Resume templates can save hours of formatting work, but the wrong template can make your resume unreadable to ATS. Here's how to tell if a template is ATS-compatible and what to look for.
What Makes a Template ATS-Friendly?
- Single-column layout with no sidebars
- Text-based content (no embedded images for icons)
- Standard section headings built into the structure
- Uses actual heading styles (H1, H2) not just font size changes
- No text boxes or floating elements
- No table-based layouts
- Clean, standard formatting
Red Flags in Resume Templates
- ❌ Multi-column or sidebar layouts
- ❌ Decorative graphics, borders, or backgrounds
- ❌ Icon fonts for contact info or skills
- ❌ Skill rating bars or pie charts
- ❌ Header/footer containing your name or contact info
- ❌ Tables used for layout structure
- ❌ Creative non-standard section names
Best Template Sources
These sources typically offer ATS-compatible templates:
- Google Docs templates — Clean, simple, text-based
- Microsoft Word built-in templates — "Basic" and "Simple" categories
- University career center templates — Designed for ATS compatibility
Be cautious with templates from design-focused platforms (Canva, Etsy, Creative Market) — they prioritize visual appeal over ATS compatibility.
How to Test a Template
- Fill in the template with your information
- Save as DOCX
- Try selecting all text and pasting into a plain text editor
- If the text appears in the correct order, the template is likely ATS-safe
- If text is scrambled or missing, switch templates
- Run it through the ATS Resume Checker for a detailed analysis
Template Structure Recommendation
The ideal ATS template follows this order:
- Name — Large, clear, at the top
- Contact Info — Phone, email, LinkedIn, city/state (one line or stacked)
- Professional Summary — 2-4 sentences
- Skills Section — Bulleted keyword list
- Work Experience — Reverse chronological
- Education — Degree, school, year
- Certifications/Additional — As applicable
Pro tip: Create your ATS resume in Google Docs or Word using a simple template, then download as DOCX for applications. Keep a separate visually-designed version for networking.