Best Resume Format for ATS - Get Noticed by Recruiters & Bots Alike
Discover the best resume format for ATS in 2025. Learn what works, avoid common mistakes & download optimized resume templates that pass any ATS scan.
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Unlock Your Career Potential with ATS-Friendly Resume Templates
Our Free Resume Templates are designed to be ATS-friendly, ensuring your application gets noticed by employers. Stand out in a competitive job market with professional designs that highlight your skills and experience.
What Is an ATS-Friendly Resume Format?
An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is a software tool used by employers to filter, rank, and sort job applications before a human ever sees them.
To make it past these digital gatekeepers, your resume needs to be written and formatted in a way the ATS can read, scan, and parse without errors.
All templates on CV Templates Hub are designed with global standards in mind. Here’s what makes our best resume templates stand out:
- Region-specific formatting (EU, UK, Canada, Gulf countries, Asia-Pacific)
- Editable in Microsoft Word and compatible with Google Docs
- ATS-friendly layouts with clear sections for experience, skills, and certifications
- Multilingual-friendly formats
- Optional sections for visa status, nationality, and language fluency
These templates are also great for international job seekers applying in regions like the UAE, UK, US, or Canada, where a professional layout is a must.
- Recent graduates who want their education and internships to shine.
- Mid-career professionals looking for a promotion or industry shift.
- Creative professionals who prefer clean over flashy design.
- Anyone applying in highly competitive fields where readability matters most.
Start your global career journey with confidence. Browse our collection of best ATS resume templates designed to meet the expectations of hiring managers around the world.
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Why ATS Matters in 2025
Over 95% of Fortune 500 companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan, filter, and rank resumes before a human ever sees them.
If your resume isn’t formatted correctly for ATS, it may be rejected—even if you’re highly qualified. This guide breaks down the best resume formats for ATS, shows you how to structure your resume, and includes downloadable templates that pass all major ATS scanners.
What Is an ATS and How Does It Work?
An Applicant Tracking System is a software tool used by employers to:
Collect resumes.
Parse their content.
Match candidates to job descriptions using keywords.
The system scans your resume for structure, content, and relevance. If your resume isn’t ATS-optimized, it may never reach a recruiter—even if you’re perfect for the role.
Why the Resume Format Matters for ATS
ATS tools aren’t humans—they struggle with:
Complex layouts
Graphics, tables, and columns
Fancy fonts or PDF-only files
That’s why choosing the right resume format is critical. It ensures your information is accurately parsed and improves your chances of making it to the next stage.
Best Resume Formats for ATS (Ranked)
Let’s break down the top three resume formats and how they perform with ATS software.
🥇 Chronological Resume (Best for ATS)
This is the most traditional and widely accepted format.
Lists work history in reverse-chronological order.
Easy for ATS to parse dates, titles, and responsibilities.
Great for candidates with steady career progression.
ATS Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🥈 Combination Resume
Blends functional and chronological styles.
Skills-focused top section.
Includes work experience section with clear dates.
ATS Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🥉 Functional Resume (Use With Caution)
Focuses on skills over experience.
Dates and job titles may be missing or unclear.
ATS may struggle to match content to job descriptions.
ATS-Friendly Resume Design Tips
Even the best format can fail if the design is too complex. Use these resume formatting tips to boost ATS compatibility:
Use standard fonts: Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman
Avoid tables, columns, and graphics
Use bullet points (● or •) instead of symbols or icons
Save in both .docx and PDF formats (check job listing instructions)
Clearly label sections: “Work Experience”, “Education”, “Skills”
Common Mistakes That Get Resumes Rejected
ATS tools can be unforgiving. Here are some formatting errors that can cause your resume to be discarded:
Using a two-column layout
Embedding keywords in images or icons
Overusing headers like “Professional Profile” instead of “Summary”
Submitting image-only PDFs
Not tailoring keywords to the specific job ad
How to Make Any Resume ATS-Compatible
Whether you’re using an old resume or creating a new one, here’s how to optimize for ATS:
Use plain text with minimal formatting.
Match keywords from the job description.
Use standard headings like:
Summary
Work Experience
Education
Skills
Add quantifiable results (e.g., “Increased sales by 25%”).
Keep section titles consistent across the document.
Free ATS-Optimized Resume Templates (Word & PDF)
To help you get started, we’ve created ATS-proof resume templates that you can download instantly.
✅ Download: [Modern Chronological Resume – Word Format]
ALT TEXT: “Preview of a clean, ATS-friendly resume template in Word.”
✅ Download: [Combination Resume Template – Google Docs & PDF]
ALT TEXT: “Professional resume design optimized for ATS parsing.”
✅ Download: [Entry-Level ATS Resume – Minimal Design]
ALT TEXT: “Simple ATS resume format for students and freshers.”
Each template:
Is tested with ATS software.
Uses standard fonts and no graphics.
Includes placeholder text with keyword suggestions.
👉 Browse more: ATS Resume Templates on CV Templates Hub
Final Thoughts: Get Hired Faster With ATS-Proof Resumes
The job market is competitive, but the right resume format for ATS can dramatically improve your chances of landing interviews.
By using the correct format, optimizing keywords, and avoiding formatting errors, your resume won’t just pass the ATS—it’ll impress recruiters too.
Before you submit your next job application:
✅ Choose the right format
✅ Run it through an ATS checker
✅ Download an ATS-optimized template from CV Templates Hub
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FAQs
What format should a resume be in for ATS?
The best format for ATS is a reverse-chronological resume saved in .docx (Microsoft Word) or a PDF (if the employer allows). Avoid using tables, images, or multi-column layouts.
Is a PDF or Word document better for ATS?
While both can work, Word documents (.docx) are typically safer. Some ATS systems can’t parse PDFs correctly, especially if they contain non-standard fonts or design elements.
What keywords should be on an ATS resume?
The best keywords are relevant job titles, skills, and action verbs found in the job description. Examples include “project management,” “data analysis,” or “customer support.”
Do ATS systems read bold or italic text?
Yes, ATS software can read bold and italic text as long as the formatting doesn’t interrupt word recognition. Still, simple formatting is best.
How do I test if my resume is ATS-friendly?
Copy your resume and paste it into a plain text editor like Notepad. If the formatting stays readable and nothing disappears, your resume is likely ATS-compliant.
How to Customize a resume Template in MS Word?
Follow these steps to easily customize and use your CV template in Microsoft Word.
Download the CV Template?
Click the download button on the CV Templates Hub website and save the .docx file to your computer.
Open the Template
Open the downloaded template in Microsoft Word or any compatible word processor.
Edit Personal Information
Replace placeholder information like name, contact details, and work experience with your own data.
Save and Export
Save the final version of your CV and export as PDF if required for online applications.