Templates
ATS Friendly Resume Templates, Word & PDF
Free ATS friendly resume templates in Word and PDF. Simple layouts applicant tracking systems read correctly, tested for clean text extraction.
Short answer
An ATS friendly resume template uses one column, standard section headings, real text (not images) and common fonts, so applicant tracking systems extract every line correctly. Connecting Odds members can download resumes in several such styles as Word or PDF after running the free ATS check.
Key facts
- Formats
- Word (.docx) and PDF
- Layout
- Single column, standard headings
- Free styled downloads
- 3 per member
- Checks
- 3 free checks a day with a free account, then $5 / 10 credits or $4.99/month for 50 checks.
What makes a template ATS friendly
- One column. Side columns are often read out of order.
- Headings the system expects: Summary, Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications.
- No tables, text boxes, icons or images holding important text.
- Dates in a consistent format next to each role.
- Common fonts at 10 to 12 points.
Word or PDF?
Both work when the PDF is text-based. Word .docx is the safest choice when a posting does not say. Avoid older .doc files and scanned PDFs.
How to get one
Upload your current resume to the ATS resume checker with the job description. After scoring, pick a style and download a tailored version as Word or PDF. Your employers, titles, dates and education stay exactly as you wrote them.
Check your resume against a real job, free.
Open the ATS resume checkerQuestions
Are Canva resume templates ATS friendly?
Many are not, because multi-column designs and graphics can scramble the extracted text. If you use one, test it with an ATS checker first.
Is a two column resume ATS friendly?
Often not. Many systems read across both columns line by line, mixing sections together. A single column is the safe choice.
Can I download an ATS template for free?
Yes. Members get 3 free styled downloads in Word or PDF.
Last updated