The ATS-friendly resume template structure:

Header

[Full Name]
[Phone] | [Email] | [LinkedIn URL] | [City, State]

No headshot. No logos. No icons.

Sections (in order)

  1. Summary (optional, 2-3 lines)
  2. Experience
  3. Education
  4. Skills
  5. Certifications (if relevant)

Experience format

[Company Name] | [City, State] | [Start Date – End Date]
[Job Title]
- [Bullet with action verb + scale + result]
- [Bullet]
- [Bullet]
- [Bullet]
- [Bullet]

Education format

[Degree], [Major]
[University Name], [City, State] | [Graduation Year]
[GPA if 3.5+, optional]

Skills format

Languages: Python, TypeScript, Go, SQL
Frameworks: React, Next.js, FastAPI
Infra: AWS, Docker, Kubernetes
Methodologies: Agile, OKRs

Formatting rules

  • Single column.
  • System fonts: Arial, Helvetica, Calibri, Times.
  • 10-11pt body text. 14-16pt headers.
  • 0.5"-1" margins.
  • No images, tables, text boxes.
  • PDF (text-based) or .docx.

Free template sources

  • Microsoft Word built-in templates — simple ones work.
  • Google Docs templates — free, ATS-friendly options.
  • Teal — clean builder with ATS-friendly output.
  • Resume.io — free templates, easy to fill.

Avoid

  • Most Canva templates (image-heavy).
  • "Designer" templates with two columns or sidebars.
  • Templates with infographics or charts.

Try Sorce

Sorce auto-tailors your resume per application — outputs ATS-friendly format by default. 40 free swipes/day.

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