How to Choose Right Resume Templates for ATS

You’ve probably heard about resume templates for ATS and wondered if they actually make a difference. Spoiler: they do! Many companies today rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS) to sift through resumes before they even reach a human recruiter. So, if your resume isn’t formatted to be ATS-friendly, there’s a good chance it could be filtered out without a second glance. That’s where the right resume templates for ATS come in.

In other words, if you’ve ever spent hours writing the perfect resume only to get no response, it’s possible that your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, and that’s frustrating! You need to find the right resume templates for ATS right away!

My Experience with Resume Templates for ATS

I’ll never forget the time a friend called me in complete frustration. He was well-qualified, had a polished resume, and yet wasn’t getting callbacks. After looking it over, it hit me: his resume wasn’t optimized for ATS. It used fancy fonts, unnecessary visuals, and a bunch of columns that most ATS systems can’t read correctly. Sure, it looked nice visually, however, it was most likely destined for the digital trash can without a second glance by the recruiter.

That’s when we sat down to make the CV more ATS-friendly, removing confusing formatting and ensuring the keywords matched the job descriptions he was targeting. And guess what? He received more interviews within a couple of weeks. It was a simple solution that many people overlooked!

What Makes a Resume ATS-Friendly?

Okay, let’s break it down: what exactly does an ATS-friendly CV mean? Structure, simplicity, and keywords are all important considerations. You’re not writing your resume for a machine, but you do have to play by the machine’s rules. Here’s a brief overview of what works:

• Avoid Fancy Formatting: Tables, graphics, and multi-column layouts can interfere with how an ATS scans your resume. Use a simple, one-column format.
• Use standardized fonts: You like a decent script font? I agree! We all do! However, ATS systems don’t like them simply because they can’t recognize them. Stick to basic fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri.
• File Types Are Important: Always send your resume as a .doc or .docx file, or as a PDF optimized for ATS compatibility.
• Relevant Keywords: Here’s where the magic starts. Make sure your CV contains the appropriate keywords from the job description. If the job description calls for “project management,” make sure that phrase is in your CV!

Choosing the right resume templates for ATS helps you make sure your resume passes through these systems smoothly.

A Closer Look at Keywords: The Secret Sauce

Here’s a little nugget from my personal experience: Keywords are crucial in the world of ATS. But it’s not about tossing them in at random; it’s about using them wisely. If you’re looking for a position that emphasizes “team leadership,” don’t just include “lead a team” once in your job description. Instead, highlight it in several roles and contexts: for example, “led a cross-functional team” in one role and “coached junior team members” in the other. This reinforces to both the ATS and the human reader that leadership is a core part of your experience.

Pro Tip: If you’re not sure which keywords to use, grab a few job descriptions for similar roles and highlight recurring phrases. These are probably the ones the ATS is hunting for.

How to Choose the Right Resume Template for ATS

Here’s where things get interesting: You want a resume template that’s designed specifically to be ATS-compliant but also doesn’t sacrifice style. It’s about striking that balance between looking professional and getting through the ATS unscathed.

When looking for an ATS-friendly resume template, here are some important elements to consider:

• Simple, Single-Column Layout: Maintain a simple, single-column layout. Avoid using templates with elaborate borders, many text boxes, or sidebars.
• Clear Section Headings: Use straightforward section headings such as “Work Experience,” “Skills,” “Education,” and so on. This makes it easier for the ATS to parse your resume.
• Focus on Fonts: Use a readable, sans-serif font in 10–12pt. Nothing too fancy or stylized.
• No Graphics or Photos: As tempting as it is to use a professional headshot or some sleek icons, ATS systems often can’t process images.

Many people wonder, “But won’t a plain template make me look less creative?” Honestly, no! Remember, simplicity does not imply boring. You may still highlight your experience and achievements while keeping your format clean and noticeable.

How to Customize Your Resume Template for ATS

Once you’ve decided on the ideal template, the next step is to customize it. You are not simply entering your information; you are personalizing it to each job you apply for. Yeah, I know this phase can be tedious, but believe me, it’s worth it.

Here’s how you can make your resume template stand out to both humans and ATS:

• Improve Your Skills Section: Tailor it to the position you’re applying for. If you’re a software engineer and the job asks for Python, don’t just list “programming languages,” specifically list “Python.”
• Use Bullet Points, Not Paragraphs: Bullet points are easier for ATS systems to digest. They’re also easier on the eyes of the hiring manager!
• Quantify Your Achievements: Instead of saying, “Responsible for improving sales,” go with, “Increased sales by 20% over six months.” Numbers stand out.

What Happens When Your Resume Isn’t ATS-Friendly?

You might be wondering, “What’s the worst that could happen if my resume isn’t ATS-friendly?” Well, the answer is simple: Your resume may never be seen by a real person. The ATS could screen it out before it reaches the hiring manager’s email.

Consider this: You could be the ideal applicant for the position, but if the ATS cannot understand your CV, your qualifications will not be considered. That is why getting your CV past the ATS is the first (and most important) hurdle to clear.

Final Thoughts: It’s About Strategy, Not Just Style

In the end, an ATS-friendly CV is about blending style and strategy, not removing creativity. Yes, you want your CV to appear excellent, but you also want the ATS and human hiring staff to read and enjoy it. Using ATS-friendly formats, such as resume templates for ATS, is crucial to increase your chances of getting noticed.

Take the time to discover a good resume template for ATS from our collection, customize it to meet your skills and job criteria, and you’ll significantly increase your chances of getting that all-important call for your first interview. Now, go get them! 🎯