Downloadable Resume Templates: ATS-Friendly Designs Made in Microsoft Word

 

Most companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes before a human ever sees them. If your resume isn’t formatted correctly, it may never make it to a hiring manager, even if you’re a perfect fit. Creating an ATS-friendly resume ensures your job application passes software scans and reaches the hiring manager.

In this tutorial, we will create a downloadable ATS-friendly design in Microsoft Word.

What is an ATS-Friendly Resume?

An ATS-friendly resume is specifically formatted to be easily read and parsed by ATS software. It is used by 99% of Fortune 500 companies and 70% of all employers to screen resumes before human recruiters see them. These systems scan your resume for relevant keywords, experience, and qualifications, then rank candidates based on how well they match the job requirements.

Why ATS-Friendly Formatting Matters

Understanding ATS importance is crucial for modern job seekers:

• Pre-screening Filter: ATS acts as the first gatekeeper, determining whether your resume reaches human eyes.
• Keyword Matching: The system scans specific terms from job postings to identify qualified candidates.
• Ranking System: Resumes are scored and ranked, with top performers advancing to human review.
• Volume Management: Helps employers manage hundreds or thousands of applications efficiently.

Without proper ATS formatting, even the most qualified candidate might never get past the initial screening, regardless of their experience and skills.

Step 1: Select ATS-Friendly Templates

Choose templates specifically optimized for ATS. Recommended sources include:

Microsoft Create Templates:

• Microsoft ATS Resume Templates
• These are built in Microsoft Word, fully editable, and simple.
• Look for 1-column layouts, clearly labeled sections, and no text boxes or icons.

Jobscan ATS Templates:

• Jobscan ATS Templates
• Built specifically to work with ATS.
• Includes resume formatting tips and keyword guidance.

These templates are free, professional, and pre-formatted for compatibility with most ATS software.

Step 2: Key Formatting Choices and Why They Matter

Typography and Font Choices

ATS software easily scans standard, readable fonts. Fancy or decorative fonts can cause scanning errors.

Recommended Fonts and Size:

• Recommended Fonts: Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman, Helvetica, Georgia, Garamond, Cambria.
• Font Size:
  • Body text: 10-12 points (11pt is optimal).
  • Section headings: 14-16 points.
  • Your name: 18-24 points maximum.
• Consistency rule: Never use more than two different font sizes beyond your name.

Document Structure and Layout

Margins and Spacing:

ATS systems prefer simple layouts with clear spacing to read text accurately.

• Set margins to 1 inch on all sides.
• Use single-line spacing within sections.
• Add one blank line between sections.
• Avoid excessive white space that wastes valuable real estate.

Section Order (Standard ATS Recognition):

• Contact Information.
• Professional Summary or Objective.
• Core Skills/Technical Skills.
• Professional Experience.
• Education.
• Additional Sections (Certifications, Awards, etc.).

Standard Section Headers:

ATS relies on clearly defined headings to parse content correctly. Use these exact headings for maximum ATS compatibility:

• Contact Information (not “Personal Details”)
• Professional Summary (not “About Me”)
• Skills or Core Competencies (not “Expertise”)
• Professional Experience or Work Experience (not “Career History”)
• Education (not “Academic Background”)
• Certifications (not “Professional Development”)

Bullet Points and Formatting

Special characters or unusual bullets can confuse ATS, leading to parsing issues.

Bullet Point Best Practices:

• Use standard round bullets (•) or simple dashes (-).
• Avoid decorative symbols, arrows, or custom characters.
• Start each bullet with an action verb.
• Keep bullets concise (1-2 lines maximum).
• Maintain parallel structure across all bullets.

Text Formatting Rules:

• Bold for company names, job titles, and section headers.
• Italics sparingly for emphasis (if at all).
• Avoid underlines, which can interfere with ATS parsing.
• Never use text boxes, headers, footers, or columns.

ATS-Friendly Resume:

File Format: 

• Always save and submit your resume as a .docx or PDF (unless specified otherwise).
• ATS software reliably reads these standard formats, ensuring your information is accurately processed.

Step 3: Customize Your ATS-Friendly Resume

You can select the ATS resume template from Microsoft Word.

• Go to the File tab >>click New.
• Search ATS >> select your required template.

• Click Create.

Once you’ve selected your template:

• Replace placeholder text with your details.
• Align your content with job description keywords.
• Use concise language and action verbs.

Step 4: Test Your ATS Resume

After customizing, use online tools like Jobscan Resume Scanner to test ATS compatibility and keyword optimization.

Free ATS Scanners:

• Jobscan: Compare your resume with specific job postings.
• Resume Worded: Get ATS compatibility scores and suggestions.
• TopResume: Basic ATS readability check.

Common ATS Mistakes to Avoid

• Graphics and Visual Elements:
  • Never include photos, logos, or images.
  • Skip decorative borders or lines.
  • Don’t use colored backgrounds or text.
• Table and Column Issues:
  • Avoid complex tables for layout.
  • Don’t use newspaper-style columns.
  • Skip side-by-side content arrangements.
• Header and Footer Problems:
  • Never put contact information in headers/footers.
  • Avoid page numbers in headers/footers.
  • Don’t use footer text for additional information.
  • Skip watermarks or background text.
• Keyword Problems:
  • Don’t stuff keywords unnaturally.
  • Avoid using acronyms without spelling out terms.
  • Don’t neglect industry-specific terminology.
  • Avoid generic job descriptions.

Download ATS Resume

Conclusion

By following these steps and utilizing the recommended templates, you can create an ATS-friendly resume that successfully navigates automated screening systems while still appealing to human recruiters. Using ATS-friendly templates from reliable sources and following proper formatting guidelines dramatically increases your chances of passing automated scans and getting your resume seen by hiring managers. Remember that ATS-friendly doesn’t mean boring; it means strategically formatted for maximum compatibility and impact.