ATS-Friendly Resume Template (Free Format That Works)

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. Free swipes every day.

For more: ats friendly resume, resume format for applicant tracking system, what is ats.