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ATS resume templates

8 templates

All templates

Compare ATS resume versions

ATS-Friendly ResumeFinancial Analyst ResumeIT Support ResumeMinimal Resume
FormatDocumentDocumentDocumentDocument
Works inGoogle Docs and WordGoogle Docs and WordGoogle Docs and WordGoogle Docs and Word
Length1 page1 page1 page1 page
StyleCorporateModernCorporateMinimal

Writing an ATS-friendly resume that gets read

An ATS-friendly resume is laid out so applicant tracking software can read every line. Large employers use this software to sort applications before a person sees them.

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Cover standard headings such as Experience and Education, one column of text, contact details in the body, not the header, dates in a consistent format, and key terms from the job listing.

Use the same words as the listing for your main skills and job titles, because the software matches on wording.

Compare ATS-Friendly Resume, Financial Analyst Resume, and IT Support Resume, all 1 page long, then pick the closest match and replace the sample text with your own.

Questions

What is an ATS-friendly resume?

An ATS-friendly resume is laid out so applicant tracking software can read every line. Large employers use this software to sort applications before a person sees them.

What should an ATS-friendly resume include?

Include standard headings such as Experience and Education, one column of text, contact details in the body, not the header, dates in a consistent format, and key terms from the job listing. Use the same words as the listing for your main skills and job titles, because the software matches on wording.

What is an applicant tracking system?

It is software that collects applications, reads resumes and lets recruiters search and rank them. Most large employers and many smaller ones use one.

Which resume layouts confuse hiring software?

Text inside images, text boxes, headers and complex tables can be skipped or mixed up. A plain single-column layout is the safest.

Should I send my resume as a PDF or Word file?

Most systems read both. Send what the listing asks for; if it does not say, a Word file is the safest for older systems.

Can an ATS-friendly resume still look good?

Yes. Clear type, good spacing and a strong name at the top look professional and still read cleanly in the software.

What is the best ATS resume template to begin from?

Start with ATS-Friendly Resume: Standard headings, one column and real text, so hiring software reads every line. If that is not the right fit, compare it with Financial Analyst Resume.

How long is an ATS-friendly resume?

The templates here are 1 page long. Cut any section you do not need; each template explains what its sections are for.

Which apps can I use for an ATS-friendly resume?

Yes. These ATS resume templates work in Google Docs and Microsoft Word. All 8 templates are free, with no account or email needed.

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