Resume Template · 2026
ATS-Friendly Resume Resume Template — ATS-Optimized for 2026
An ATS-friendly resume template is structured to be parsed correctly by applicant tracking systems before a human recruiter ever reads it. This template uses clean formatting, standard section headings, and keyword-optimized layouts so your application reaches the shortlist — not the rejection pile.
Key Skills to Include on Your ATS-Friendly Resume Resume
Applicant tracking systems scan for role-specific keywords. Make sure your resume prominently lists the skills recruiters and ATS filters look for in ATS-Friendly Resume candidates.
- Standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills)
- Keyword-rich professional summary
- Quantified achievements in bullet points
- Role-specific hard skills matched to job descriptions
- Clean single- or two-column layout without graphics
- Contact information in plain text (no icons or tables)
- Dates in consistent formats (Mon YYYY or MM/YYYY)
Resume Tips for ATS-Friendly Resumes
Beyond keywords, the way you present your experience matters. These tips are specific to the ATS-Friendly Resume role and help you stand out in competitive applicant pools.
Use exact keywords from the job description
ATS systems rank resumes partly by keyword density. Copy key phrases verbatim from the job posting — including tools, certifications, and job titles — and work them naturally into your summary, skills, and bullet points.
Avoid tables, text boxes, and graphics
Decorative elements like skill-bar graphics, tables, and text boxes can scramble the order in which ATS parsers read your resume. Stick to plain text with standard paragraph and list formatting. Headers in the document should use standard section labels.
Optimize your file format
Submit a text-based PDF unless the employer specifically requests DOCX. Scanned-image PDFs are invisible to most ATS systems. If you must use DOCX, avoid tracked changes, hidden comments, or non-standard fonts that may render differently on employer systems.
Run an ATS check before every application
Different companies use different ATS platforms (Workday, Greenhouse, Lever, Taleo). Run your resume through an ATS checker after tailoring it for each role to catch keyword gaps and structural issues before you submit.
Build your ATS-Friendly Resume resume in minutes
Resumly combines ATS-optimized templates with AI-powered bullet rewriting and real-time ATS scoring — so you can tailor your resume to each job posting fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a resume ATS-friendly?
An ATS-friendly resume uses standard section headings, plain text formatting, and role-relevant keywords from the job description. It avoids graphics, tables, columns with complex layouts, and non-standard fonts that parsing engines can misread.
Does a two-column resume pass ATS?
It depends on the ATS. Some modern systems handle two-column PDFs well; older ones read columns left-to-right and can scramble content. If you use a two-column layout, keep the sidebar to skills and certifications only, and always run an ATS check to verify parsing.
Should I submit a PDF or DOCX for ATS?
A text-based PDF is usually safest and preserves formatting. However, some older ATS platforms parse DOCX better than PDF. Check the job listing: if it specifies a format, follow it. If not, a clean PDF from Resumly's builder is a reliable default.
How do I know if my resume passed ATS?
You can use Resumly's free ATS checker to get a realistic score and see which keywords are missing or weak. The tool simulates how applicant tracking systems parse your resume so you can fix gaps before applying.
How many keywords should I include?
There is no magic number, but your resume should include the most important technical skills, tools, and job title variants that appear in the posting. Aim for natural inclusion — keyword stuffing at an unnatural density can hurt readability and may flag spam filters in some systems.
Related Resume Templates
Explore other role-specific templates on Resumly to find the best fit for your career.