ATS-Friendly Resume Templates: How to Build a Resume That Actually Gets Read
Writing a great resume is only half the battle. Before a human recruiter ever lays eyes on your application, it's processed by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) — software that scans resumes for keywords, structure, and formatting to decide who makes the cut. If your resume isn't built to pass that scan, your qualifications may never be seen.
This guide walks you through the best ATS-friendly resume templates — including LaTeX-based options on Overleaf, a doc-based alternative, and a cover letter template — so your entire application package is ready to go.
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Why ATS-Friendly Formatting Matters
ATS software doesn't read your resume the way a person does. It parses structured data — and anything that breaks its expected format gets dropped or misread. Here's what an ATS-compatible resume must have:
- Clean, simple layout — no complex graphics, nested tables, or content placed inside headers and footers
- Standard fonts — stick to Arial, Times New Roman, or Garamond for reliable readability
- Keyword-rich content — pull specific terms directly from the job description you're applying to
- Familiar section headings — use titles like "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills" that every ATS recognises
LaTeX-based templates are a particularly strong choice. They produce clean, precisely formatted PDFs with no hidden formatting artifacts — exactly what ATS parsers prefer.
Top LaTeX Resume Templates on Overleaf
All templates below are hosted on Overleaf, free to use, and fully customisable. Each one is built with ATS compatibility in mind.
One-Column Templates
Single-column layouts are the safest option for ATS compatibility since they follow a straightforward top-to-bottom reading flow.
Entry-Level Resume Template Beginner-Friendly
A clean, no-frills one-column template designed for students and career changers. It presents your qualifications clearly without any formatting that could trip up a parser. What you get:
- Simple single-column layout optimised for ATS parsing
- Standard sections — education, experience, and skills
- Easy to customise across different industries and role types
Jake's Resume Most Popular
A modern, minimalist one-column template that's become one of the most widely used options among job seekers in tech. It looks professional without sacrificing machine-readability. Highlights:
- Well-defined section headings that ATS software reads without issue
- Professional aesthetic that works across career levels
- Straightforward to customise for different roles
Two-Column Templates
Two-column designs can be tricky with some ATS parsers, but the templates below are built to minimise that risk while making excellent use of space.
Deedy CV Tech-Focused
A polished two-column template that's especially popular among software engineers and tech professionals. It keeps visual complexity low while packing a lot of information neatly. Features:
- Clear separation of skills, experience, and education sections
- Minimal graphics — designed to stay ATS-readable
- Great fit for technical roles and engineering applications
PlushCV Multi-Industry
A visually appealing two-column template that balances style with ATS compatibility. Works well across a wide range of industries. Key features:
- Efficient two-column layout that doesn't waste space
- Clean, machine-readable fonts and clear headings throughout
- Customisable colour schemes — use black for maximum ATS compatibility
Doc-Based ATS Resume Template
Prefer working in Microsoft Word or Google Docs? This resource has you covered. The video tutorial below walks through building a clean, ATS-compliant resume in a standard document format — covering minimal formatting, standard fonts, and how to weave in the right keywords.
ATS-Friendly Resume (Word / Google Docs)
A step-by-step video guide to creating an ATS-optimised resume without needing LaTeX. Focuses on simplicity, structure, and keyword placement.
Cover Letter Template
A well-written cover letter does two things: it reinforces the keywords in your resume and gives recruiters a sense of who you are beyond bullet points. This template is designed to pair seamlessly with any ATS-friendly resume.
Professional Cover Letter Template
A video tutorial that covers how to structure a strong cover letter, where to place keywords for ATS compatibility, and how to keep the formatting clean. Pairs well with any of the resume templates above.
Tips to Get the Most Out of These Templates
- Match keywords to the job description — read the posting carefully and mirror the exact language used for skills and responsibilities
- Strip out complex formatting — remove images, logos, icons, and decorative elements that parsing software struggles with
- Use PDF or .docx formats — both are widely supported by ATS systems; avoid .pages or other proprietary formats
- Run an ATS check before submitting — free online tools can simulate how a real ATS reads your resume and flag issues before they cost you an interview
- Tailor for every application — don't submit the same resume for every role; small tweaks to keywords and phrasing make a real difference
Clean formatting paired with the right keywords is what gets your resume past the ATS and in front of a real person. Pick a template, customise it for the role, and let your actual qualifications do the talking.
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