recruiters see that immediately.

So, are you opening VS Code or going back to Word?