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16 ATS-Friendly Resume Templates [Great for 2026]

In today's digital age, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) have become an integral part of the hiring process. These systems scan resumes to filter candidates based on specific keywords and formatting. To increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters, it's essential to have an ATS-friendly resume. In this blog post, we'll explore 16 resume templates that are optimized for ATS in 2026. We'll also discuss common practices, best practices, and provide example usage for each template.

Table of Contents#

What is an ATS-Friendly Resume?#

An ATS-friendly resume is a document that is formatted and structured in a way that can be easily read and parsed by Applicant Tracking Systems. These systems use algorithms to scan resumes for specific keywords, skills, and qualifications that match the job requirements. By optimizing your resume for ATS, you increase your chances of getting past the initial screening process and being considered for the job.

Common Practices for ATS-Friendly Resumes#

  • Use a Simple Format: Avoid using complex formatting, such as tables, columns, or graphics. Stick to a simple, clean layout with clear headings and sections.
  • Use Standard Fonts: Use standard fonts, such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, in a size between 10 and 12 points. Avoid using decorative fonts or fonts that are difficult to read.
  • Include Keywords: Research the job description and identify the keywords and skills that are relevant to the position. Include these keywords throughout your resume, especially in the summary, skills, and work experience sections.
  • Use Bullet Points: Use bullet points to highlight your achievements, responsibilities, and skills. This makes your resume easier to scan and read.
  • Keep it Concise: Limit your resume to one or two pages. Focus on the most relevant information and avoid including unnecessary details.

Best Practices for ATS-Friendly Resumes#

  • Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to each job application by highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.
  • Use Action Verbs: Use action verbs to describe your achievements and responsibilities. This makes your resume more dynamic and engaging.
  • Quantify Your Achievements: Whenever possible, quantify your achievements with numbers, percentages, or dollars. This makes your resume more impactful and demonstrates your value to the employer.
  • Proofread Your Resume: Carefully proofread your resume for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. A mistake-free resume shows that you are detail-oriented and professional.
  • Save Your Resume as a PDF: Save your resume as a PDF to ensure that the formatting is preserved. This is especially important if you are using a template or have included graphics or images in your resume.

16 ATS-Friendly Resume Templates#

Template 1: Classic Chronological#

  • Format: Chronological
  • Style: Classic
  • Ideal for: Candidates with a consistent work history and relevant experience.
  • Example Usage:
    • Summary: Results-driven professional with [X] years of experience in [Industry]. Proven track record of [Achievement 1], [Achievement 2], and [Achievement 3].
    • Work Experience:
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
    • Education:
      • University Name: [Degree Name] | [Dates Attended]
        • [GPA] (if applicable)
        • [Relevant Courses]
    • Skills: [Skill 1], [Skill 2], [Skill 3]

Template 2: Functional Resume#

  • Format: Functional
  • Style: Modern
  • Ideal for: Candidates with gaps in their work history or who are changing careers.
  • Example Usage:
    • Summary: Highly motivated and adaptable professional with [X] years of experience in [Industry]. Strong skills in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3]. Proven ability to [Achievement 1], [Achievement 2], and [Achievement 3].
    • Skills:
      • [Skill 1]
        • [Subskill 1]
        • [Subskill 2]
        • [Subskill 3]
      • [Skill 2]
        • [Subskill 1]
        • [Subskill 2]
        • [Subskill 3]
      • [Skill 3]
        • [Subskill 1]
        • [Subskill 2]
        • [Subskill 3]
    • Work Experience:
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
    • Education:
      • University Name: [Degree Name] | [Dates Attended]
        • [GPA] (if applicable)
        • [Relevant Courses]

Template 3: Combination Resume#

  • Format: Combination
  • Style: Professional
  • Ideal for: Candidates with a mix of relevant experience and skills.
  • Example Usage:
    • Summary: Results-oriented professional with [X] years of experience in [Industry]. Strong skills in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3]. Proven track record of [Achievement 1], [Achievement 2], and [Achievement 3].
    • Skills:
      • [Skill 1]
        • [Subskill 1]
        • [Subskill 2]
        • [Subskill 3]
      • [Skill 2]
        • [Subskill 1]
        • [Subskill 2]
        • [Subskill 3]
      • [Skill 3]
        • [Subskill 1]
        • [Subskill 2]
        • [Subskill 3]
    • Work Experience:
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
    • Education:
      • University Name: [Degree Name] | [Dates Attended]
        • [GPA] (if applicable)
        • [Relevant Courses]

Template 4: Targeted Resume#

  • Format: Targeted
  • Style: Customized
  • Ideal for: Candidates applying for a specific job or position.
  • Example Usage:
    • Summary: Highly qualified candidate with [X] years of experience in [Industry]. Proven track record of [Achievement 1], [Achievement 2], and [Achievement 3]. Strong skills in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3].
    • Skills:
      • [Skill 1]
        • [Subskill 1]
        • [Subskill 2]
        • [Subskill 3]
      • [Skill 2]
        • [Subskill 1]
        • [Subskill 2]
        • [Subskill 3]
      • [Skill 3]
        • [Subskill 1]
        • [Subskill 2]
        • [Subskill 3]
    • Work Experience:
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
    • Education:
      • University Name: [Degree Name] | [Dates Attended]
        • [GPA] (if applicable)
        • [Relevant Courses]

Template 5: Entry-Level Resume#

  • Format: Chronological
  • Style: Simple
  • Ideal for: Candidates with little or no work experience.
  • Example Usage:
    • Summary: Recent graduate with a [Degree Name] in [Field of Study]. Strong academic background and relevant coursework. Eager to apply my skills and knowledge in a professional setting.
    • Education:
      • University Name: [Degree Name] | [Dates Attended]
        • [GPA] (if applicable)
        • [Relevant Courses]
    • Work Experience:
      • Internship: [Company Name] | [Dates Interned]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
      • Part-Time Job: [Company Name] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
    • Skills: [Skill 1], [Skill 2], [Skill 3]

Template 6: Professional Resume#

  • Format: Chronological
  • Style: Polished
  • Ideal for: Candidates with several years of work experience.
  • Example Usage:
    • Summary: Experienced professional with [X] years of experience in [Industry]. Proven track record of [Achievement 1], [Achievement 2], and [Achievement 3]. Strong leadership and management skills.
    • Work Experience:
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
    • Education:
      • University Name: [Degree Name] | [Dates Attended]
        • [GPA] (if applicable)
        • [Relevant Courses]
    • Skills: [Skill 1], [Skill 2], [Skill 3]

Template 7: Executive Resume#

  • Format: Chronological
  • Style: Strategic
  • Ideal for: Candidates with senior-level experience and leadership roles.
  • Example Usage:
    • Summary: Accomplished executive with [X] years of experience in [Industry]. Proven track record of driving business growth, leading teams, and delivering results. Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
    • Work Experience:
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
    • Education:
      • University Name: [Degree Name] | [Dates Attended]
        • [GPA] (if applicable)
        • [Relevant Courses]
    • Skills: [Skill 1], [Skill 2], [Skill 3]

Template 8: Creative Resume#

  • Format: Functional
  • Style: Innovative
  • Ideal for: Candidates in creative fields, such as design, writing, or marketing.
  • Example Usage:
    • Summary: Creative professional with [X] years of experience in [Industry]. Strong portfolio of work and proven track record of [Achievement 1], [Achievement 2], and [Achievement 3]. Skilled in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3].
    • Skills:
      • [Skill 1]
        • [Subskill 1]
        • [Subskill 2]
        • [Subskill 3]
      • [Skill 2]
        • [Subskill 1]
        • [Subskill 2]
        • [Subskill 3]
      • [Skill 3]
        • [Subskill 1]
        • [Subskill 2]
        • [Subskill 3]
    • Work Experience:
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
    • Education:
      • University Name: [Degree Name] | [Dates Attended]
        • [GPA] (if applicable)
        • [Relevant Courses]

Template 9: Technical Resume#

  • Format: Chronological
  • Style: Technical
  • Ideal for: Candidates in technical fields, such as engineering, IT, or science.
  • Example Usage:
    • Summary: Technical professional with [X] years of experience in [Industry]. Strong technical skills and knowledge in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3]. Proven track record of [Achievement 1], [Achievement 2], and [Achievement 3].
    • Work Experience:
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
    • Education:
      • University Name: [Degree Name] | [Dates Attended]
        • [GPA] (if applicable)
        • [Relevant Courses]
    • Skills: [Skill 1], [Skill 2], [Skill 3]

Template 10: Sales Resume#

  • Format: Chronological
  • Style: Results-Driven
  • Ideal for: Candidates in sales or business development.
  • Example Usage:
    • Summary: Sales professional with [X] years of experience in [Industry]. Proven track record of exceeding sales targets, building relationships, and closing deals. Strong communication and negotiation skills.
    • Work Experience:
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
    • Education:
      • University Name: [Degree Name] | [Dates Attended]
        • [GPA] (if applicable)
        • [Relevant Courses]
    • Skills: [Skill 1], [Skill 2], [Skill 3]

Template 11: Marketing Resume#

  • Format: Chronological
  • Style: Strategic
  • Ideal for: Candidates in marketing or advertising.
  • Example Usage:
    • Summary: Marketing professional with [X] years of experience in [Industry]. Proven track record of developing and executing successful marketing campaigns, increasing brand awareness, and driving sales. Strong analytical and creative skills.
    • Work Experience:
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
    • Education:
      • University Name: [Degree Name] | [Dates Attended]
        • [GPA] (if applicable)
        • [Relevant Courses]
    • Skills: [Skill 1], [Skill 2], [Skill 3]

Template 12: Healthcare Resume#

  • Format: Chronological
  • Style: Compassionate
  • Ideal for: Candidates in healthcare or medical fields.
  • Example Usage:
    • Summary: Healthcare professional with [X] years of experience in [Industry]. Proven track record of providing high-quality patient care, managing medical teams, and implementing best practices. Strong clinical and communication skills.
    • Work Experience:
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
    • Education:
      • University Name: [Degree Name] | [Dates Attended]
        • [GPA] (if applicable)
        • [Relevant Courses]
    • Skills: [Skill 1], [Skill 2], [Skill 3]

Template 13: Education Resume#

  • Format: Chronological
  • Style: Educator
  • Ideal for: Candidates in education or teaching.
  • Example Usage:
    • Summary: Experienced educator with [X] years of experience in [Industry]. Proven track record of teaching students, developing curriculum, and assessing student progress. Strong communication and classroom management skills.
    • Work Experience:
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
    • Education:
      • University Name: [Degree Name] | [Dates Attended]
        • [GPA] (if applicable)
        • [Relevant Courses]
    • Skills: [Skill 1], [Skill 2], [Skill 3]

Template 14: IT Resume#

  • Format: Chronological
  • Style: Technical
  • Ideal for: Candidates in IT or technology fields.
  • Example Usage:
    • Summary: IT professional with [X] years of experience in [Industry]. Proven track record of designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. Strong technical skills in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3].
    • Work Experience:
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
    • Education:
      • University Name: [Degree Name] | [Dates Attended]
        • [GPA] (if applicable)
        • [Relevant Courses]
    • Skills: [Skill 1], [Skill 2], [Skill 3]

Template 15: Finance Resume#

  • Format: Chronological
  • Style: Analytical
  • Ideal for: Candidates in finance or accounting.
  • Example Usage:
    • Summary: Finance professional with [X] years of experience in [Industry]. Proven track record of managing financial operations, analyzing data, and providing strategic advice. Strong financial analysis and reporting skills.
    • Work Experience:
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
    • Education:
      • University Name: [Degree Name] | [Dates Attended]
        • [GPA] (if applicable)
        • [Relevant Courses]
    • Skills: [Skill 1], [Skill 2], [Skill 3]

Template 16: Remote Work Resume#

  • Format: Chronological
  • Style: Remote
  • Ideal for: Candidates seeking remote work or flexible employment.
  • Example Usage:
    • Summary: Remote professional with [X] years of experience in [Industry]. Proven track record of working independently, managing projects, and collaborating with teams. Strong communication and time management skills.
    • Work Experience:
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
      • Company Name: [Position Title] | [Dates Employed]
        • [Responsibility 1]
        • [Responsibility 2]
        • [Achievement 1]
        • [Achievement 2]
    • Education:
      • University Name: [Degree Name] | [Dates Attended]
        • [GPA] (if applicable)
        • [Relevant Courses]
    • Skills: [Skill 1], [Skill 2], [Skill 3]

Conclusion#

In conclusion, having an ATS-friendly resume is essential for getting noticed by recruiters and increasing your chances of getting hired. By following the common practices and best practices outlined in this blog post, and using one of the 16 resume templates provided, you can create a resume that is optimized for ATS and showcases your skills and experience in the best possible light. Remember to customize your resume for each job application, proofread it carefully, and save it as a PDF. Good luck with your job search!

References#

2026-02