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ATS-friendly template

ATS-friendly resume template: passes the software screen, easy for people to read

Single column, no tables, no decorative graphics, section headings that match the keywords ATS software looks for. Comes with an ATS scorecard and a writing guide for each section.

Template preview

The preview uses sample data and the exact layout of the PDF you will download.

ATS-friendly resume (VI)

Over 80% of large companies use applicant tracking systems to read resumes before a person does. This template keeps everything the software needs: standard headings, contact details at the top, experience in reverse chronological order and a separate skills section.

Edit your resume online, no software needed

Each section has its own form and the score updates as you save. The preview and the PDF always use the same layout as this template.

Template structure

Sections in this template and how to write each one

Required sections are what recruiters look for first; recommended sections round out the resume when you have real data for them.

  1. Summary

    Required

    Avoid generic phrases like “hard-working, eager to learn”. State the role, years and two strengths.

  2. Work Experience

    Required

    3–5 bullets per position. Each line: verb + what you did + measurable result.

  3. Education

    Required

    School, degree, major, graduation year. Mention GPA only when it is 3.0/4 or higher.

  4. Skills

    Required

    Group them: professional, tools, languages. Use the exact names from the posting.

  5. Projects

    Recommended

    Only projects related to the role. State your role and the result.

  6. Certifications

    Recommended

    Name, issuer and year. Drop expired certificates.

  7. Languages

    Recommended

    State a level (IELTS 6.5, TOEIC 800) instead of “good”.

Editing guide

Write your resume with this template, step by step

Write in the order below and save after each section so the ATS score refreshes.

  1. Fill in contact details

    Full name, personal email, phone number, city. Add LinkedIn if the profile is up to date.

  2. Write a 3–4 sentence summary

    Sentence 1: role and years of experience. Sentences 2–3: two strengths with evidence. Sentence 4: what you want to contribute in the new role.

  3. Experience: one result per line

    Start with a verb, end with a number. Example: Increased conversion rate by 18% within 3 months of optimizing the funnel.

  4. Take skills from the job posting

    Open the job description and copy the exact names of the skills and tools it lists. ATS keyword matching is literal.

  5. Review with the ATS scorecard

    Fix the checks marked Missing first, then Needs work. Preview the PDF and download it.

ATS score

What the system checks for this template

In the editor every check shows as passed, needs work or missing, with a hint to fix it right in the related section.

  • Complete contact details

    Full name, email and phone at the top so software and recruiters can reach you right away.

  • Summary with the right length

    A 30–150 word professional summary: role, years of experience and 2–3 strengths.

  • Work experience with complete details

    Every experience entry has a title, company and start date so the ATS can compute years of experience.

  • Achievements with numbers

    Most job descriptions include numbers: revenue, %, team size, time.

  • Job descriptions as bullet points

    Job descriptions written as bullet points, each starting with a verb.

  • Enough skills to match keywords

    At least 5 skills using the exact keywords from the job posting.

  • Education

    Education present: school, degree, graduation year.

  • All required sections of the template

    Every required section of the template has content.

  • Appropriate length

    250–900 words, one to two A4 pages.

  • Complete dates

    Every experience and education entry has start and end month/year, or is marked as current.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Does an ATS-friendly resume need a nice design?

No. An ATS reads text, not graphics. A single column, a common font and clear headings matter more than colors.

Should I stuff keywords to pass the ATS?

No. Use only keywords for skills you really have and put them in the context of your work. The person reading after the ATS will spot empty keywords.

How long should the resume be?

One page under 5 years of experience, two pages at most for longer careers. The scorecard warns when the resume is too long or too short.

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