ATS resume builder

Build an ATS-friendly resume

Most large employers screen applications with an applicant tracking system before a person reads them. Build your resume with layouts and headings that these systems read reliably, then tailor it to each job description.

Build my ATS resumeStart with the free template

What you get

  • Single-column layouts

    The Standard and ATS Professional templates keep everything in one readable column.

  • Standard section headings

    Experience, Education, and Skills: the names screening software looks for.

  • Real text, not images

    Every word in your PDF is selectable text that a parser can extract.

  • Easy to tailor

    Edit your summary and skills for each role without rebuilding the layout.

How it works

  1. 01

    Pick an ATS template

    Start with Standard (free) or ATS Professional.

  2. 02

    Fill in each section

    Use plain headings and the keywords from the job description.

  3. 03

    Download a PDF

    A text-based PDF that applicant tracking systems can read.

What an applicant tracking system does

An applicant tracking system (ATS) stores applications and helps recruiters search and filter them. It extracts the text from your resume into fields such as job titles, employers, dates, and skills. If it cannot read your layout, parts of your experience may be missing when a recruiter searches.

There is no single ATS "score" that every employer uses. What you can control is whether your resume is easy to parse and whether it uses the words the job description uses.

Rules for an ATS-friendly resume

  1. Use a single-column layout. Text boxes, tables, and side columns are read out of order by some systems.
  2. Use standard section headings such as Work Experience, Education, and Skills.
  3. Write dates consistently, for example Jan 2024 – Present.
  4. Mirror the exact skill names from the job description when they are true for you.
  5. Keep contact details in the body of the page, not in a header or footer.
  6. Send a text-based PDF or Word file, never a scanned image.

Tip: Paste your PDF's text into a plain text editor. If it comes out in the right order and nothing is missing, most systems will read it too.

Match the job description

Recruiters often search their system for specific skills and job titles. Read the posting, note the skills it repeats, and make sure the ones you genuinely have appear in your summary, skills section, and experience bullets. Our guide to tailoring your resume shows how, and the ATS-friendly resume guide covers formatting in depth.

Frequently asked questions

Which template is best for ATS?

The single-column Standard and ATS Professional templates are the safest choice for strict applicant tracking systems. Two-column designs look good but are riskier with older systems.

Is PDF or Word better for ATS?

Most modern systems read text-based PDFs well. If an employer asks for Word, send Word. Premium templates download in both formats.

Can a tool guarantee my resume passes the ATS?

No. Every employer configures their system differently. A clean layout and relevant, honest keywords give your resume the best chance of being read correctly.

Is it really free?

Yes. Building and editing are free, and the Standard template downloads as a free PDF. Premium templates are a one-time payment per template and include PDF and Word downloads. There is no subscription.

Do I need to create an account?

No. Start writing straight away; your draft is saved in your browser. If you buy a premium download, we create your account and email you a sign-in link so your resume is saved.

Helpful guides