resume format ats friendly

ATS resume templates

Beat the bots and land the job with ats-friendly resume templates..

Find the perfect customizable ATS resume and cover letter template today

Use these free ATS resume templates to get noticed by hiring managers and land an interview. Recruiters use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to rapidly screen resumes. ATS resumes are designed to help your resume get past these applicant tracking systems. These resumes use simple but attractive layouts that put your accomplishments front and center and won't confuse applicant tracking systems. Each ATS resume template is fast and easy to customize in Word, helping you spend more time on the rest of the job application process. You may want to tailor a new resume to each job description you apply for to show why you're an ideal fit for the role. Once you’ve created your ATS-friendly resume, don’t forget to explore cover letter templates and business card templates to create an attractive and streamlined professional presence. Best of luck getting the job!

16 ATS-Friendly Resume Templates [Great for 2024]

You found a job you're perfect for.

You put a ton of effort into perfecting your job application and you send it. But then weeks pass by and you still have no response.

What gives?

Well, sometimes you're not a good fit, and sometimes your resume gets rejected by an applicant tracking system (ATS) before a hiring manager even sees it. Applicant tracking systems can have trouble scanning resumes that have unusual layouts, uncommon fonts, or other formatting quirks.

So, if you're not using an ATS-optimized template or following an ATS-friendly format, it's even more likely that you won't get called back.

This is where we come in.

In this article, we're going to cover:

What Is an ATS-Friendly Resume Template?

16 ats-friendly resume templates, 7 tips to make your resume ats-friendly.

...and more!

Let's get started.

Want an ATS-friendly resume fast? Use one of our templates!

They're engineered to make it past the world’s most sophisticated applicant tracking systems.

An ATS-friendly resume template is designed and tailored to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) without getting rejected. ATS are types of software most companies use to scan, sort, and rank job applications before they reach human recruiters or hiring managers . The ATS extracts information from your resume and decides if you have what it takes to pass the initial screening.

Unfortunately, the ATS can only read your resume if it’s structured a certain way . If you used an unusual resume format , included too many graphics, or picked a font the ATS doesn’t support, your resume could get rejected automatically.

So, using an ATS resume template ensures that your resume's content is the only thing standing between you and the hiring manager’s desk. When no formatting issues can get in your way, you’re that much closer to making it to the next stage of the hiring process!

6 Pros of Using an ATS-Friendly Template

Using an ATS-friendly template is your resume’s best chance to land on a hiring manager’s desk and impress them. 

Here are some of the main perks of using an ATS-friendly template:

• Guaranteed readability. The ATS can easily read and categorize your relevant skills and experiences.
• More visibility. You’re more likely to pass the ATS screening and make it to the hiring manager.
• Time-saving. Using a pre-formatted template lets you focus on your resume’s content instead of spending hours tweaking the layout.
• Visually appealing. ATS-friendly doesn't mean boring - the right template looks as good to a human hiring manager as it does to an ATS.
• Easy to update. You can quickly adjust your resume for different job applications without reformatting everything each time.
• Customization options. Adjust your resume’s layout , colors, fonts, and sections to match your style while staying ATS-friendly.

Want to make sure your resume gets past the applicant tracking system? Learn about the most common ATS formatting mistakes and avoid them!

Not every resume template you’ll find online is ATS-friendly.

Take your job hunt to the next level by using our free resume builder and choosing one of our trusted ATS-ready resume templates:

#1. Basic Resume Template

This resume template is versatile and you can personalize it to fit different industries. Its basic design allows the resume content to be front and center.

#2. Minimalist Resume Template

The minimalist resume template is ideal for applicants at any career level and across any industry. You can change the two-column layout and colors according to your style.

#3. Traditional Resume Template

This template offers the traditional resume look. It’s a safe choice for any applicant who doesn’t want to get too creative with their resume.

#4. Modern Resume Template

The modern resume template is guaranteed to help you make an impression on the hiring manager. It’s ideal for applications to startups or marketing agencies.

#5. IT Resume Template

This IT resume template will ensure your application breezes past the ATS and grabs the employer’s attention. The stark contrast between the two-column layout guarantees that your tech know-how pops out.

#6. Functional Resume Template

This functional template is ideal for any industry. The structure lets you emphasize your skills, education, or work experience in equal measure.

#7. Professional Resume Template

The professional resume template uses a strategic pop of color to make every entry of your work experience catch the hiring manager’s eye. Whether you’re just starting your career or have decades of experience, it’s the perfect choice.

#8. College Resume Template

For recent graduates or applicants with little to no experience in the field, this is the best template out there. It lets you expand on your education, relevant skills, and supplementary sections while maintaining a sleek design.

#9. Creative Resume Template

The creative resume template sticks out with a bold header guaranteed to make any hiring manager read it. Choose this template if you’re looking to make it in a creative field like graphic design, animation , or content marketing.

#10. Skill-Based Resume Template

If you’re looking to try a new field, opt for the skill-based resume template. The bold colors and emphasis on skills over work experience are sure to assist your career change and make an employer interested.

#11. Hybrid Resume Template

Choose the hybrid resume template if you want the best of both worlds. It lets you combine the reverse-chronological with the skill-based resume format, and the stark contrast between the different sections of your resume is sure to make it memorable.

#12. General Resume Template

The general resume template fits all types of applicants, whether you’ve got decades of work experience or you’re just getting started. The bold header guarantees that the hiring manager will remember your name and it’s a safe choice for industries like sales and business.

#13. Executive Resume Template

For applicants with more experience in their chosen field, the executive resume template could be the right choice. It focuses on work experience and skills and uses minimal color to make your application pop.

#14. Simple Resume Template

This all-time favorite template keeps things simple yet eye-catching with its use of an accent color. The simple resume template is a great way to emphasize your work experience and skills without using too many graphic elements.

#15. Tech Resume Template

The tech resume template is perfect for anyone applying to IT, communications, data science , or engineering. The clean four-piece layout neatly organizes your resume’s crucial sections and shows the hiring manager you’re all about practicality.

#16. Combined Resume Template

If you’re someone who thinks outside the box, then the combined resume template is for you. The layout lets you combine a reverse-chronological approach to your work experience along with a detailed breakdown of your skills and other certifications .

How Does an ATS Work?

The ATS functions as a central database for resumes and other candidate information, streamlining the recruiting process.

The employer writes a job description and uploads it to the ATS. When you submit your application, the ATS scans your resume for keywords related to the job requirements. These can be anywhere, from your resume summary to your skills, work experience , education, or other qualifications.

The ATS analyzes whatever it reads and ranks candidates based on it. The resumes that don’t cut it get rejected and never reach a human hiring manager.

Most companies use ATS because of the sheer volume of applications they receive.

A single job ad can attract hundreds of applicants, which would be pretty overwhelming for hiring managers to review manually.

While this may seem unfair to you as a candidate, ATS have been in use for decades, and they’re not going anywhere. In fact, 95% of professionals report that ATS has improved their company's hiring process, so they’re here to stay.

And the better you understand the ATS, the better you can optimize your resume so you can make it past those pesky robots and into a hiring manager’s hands!

Even when your resume makes it to a hiring manager, they only spend an average of six seconds deciding if it’s worth reading in depth. Read our dedicated article to learn how to impress them in that short period!

Here are some resume tips to help you keep your next resume ATS-friendly:

• Choose a simple format. Avoid complex layouts, tables, or graphics that ATS might struggle to read.
• Use standard section headings. Clear titles like "Work Experience" and " Education " will help the ATS recognize what it’s looking at.
• Include relevant keywords. Always incorporate words and phrases from the job description. Just make sure you weave them in naturally so a human can read them in context after the ATS approves your resume.
• Stick to professional fonts. Opt for easy-to-read but not overused fonts. We recommend something like Lora, Roboto, or Ubuntu.
• Save it in the right file format. Always submit your resume as PDF , unless the job ad specifies otherwise.
• Spell out acronyms. It’s a safe bet to include both the full term and its acronym, just to make sure that the ATS picks up on it. E.g., Search Engine Optimization (SEO) .
• Proofread carefully. Typos and misspellings can prevent the ATS from recognizing important keywords in your resume.

Just don’t forget that you’re writing your resume to impress a human hiring manager. Beating the ATS is only the first step to a successful job application!

How to Tailor Your ATS-Friendly Resume to a Job

Having an ATS-friendly template is the first step to a successful job hunt but it’s not the only step you need to take.

After the ATS has successfully scanned your resume, it’s going to search for keywords that match the job requirements, and then it’ll produce a percentage rating. That number determines how well you fit the hiring manager’s criteria – the higher the number, the more likely a human will read your resume. 

So, you need to pay very close attention to the words you use in your resume because they make or break your chances of getting past the initial screening.

This is where tailoring your resume for the ATS comes in.

To get started, you need to identify the relevant keywords by carefully analyzing the job advertisement.

Look for specific skills, qualifications, and phrases that show up multiple times or something you think is emphasized. Pay attention to both technical skills and any soft skills mentioned in the job description.

Where Do I Use Resume Keywords?

Once you find all the relevant keywords, you should include them in your resume.

Here are a few sections where you could do that:

• Resume summary. This brief paragraph at the top of your resume is a great place to include a few keywords that match the job description, especially when it comes to achievements or years of experience. If you’re new to the job market, opt for a resume objective instead and emphasize your skills and education.
• Work experience. This section entails the bulk of your resume, so this is where you want to focus. Try to mirror the language of the job ad when describing your roles and achievements. You should try using action verbs and power words to show initiative. (E.g.', 'spearheaded X’ instead of ‘was responsible for X’)
• Skills section. Always list both hard and soft skills that match the job requirements. Don’t mention any basic computer skills if the ad is only looking for advanced skills - focus on the requirements you match, not on every skill you have.
• Education. We usually recommend keeping this section brief since it’s pretty straightforward as far as the ATS is concerned. Just list your degree type and the name of your major and university. If you’re a recent graduate , you can include relevant coursework, projects, or thesis topics that align with what the employer is looking for.
• Optional sections. If you still have some space left on your resume, sections like personal projects, extracurricular activities, or additional courses can be great places to incorporate more keywords. For example, if you've completed a relevant online course or volunteered in a related field, mention it.

How to Use Resume Keywords Properly

It’s easy to get carried away when you want to include as many keywords in your resume as possible to beat the ATS.

But, as we already mentioned, you need your resume to be coherent - at the end of the day, its job is to impress a human hiring manager. Stuffing it with random keywords so you pass the ATS won’t cut it.

Let’s say you’re applying for a data analyst position. 

These are the requirements from the job posting:

• 3+ years of experience working with SQL, Python, or R
• Advanced knowledge of MS Excel, including Macros, Pivot tables, Vlookup, and Index functions
• Proficiency in data modeling techniques and relevant tools
• Strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills

You'll be responsible for analyzing complex datasets, creating insightful reports, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive data-informed decisions. If you're passionate about turning raw data into actionable insights and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we want to hear from you!

Then, you should mention the following keywords and skills in your resume:

• Analytical skills
• Technical skills
• Problem-solving

Some other useful keywords would be:

• Data modeling

The more matching keywords you add, the better. 

Now, let’s look at some examples.

As a data analyst, I analyzed data using SQL, Python, R, and Excel to pivot table the company's data modeling needs analytically.

As a Data Analyst, I leveraged SQL and Python to analyze complex datasets, creating insightful reports that drove data-informed decisions across the organization.

See what we mean? Stuffing your resume with random keywords will only get you so far.

But if you go for a compelling narrative that shows the hiring manager that you’re the ideal candidate for the position, you’re all the more likely to land an interview and get your dream job.

New to writing your resume? No need to panic! Just check out our detailed guide on how to make a resume for beginners.

FAQs About ATS-Friendly Resume Templates

Are you still wondering something about ATS-friendly resume templates? Check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.

#1. Can I Add Graphics to My Resume?

You can add graphics to your resume, but you’re better off avoiding them if you want to pass the ATS. Most applicant tracking systems can't read images or design elements, which means important information can be overlooked and it could cost you an interview opportunity.

If you want to show off your graphic design or illustration skills , just include a link to your online portfolio or professional website. This way, you can keep your resume ATS-friendly while still giving hiring managers a chance to see your design skills.

#2. What Is the Most ATS-Friendly Resume Format?

The most ATS-friendly resume format is the reverse-chronological resume format . This format lists your work experience at the top, starting with your most recent job and going backward in time. It's easily recognized by the ATS and is what hiring managers typically expect to see.

The reverse-chronological format lets you highlight your most recent and relevant achievements first, which is what employers are most interested in. So, sticking to this resume format overall increases your chances of getting past the initial screening.

#3. How Do I Know If My Resume Is ATS-Friendly?

There are a few ways to check if your resume is ATS-friendly . The easiest one is to try copying and pasting your finalized resume’s text into a plain text document - if it looks too messy or information is missing, an ATS might struggle with it too.

Beyond that, just use a simple, clean format without complex graphics or tables and stick to standard section headings and fonts.

#4. Is PDF or Word Better for ATS?

PDF should be your go-to format for submitting your resume. It keeps your formatting intact across different devices and programs the hiring manager might use to open it.

But you should always check the job ad first before you decide on a file format for your resume. If it specifically requests you submit your resume as DOC or DOCX, use that instead. If the employer explicitly asks for a specific format, it means the company is using an older ATS that won’t be able to read your PDF.

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap!

We’ve taught you all there is to know about ATS-friendly templates and how to tailor yours. 

Let’s revise the main points one last time:

• An ATS-friendly resume template is a template that can be easily read by applicant tracking systems.
• Over 70% of resumes don't make it past the ATS to a hiring manager's desk, so optimizing your resume for this initial screening is crucial.
• Using an online resume builder like Novorésumé gives you plenty of pre-formatted resume template choices, all stylish and recognizable by ATS.
• Use standard section headings like "Work Experience" and "Education" to help the ATS categorize your information correctly.
• Make sure you search the job ad for keywords and phrases you can mention in your resume to tailor it to the specific role you’re applying for.
• While optimizing for ATS is important, always write your resume with human readers in mind too.

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Free ATS Resume Templates

ATS resume templates, optimized for software and humans. Convey your expertise, skills, and qualifications effectively with scan-friendly formatting, layout, and fonts. 

Best ATS Resume Templates

ATS-compliant resume templates, professionally made by designers and vetted by recruiters. Compatible with popular applicant tracking systems and resume scanners.

What Makes an ATS-Friendly Resume Template

Avoid automatic rejections and low system rankings with free ATS resume templates that tick all algorithmic checkboxes. 

Proper header design and clear section naming to ensure effective information presentation.

Up to 1.5-point spacing to ensure proper section layout and seamless readability by software and humans alike.

Simple, readable fonts, compatible with optical character recognition (OCR) technology, used by ATS.

Single-page layout with minimal styling ensures correct rendering by popular job application systems.

How to Make an ATS-Friendly Resume

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are simpler than you think. They’re like a huge spreadsheet where all candidates are entered. All job submissions are visible to the recruiter (your resume doesn’t go into digital oblivion if you’ve messed things up). Use the following tips to create an  ATS-optimized resume. 

Select an ATS-Compliant Resume Template

Under the hood, an ATS converts all submitted documents into a machine-friendly format. Some tools convert submitted documents and text replies into HTML for easier processing. Since graphical elements like columns, graphs, charts, and icons can’t be effectively converted, your resume isn’t properly processed, showing errors in the system. So, of course, recruiters will first look at properly rendered submissions. 

To avoid such scenarios, grab one of our ATS-friendly resume templates. Each design uses minimal styling and follows an optimal ATS resume format. Speaking of which… 

Verify All Formatting 

ATS parses your resume (and oftentimes cover letter   and LinkedIn profile ) to organize the information for the recruiter better. The tool pre-populates required fields like “last employer,” “university degree,” “skills”, etc. It scans your document top-to-bottom: Your name/contact info is at the top, skills at the top/bottom, and employment history in the middle with employer, title, dates, and job description. 

So, if you’re not using a chronological resume format, standard section naming, and clear information layout, the tool wouldn’t know where to put your data and stick it into the wrong place. Again, when the recruiter checks your profile, they’d get frustrated by the errors and move on to the next applicant. 

 Incorporate Keywords 

To filter and rank resumes, ATS uses ‘knock out questions’ — criteria set by the hiring manager. For example, “minimum 18 years” or “valid driver’s license.” If you don’t meet the basic criteria, your submission will be bumped to the end of the list.  

In addition, ATS has a number of filters recruiters can use to search through the application better. These can include “location,” “years of experience,” or specific functional skills like Java programming, food preparation, or conversion rate optimization. These are the keywords you’d want to have on your profile to get a match from the ATS. Typically, you can figure out which criteria the recruiters will use to rank candidates by looking at the candidate requirements section. 

Use Clear Language 

Finally, don’t get too creative with naming your resume sections or describing your work experience. Avoid excessive synonymization or overly poetic descriptions. These may not be well understood for ATS. For example, “alliance builder” can sound edgier, but saying that you’re a “team player” gives you a better scoring potential. 

FAQs about ATS-Optimized Resumes

Are resume templates bad for ats.

No, not all. While highly graphical, two-column resume designs with special characters and graphical elements won’t be processed by recruitment tools correctly, many other resume designs are compatible with ATS. For example, Freesumes ATS-friendly resume templates. 

Why is my resume getting rejected by ATS?

Your resume may be getting the cold shoulder from ATS for several reasons. One — poor formatting (two-column layout, funky fonts, or even a headshot in the header area). Two — it doesn’t match the job description. Be sure to include keywords from the ‘requirements’ section to get a higher score. 

What font is ATS-friendly?

Standard typefaces like Times New Roman, Arial, Helvetica, Georgia, and Calibri are ATS-friendly. Choose a font that’s supported by popular word processors (Word, Google Doc), and you’ll be fine. But avoid any handwritten, decorative, and monospaced fonts. These don’t play well with ATS. 

Do PDF resumes pass an ATS?

Yes, some ATS can process PDF documents, but Word (.doc/.docx) is a safer format. In some cases, ATS may scan PDF resumes incorrectly (e.g., bottom to the top or in scrambled blocks), leading to lower rankings. You’re less likely to get filtered out if you submit a Word document. 

Does ATS read a two-page resume?

Yes, ATS scans two-page resumes, but that’s usually the limit. Don’t go beyond that, and better yet, try to fit your resume into one page. That’s the golden standard for most positions.