What makes a resume template ATS-friendly?
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) parse your resume to extract sections like work experience, skills, education, and keywords. An ATS-friendly resume template uses a clean structure so your information is readable and correctly categorized.
Simple layout
Clear headings, consistent spacing, and a single-column layout make parsing reliable.
Standard sections
Use common section titles like “Experience”, “Skills”, and “Education” so ATS software can map content correctly.
Readable typography
ATS-safe fonts, good contrast, and predictable formatting help both the ATS and humans.
Keyword alignment
The best ATS resume templates support tailoring—so you can mirror role keywords without breaking formatting.
ATS-friendly resume format (structure that parses)
ATS software is basically a parser. Your goal is to make your resume easy to read for the ATS and the recruiter.
Recommended sections
Contact info, Summary, Skills, Experience, Education, and Projects (optional). Use clear, standard headings.
Formatting rules
Prefer a single-column layout, consistent dates, and simple bullets. Avoid text inside images, heavy graphics, and complex tables.
Skills that match the job
Pull the role’s required skills into a Skills section (only if you actually have them), then reinforce them in your Experience bullets.
Use measurable bullets
Write bullets as: Action + Scope + Result. Add numbers when possible (%, $, time, users, scale).
How to tailor your resume for ATS (fast)
Tailoring isn’t rewriting everything. It’s aligning your resume to the same language the job description uses.
- Paste the job description and highlight recurring skills and tools.
- Add the most relevant keywords to your Skills section (truthfully).
- Update 2–4 Experience bullets to show those skills with real outcomes.
- Remove irrelevant bullets so the most relevant content is near the top.
Quick ATS resume checklist
- Use a clean template with clear headings and consistent formatting.
- Include role keywords naturally in skills and experience bullets.
- Write impact-focused bullets with numbers (time, cost, revenue, scale).
- Export a PDF only after reviewing spacing and readability.
FAQ
Do ATS systems read PDFs?
Many do, but parsing quality depends on formatting. A clean, ATS-friendly template reduces issues.
Do I need multiple resume templates?
Not usually. One clean ATS-friendly template is enough. The biggest impact comes from tailoring your skills and experience bullets to the job.
Should I use columns or graphics?
Avoid complex columns and heavy graphics if you want maximum ATS compatibility. Keep the structure predictable.
How do I tailor my resume quickly?
Start from an ATS-optimized template, then align your skills and bullet points to the job description’s key requirements.
Build an ATS-optimized resume in minutes
Use our clean template, tailor to the role, and export a professional resume fast.