The #1 reason resumes get rejected by ATS is formatting. Tables, columns, images, and custom fonts confuse parsers. Use these ATS-tested templates to ensure your resume actually gets read.
Have a resume already? Check if it passes ATS first.
Use standard headings: Experience, Education, Skills
Save as .docx (most ATS-friendly format)
Use single-column layout
Use standard fonts: Arial, Calibri, Helvetica
Include keywords from the job description
Use bullet points (not symbols)
❌ DON'T:
Use tables, columns, or text boxes
Add images, logos, or graphics
Use headers/footers (ATS ignores them)
Save as PDF with complex layouts
Use creative section titles
Include charts or icons
Free Resume Templates by Role
Each template below follows ATS-friendly formatting rules. Copy the structure, replace with your content, and run it through our free ATS checker to verify.
UX DesignerPortfolio link · Design tools · Impact metrics
💡 Tip: After filling in a template, run it through our free ATS checker with a real job description. You will see exactly which keywords you are missing and whether the format passes ATS scanning.
The Best Resume Format for ATS (2026 Data)
Based on 247+ resume analyses on tooool.xyz, here is what works:
.docx format: 98% ATS compatibility. This is the safest choice for all systems (Workday, Greenhouse, Lever, Taleo).
Plain .pdf: ~85% compatibility. Works for most modern ATS but fails on older systems.
Google Docs export: ~70% compatibility. Extra markup from Google Docs can confuse parsers.
.pages (Apple): ~40% compatibility. Most ATS cannot read .pages files at all.
One Template Does Not Fit All
Different roles require different keyword emphasis. A software engineer resume should lead with technical skills and projects. A product manager resume should lead with impact metrics and stakeholder management. Use our role-specific ATS checkers to see exactly which keywords matter for your target role.
Test your resume against a real job description
Paste your resume + job description. Get your ATS score, missing keywords, and format audit. First check is fully free.