Resume Template for ATS: Optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems

Crafting a resume that not only showcases your skills and experience but also passes through the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) used by most companies can feel like a daunting task. Many talented candidates are overlooked simply because their resumes aren’t optimized for these automated screening tools. That’s why we’ve created this ATS-friendly resume template – to help you level the playing field and ensure your application gets seen by human eyes.

This template is designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. It utilizes clean formatting, standard fonts, and clear section headings that are easily recognized by ATS software. We’ve also incorporated strategic keywords and language that recruiters often search for, increasing your chances of matching the job requirements and making it to the next stage of the hiring process. Focus on tailoring the content with YOUR unique achievements and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.

Ready to put your best foot forward? This template provides a solid foundation for building an effective and ATS-compliant resume. Simply download, customize with your own information, and watch your application rise to the top! Let’s get started on crafting a resume that truly represents your potential and opens doors to exciting career opportunities.

Why use an ATS-friendly resume template

In today’s digital recruitment landscape, the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is the gatekeeper to your dream job. Most companies, particularly larger ones, use these systems to scan, filter, and rank resumes before a human ever lays eyes on them. Using a resume template that isn’t designed to be ATS-friendly can significantly decrease your chances of even being considered for a position, regardless of your qualifications.

An ATS-friendly resume template is structured to be easily parsed by these systems. It avoids complex formatting, such as tables, text boxes, and unusual fonts, which can confuse the ATS and prevent it from accurately extracting your information. This means your skills, experience, and contact details might be overlooked, leading to your resume being automatically rejected.

By opting for an ATS-friendly template, you ensure that your resume content is readily accessible to the system. These templates typically use simple layouts, clear headings, and standard fonts, allowing the ATS to accurately identify and categorize your skills and experience. This improves your chances of matching relevant keywords and passing the initial screening process.

Furthermore, an ATS-friendly resume demonstrates your awareness of modern recruitment practices and your commitment to presenting yourself in the most effective way possible. It shows that you understand the importance of tailoring your application to the specific requirements of the digital job search environment. Investing in an appropriate template is an investment in your future career prospects.

In essence, using an ATS-friendly resume template is about ensuring your resume is seen, understood, and fairly evaluated by the systems that are increasingly shaping the job application process. It levels the playing field and allows your skills and experience to shine through, ultimately increasing your chances of landing an interview.

Key elements of an ATS resume template

Creating an ATS-friendly resume template is crucial for ensuring your application is properly parsed and considered by applicant tracking systems. These systems scan your resume for relevant keywords, skills, and experience, and if your resume isn’t formatted correctly, it may be overlooked, even if you’re a qualified candidate. The key is to prioritize clarity, scannability, and the inclusion of relevant keywords without sacrificing professionalism.

One of the most important aspects of an ATS-friendly template is its simplicity. Avoid using complex tables, graphics, or unusual fonts. Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and use a straightforward layout with clear headings and bullet points. While visually appealing designs might catch a human recruiter’s eye, they can confuse an ATS and prevent it from extracting the necessary information. A clean, organized template is much more effective at getting your resume through the initial screening process.

Keywords are also paramount. Carefully analyze the job descriptions for the positions you’re targeting and identify the key skills, technologies, and experience that employers are seeking. Incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your resume, particularly in the skills section, job descriptions, and summary. Avoid keyword stuffing, which can be penalized by some ATS. Instead, focus on using keywords in context to demonstrate your qualifications and relevance to the role. Consider variations of keywords as well (e.g., “project management” and “project leadership”).

Finally, the file format matters. The best option is generally a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx), as it’s widely compatible with most ATS. However, always check the job posting for specific file format instructions. If a PDF is requested, make sure it’s a “true” PDF created from text, not a scanned image, as image-based PDFs can’t be read by ATS. By following these guidelines, you can increase the likelihood that your resume will be accurately parsed and considered for the positions you’re applying for.

Formatting for ATS compatibility

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used by the majority of companies to scan and parse resumes, extracting information to populate their databases and rank candidates. A resume formatted poorly for ATS can be effectively invisible, regardless of your qualifications. Therefore, understanding and applying ATS-friendly formatting is crucial for getting your resume seen by a human.

Here are key considerations for ATS-friendly formatting:

• Use a simple, clean layout: Avoid complex tables, text boxes, images, and unusual fonts. These can confuse the ATS parser and lead to misinterpretations or missing information.
• Choose a common font: Stick to widely recognized fonts like Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Helvetica. Avoid decorative or script fonts. Font size should be between 10 and 12 points.
• Use standard headings: Clearly label sections with recognizable headings such as “Experience,” “Education,” “Skills,” and “Summary.” Use consistent capitalization (e.g., sentence case or title case) throughout.
• Save your resume as a .docx or .pdf file: While some ATS can handle other formats, .docx and .pdf are generally the most reliable. Ensure the PDF is text-based, not an image. Avoid saving as an “image-only” PDF.
• Use keywords strategically: Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description throughout your resume. This increases your chances of matching the search criteria used by recruiters. However, avoid keyword stuffing, which can be detrimental.

Avoid using headers and footers, as ATS systems can sometimes misinterpret the information placed in these areas. Ensure your contact information is placed directly within the body of the resume. By adhering to these formatting guidelines, you’ll significantly increase the likelihood that your resume will be accurately parsed by an ATS and presented to a human recruiter.

Keywords and action verbs for ATS

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are programmed to scan resumes for specific keywords and action verbs that match the requirements outlined in the job description. Therefore, strategically incorporating these elements is crucial for getting your resume past the initial screening process and into the hands of a human recruiter. Identifying and using the right keywords and action verbs can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview.

Keywords should be drawn directly from the job posting itself. Pay close attention to the skills, technologies, and experience mentioned. Also, consider industry-specific jargon and terminology. For example, if a job description for a software engineer mentions “Java,” “Agile,” and “AWS,” ensure these keywords are prominently featured in your resume, assuming you possess those skills. Tailoring your resume to each individual job application is essential for maximizing its effectiveness.

Action verbs should be used to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities in a compelling and quantifiable manner. Instead of stating “Responsible for managing projects,” try “Managed cross-functional projects, resulting in a 15% reduction in project completion time.” Use strong verbs that demonstrate your initiative and impact, such as “Developed,” “Implemented,” “Led,” “Managed,” “Improved,” “Optimized,” and “Achieved.” Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments with numbers and data to showcase the value you brought to previous roles. For example, instead of saying “Improved customer satisfaction,” state “Improved customer satisfaction scores by 20% within six months.”

Here’s a short list to get you started:

• General keywords: Project Management, Data Analysis, Communication Skills, Problem Solving, Leadership, Teamwork, Customer Service, Budget Management, Strategic Planning, Training, Research.
• Action verbs: Achieved, Analyzed, Collaborated, Created, Defined, Developed, Directed, Executed, Implemented, Improved, Increased, Led, Managed, Optimized, Planned, Reduced, Supervised, Trained.

Choosing the right resume template

Selecting the right resume template is crucial, especially when considering Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Many visually appealing templates with complex formatting and graphics can actually hinder an ATS from accurately parsing your information. This can result in your resume being overlooked, even if you’re highly qualified.

The best ATS-friendly resume templates prioritize simplicity and clarity. Opt for templates with a clean, chronological layout, using standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid excessive use of tables, text boxes, images, and unusual formatting elements like headers and footers as these can confuse the ATS. Stick to a single-column or two-column layout where the two columns are equal in width, ensuring the ATS can read content linearly and understand the relationships between sections. Prioritize readability and ensure each section is clearly labeled with standard headings like “Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.”

Consider these key aspects when choosing a template:

• File Format: Always submit your resume as a PDF, as this format preserves formatting better than Word documents. Ensure the PDF is text-based, not image-based (select “Save as PDF” rather than scanning to PDF).
• Font Choice and Size: Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) and a font size between 10 and 12 points for body text.
• Section Headings: Use clear and descriptive section headings (e.g., “Professional Experience,” “Technical Skills”).
• Whitespace: Don’t cram too much information onto one page. Use whitespace effectively to improve readability.
• Keywords: Integrate relevant keywords from the job description throughout your resume in a natural way. This helps the ATS identify your skills and experience.

Before submitting your resume, test it using a free ATS resume checker. These tools can provide valuable insights into how an ATS will interpret your resume and highlight any potential issues you need to address. Remember, the goal is to create a resume that is both visually appealing to human readers and easily digestible by ATS software. A well-chosen ATS-friendly template will help you achieve this balance.

Resume Example: resume template for ats

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to resume template for ats. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

John Doe

john.doe@email.com · 555-123-4567 · Anytown, USA · LinkedIn.com/in/johndoe · portfolio.com

Professional Summary

Results-oriented professional with 5+ years of experience in [industry] seeking a challenging role in [desired role]. Proven ability to [key skill 1], [key skill 2], and [key skill 3] to drive business growth and improve efficiency. Dedicated to leveraging expertise in ATS-optimized resume creation and keyword integration.

Key Skills

• ATS Software Knowledge (e.g., Taleo, Workday, Greenhouse)
• Keyword Optimization
• Resume Formatting
• Applicant Tracking System Navigation

Experience

Recruitment Specialist — ABC Company (2018–2023)

• Improved candidate sourcing efficiency by 20% by implementing a new ATS workflow.
• Managed the full recruitment lifecycle for 50+ positions, from sourcing to onboarding, utilizing various ATS functionalities.
• Utilized Taleo and Workday ATS systems to track candidates and manage the application process.

HR Assistant — XYZ Corporation (2016–2018)

• Screened over 1000 resumes weekly, identifying qualified candidates using keyword searches and ATS tools.
• Supported the recruitment team with administrative tasks, including scheduling interviews and managing candidate communication.

Projects (Optional)

• ATS Implementation Project: Led the implementation of a new ATS, resulting in improved data accuracy and reporting capabilities.

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor of Science in Human Resources — University of Anytown (2016)
• SHRM-CP Certification

Additional

• Employee of the Month (June 2020) · Volunteer at Local Charity · Fluent in Spanish

Resume Example: resume template for ats

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to resume template for ats. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Full Name

Email · Phone · City, Country · LinkedIn · Portfolio

Professional Summary

1–3 sentences summarizing years of experience, core strengths, and value proposition for resume template for ats roles.

Key Skills

• Core Skill #1 (relevant to resume template for ats)
• Core Skill #2
• Core Skill #3
• Tools/Software (ATS-friendly keyword list)

Experience

Job Title — Company (YYYY–YYYY)

• Impact statement with metric (e.g., improved X by Y%).
• Responsibility/result aligned to resume template for ats role.
• Tools/techniques used (ATS keywords).

Job Title — Company (YYYY–YYYY)

• Achievement/result quantified.
• Relevant project or initiative.

Projects (Optional)

• Project Name: 1–2 lines impact, link if available.

Education & Certifications

• Degree — Institution (Year)
• Certification relevant to resume template for ats

Additional

• Awards · Publications · Languages

Testing your resume’s ATS score

Once you’ve created your resume using an ATS-friendly template, it’s crucial to assess how well it performs against these systems. Unfortunately, there’s no single, universally accurate “ATS score” readily available to candidates. However, you can simulate the ATS parsing process and identify potential weaknesses through various methods. These methods involve checking for common issues that can hinder ATS from correctly interpreting your resume.

One effective approach is to copy and paste your resume’s text into a simple text editor like Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac) and examine the output. This will reveal how the text is structured without formatting. Look for broken lines, missing words, or characters that appear garbled. These issues indicate potential problems with the original document’s formatting that could confuse an ATS. Additionally, pay close attention to how headers, bullet points, and sections are interpreted. Inconsistencies or unexpected breaks can signal areas that need adjustment.

Another helpful strategy is to use free online ATS resume scanners. While they might not provide a precise score, they analyze your resume based on common ATS algorithms and highlight potential issues such as keyword density, formatting errors, and the presence of non-standard fonts. These scanners can offer valuable insights into areas where your resume might be underperforming. Remember to use these tools as a guide and not as a definitive judgment of your resume’s effectiveness; human recruiters still make the ultimate decision.

Finally, consider the overall readability and clarity of your resume. Even if your resume passes through the ATS with flying colors, it still needs to be compelling to a human reader. Ensure your resume is well-organized, easy to skim, and highlights your key accomplishments and skills relevant to the target job description. Use action verbs to describe your experience and quantify your achievements whenever possible. A resume that’s both ATS-friendly and human-readable is your best bet for landing interviews.

Avoiding common ATS resume errors

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are designed to parse and filter resumes based on keywords and formatting. A resume filled with errors can be rejected before a human even sees it. To maximize your chances of success with an ATS-friendly resume template, it’s crucial to avoid common pitfalls. These errors can range from incompatible file formats to using excessive graphics and incorrect keyword usage.

One major error is using non-standard file formats. Always submit your resume as a .DOCX or .PDF (text-based, not image-based). Avoid using older .DOC formats or image-heavy PDFs, as these can cause parsing issues. Similarly, unconventional formatting can confuse the ATS. Steer clear of tables, text boxes, headers/footers, and excessive use of columns, as these elements can scramble the content and prevent the system from correctly extracting your information.

Keyword stuffing and irrelevant information are also detrimental. While incorporating relevant keywords is essential for matching your resume to the job description, indiscriminately repeating keywords or including irrelevant skills will be flagged by the ATS and potentially hurt your application. Focus on strategically placing keywords within your experience descriptions and skills section, ensuring they naturally fit the context of your qualifications. Use action verbs to showcase your accomplishments and quantify your results whenever possible. Avoid including personal information like your marital status or a photo, as this is generally considered irrelevant and can trigger bias filters.

Finally, pay close attention to the skills section and ensure it aligns with the target role. Simply listing general skills isn’t enough; include specific tools, technologies, and methodologies relevant to the job requirements. For example, instead of “Project Management,” list “Agile Project Management,” “Scrum,” and relevant project management software. Proofread meticulously for typos and grammatical errors, as even minor mistakes can detract from your professionalism and signal a lack of attention to detail, leading to rejection by the ATS or the hiring manager.

FAQs

Using an ATS-friendly resume template is crucial for ensuring your application is properly parsed and considered by applicant tracking systems. These systems automatically scan resumes for relevant keywords, skills, and experience. A poorly formatted resume can be rejected even if you’re highly qualified. These FAQs address common concerns and best practices related to ATS resume templates.

Why can’t I just use a visually appealing, highly designed resume template? While visually appealing resumes are great for human readers, they often contain elements like tables, text boxes, and graphics that confuse ATS software. These elements can prevent the system from accurately extracting information from your resume. The key is finding a balance between ATS compatibility and readability. Opt for a template that prioritizes clear formatting and simple sections.

What are the key elements of an ATS-friendly resume template? Here are some critical components:

• Plain Text Format: While PDF is generally acceptable (especially a text-based PDF), avoid image-based PDFs. A .txt file is the most foolproof but may look unprofessional.
• Simple Formatting: Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 10-12 point size. Avoid unusual fonts, colors, or excessive use of bolding and italics.
• Clear Section Headings: Use clear and concise headings like “Summary,” “Experience,” “Skills,” and “Education.”
• Keywords: Incorporate keywords directly from the job description throughout your resume, especially in the Skills and Experience sections.
• Reverse Chronological Order: Present your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job.

How do I test if my resume is ATS-friendly? Several online tools can simulate how an ATS might parse your resume. Search for “ATS resume scanner” to find free and paid options. These tools will highlight any formatting issues or areas where the system struggles to extract information. Review the results carefully and make adjustments to your template as needed.

Resume Example: resume template for ats

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to resume template for ats. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Jane Doe

jane.doe@email.com · 555-123-4567 · Anytown, USA · linkedin.com/in/janedoe · jane-doe.com

Professional Summary

Results-driven professional with 5+ years of experience in project management and process improvement. Proven ability to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and deliver projects on time and within budget. Seeking a challenging role where I can leverage my skills to contribute to company growth.

Key Skills

• Project Management
• Process Improvement
• Data Analysis
• Communication
• MS Project, Excel, Visio, Jira

Experience

Project Manager — ABC Company (2018–2023)

• Managed cross-functional teams to deliver key projects, resulting in a 15% improvement in project completion rates.
• Developed and implemented new project management processes, leading to a 10% reduction in project costs.
• Utilized MS Project and Jira to track project progress and manage resources effectively.

Business Analyst — XYZ Corporation (2016–2018)

• Analyzed business processes and identified opportunities for improvement, resulting in a 5% increase in operational efficiency.
• Developed and presented data-driven recommendations to senior management.

Projects (Optional)

• Process Improvement Initiative: Led a project to streamline the order fulfillment process, reducing processing time by 20%. See Presentation

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration — University of Anytown (2016)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)

Additional

• Dean’s List · Published article on project management best practices · Fluent in Spanish

Craft Your Perfect ATS-Friendly Resume

We hope this resume template has given you a solid foundation for creating a document that will impress both Applicant Tracking Systems and hiring managers. Remember to tailor your resume to each specific job you apply for, using relevant keywords and highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences.

Don’t hesitate to revisit our site for more helpful resources and tips on resume writing and job searching. Good luck with your job applications!