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Preview of the ATS-Friendly Resume template

Sample text in [brackets], replace with yours · CV, Resume & Cover Letter Templates

Free template

ATS-Friendly Resume Template (Word & PDF)

A one-page resume built to pass applicant tracking systems: one column, standard headings, no tables or graphics.

✓ 1 page✓ A4✓ Single column✓ Word & PDF

Opens in your browser. No Word needed, no signup.

⬇ Word (.docx)37 KB ⬇ PDF41 KB

Free for personal and commercial use · No watermark · Updated October 2026

Guide

About this ats-friendly resume template

An ATS-friendly resume is one that applicant tracking software can read from top to bottom without losing anything. That means one column, real text (not images), standard headings such as "Work Experience" and "Education", and the same skill words the job ad uses. This template follows all of those rules and adds a "Core Competencies" block near the top, where most ATS keyword matching happens. The sample is for an operations coordinator.

How to make your resume pass the ATS

1
Open it with "Edit online", or download the Word file.
2
Copy the exact job title from the ad into the line under your name.
3
List 10–15 skills from the job ad in Core Competencies, using the same words (for example "SAP MM", not "ERP software").
4
Write each job as 3–4 bullets that start with a verb and include a number.
5
Keep the headings as they are, then send the Word file or a text-based PDF, whichever the job portal asks for.

ATS mistakes to avoid

No text boxes or columns

Many ATS read left to right across columns and mix up your sections. One column is safest.

No skills in images or charts

Skill bars and icons look nice, but the ATS cannot read them. Write skills as plain words.

Use standard headings

"Work Experience" is understood everywhere. Creative headings like "My Journey" may be skipped.

Match each job ad

Change the summary and skills for every application. A resume that matches the ad ranks higher for the recruiter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. You can download the Word and PDF versions or edit it online for free, with no signup and no watermark.

A single column, standard section headings, real text instead of images, common fonts, and skill keywords that match the job ad. Avoid tables, text boxes, headers and footers for important details.

Follow the job portal. Most modern ATS read text-based PDFs well, but if the portal asks for .docx, upload the Word file. Never upload a scanned PDF.

Two-column designs often lose information in older systems. Use this plain version for online portals and a designed CV when you email a person directly.

Include the main skills and tools named in the ad naturally, usually 10–20. Don't copy the ad word for word or hide keywords in white text.