Free ATS-Friendly Resume Templates
Download an ATS-friendly resume template for free. These templates can be edited in Microsoft Word and can be accurately scanned by an applicant tracking system.
Free Resume Builder Optimize Existing ResumeFree ATS resume templates you can use instantly in our builder
These resume templates are designed to make building your resume faster and easier. Simply click on any template to be taken directly to our resume builder. The selected template will be pre-loaded and ready for customization.
Each template is fully optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS), giving your resume the best chance of getting noticed by employers.
Find the right resume format for your career goals
There are three resume formats you can use: the chronological, the functional, and the hybrid (or combination).
The chronological resume format lists your work experience in reverse order. This highlights steady growth—perfect for those with a clear career path.
In contrast, the functional resume emphasizes skills over work history. This makes it a great choice for recent grads or career changers.
For a balanced approach, the hybrid format combines both skills and experience. It’s ideal for showcasing versatility across various roles.
Here are templates for each format:
Executive and management ATS-friendly resume templates
A good management resume template highlights your leadership achievements, key skills, and career growth. These templates include space for a short summary, and all feature a clean design that’s easy for an ATS to read.
With a simple, professional look, these templates help your experience stand out to both ATS and recruiters.
Entry-level ATS-friendly resume templates
These entry-level ATS-friendly resume templates are designed to help you make a strong first impression.
With simple, clean layouts, they highlight your skills, education, and relevant experience to ensure your resume gets through applicant tracking systems and stands out to recruiters.
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Build My Resume NowWhat is an applicant tracking system (ATS)?
An ATS is software that helps companies deal with the vast amount of resumes they receive. Nearly all Fortune 500 companies—and many smaller businesses—rely on ATS to streamline their hiring process.
An ATS works by:
- Collecting resumes
- Sorting them
- Ranking candidates
- Filtering out unqualified resumes
- Tracking candidates
By taking care of these steps, an ATS saves employers time and money while ensuring the right resumes make it through.
How do companies use ATS?
When you submit your resume it goes straight into an ATS database. Hiring managers then search the database by using keywords.
For example, a hiring manager might type in “administrative assistant,” “Microsoft Excel,” and “PowerPoint.” In order to be found, your resume would need to have those keywords.
Where do you find these keywords? In the job description. That’s what hiring manager base their searches on.
How to create an ATS-friendly resume
To create an ATS resume, you need to have the job description in front of you. Why? Because you need to tailor each resume to the specific job you’re applying to.
Do NOT use the same resume for every application. It takes a bit more effort to tailor each resume, but you’ll get much better results.
Follow these three steps to create an ATS-friendly resume:
1. Include the job title
Add the job title to your resume headline or your resume summary. Hiring managers search for the job title, so you need to have it somewhere on your resume.
2. Identify and add keywords
Review the job description for frequently mentioned skills or keywords, and incorporate these terms into your resume. This doesn’t mean including skills you don’t have, but it does mean using the same language as the job listing. ATS scans for these keywords, so matching them is essential.
3. Format simply
Use a clean, traditional format. Avoid graphics, tables, and unique fonts, as these can disrupt ATS readability. Stick to standard section headers like “Work Experience” and “Education,” and use bullet points to make information easy to scan. A clear layout ensures that both the ATS and hiring managers can quickly assess your qualifications.
ATS-friendly resume do's and don'ts
- Use the job title. Include the job title from the job description in your resume headline or summary.
- Incorporate keywords. Add keywords from the job description throughout your resume, especially in the skills and experience sections.
- Keep formatting simple. Use a clean, straightforward layout without graphics, tables, or unusual fonts.
- Stick to standard section headings. Use common headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills” so the ATS can easily recognize them.
- Use bullet points. In your “Work Experience” section, use bullet points to make content easier to scan.
- Save as .docx or PDF. Use these common file formats to ensure compatibility with the ATS.
- Avoid graphics and photos. These can confuse ATS software, causing your information to be misread.
- Don’t use uncommon fonts or colors. Stick to basic fonts like Arial or Times New Roman and avoid too many colors.
- Skip fancy formatting. Avoid headers, footers, or text boxes, as they may not be read accurately.
- Don’t overuse keywords. Add keywords naturally to make your resume easier to read.
- Avoid using “responsible for.” Start bullet points with action verbs like “managed,” “created,” or “improved.”
- Don’t include irrelevant information: Focus on skills, experience, and accomplishments that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
FAQs
The best ATS resume template is simple and clean, with a straightforward layout that avoids complex formatting. Templates with clear section headings like “Work Experience” and “Education” and minimal use of graphics or tables tend to work best. Look for ATS-friendly templates that keep formatting simple and readable.
To format your resume for ATS, use a standard font (such as Arial or Times New Roman) and avoid using graphics, columns, or fancy fonts. Stick to traditional section headers and use bullet points to list achievements and responsibilities. Make sure your file is saved in a compatible format, like .docx or PDF.
To convert your resume to ATS-friendly, simplify the layout by removing any graphics, tables, or unusual formatting. Use clear section titles, add relevant keywords from the job description, and focus on a clean, professional look. Saving it as a .docx or PDF file will also help ensure it’s readable by most ATS.
Some of Google’s resume templates may be ATS-friendly, but it’s best to check for simplicity. Avoid templates with columns, graphics, or unique fonts. Stick to straightforward layouts, as ATS may struggle with overly designed formats.
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