Free Template

ATS Friendly CV Template for Online Applications

Many employers collect applications in an applicant tracking system (ATS), software that stores each CV and lets recruiters search by keyword. This ATS friendly CV template keeps to what such software reads well: one column, plain text, standard headings.

ATS-Friendly CV template: preview of the first page

Download the ATS-Friendly CV template

One column, standard headings, no tables or graphics. The safest choice for online application systems.

Word (.docx, 4 KB)PDF (38 KB)Fill it in online

Paper: A4
Layout: One column
Font: Arial
Pages: 1
Files: Word (.docx) and PDF

Free. No sign-up, no watermark.

What makes this template safe for an ATS

One column from top to bottom. No tables, text boxes, columns or images.
Section headings a system expects: Professional Summary, Skills, Work Experience, Education, Certifications, Languages.
Arial throughout, one colour, real bullet points. The UK National Careers Service names Arial among the clear fonts for a CV.
Dates on the same line as the job title, set with a tab stop, not a table.
Contact details in the body of the page, not in a header or footer.

Use it as an ATS friendly resume template too

The same file works as a resume for the United States or Canada: switch the paper size to Letter in the CV builder, or change it in Word under Layout, Size. Keep to one or two pages.

Keywords: use the words of the advert

Software and recruiters search for the skills named in the job advert. Put those exact words in your skills line and in the bullet points of the jobs where you used them. Our free resume checker compares your text with the skills listed for your occupation.

Other CV formats

Simple CV

Clean and plain with generous white space. Good for any job and easy to edit.

Word (.docx, 4 KB)PDF (47 KB)

Fill in this format online

Professional CV

Classic serif layout with a centred header. Suits managers, finance, law and senior roles.

Word (.docx, 4 KB)PDF (54 KB)

Fill in this format online

Modern CV

Two columns with a shaded side panel for contact details and skills. Best when a person, not a system, reads it first.

Word (.docx, 4 KB)PDF (51 KB)

Fill in this format online

Student CV

Education first, then projects, part-time work and activities. Made for a first CV.

Word (.docx, 4 KB)PDF (48 KB)

Fill in this format online

Academic CV

Education, research interests, appointments, publications, grants and referees. No page limit.

Word (.docx, 4 KB)PDF (57 KB)

Fill in this format online

Europass-style CV

Label and detail columns in the order used by the Europass CV. This is our own layout, not the official EU tool.

Word (.docx, 4 KB)PDF (63 KB)

Fill in this format online

US Resume

US Letter paper, one page focus, no photo and no personal details such as age or marital status.

Word (.docx, 4 KB)PDF (46 KB)

Fill in this format online

Canadian Resume

US Letter paper, summary and skills first, volunteer work included, no photo or personal details.

Word (.docx, 4 KB)PDF (57 KB)

Fill in this format online

Australian Resume

Career profile, key skills, achievements under each job and referees at the end.

Word (.docx, 4 KB)PDF (53 KB)

Fill in this format online

German CV (Lebenslauf)

Tabular layout with dates on the left, personal details block, and place, date and signature at the end.

Word (.docx, 4 KB)PDF (56 KB)

Fill in this format online

Sources

National Careers Service (UK Government): How to write a CV
Template files: made by Dev Global Jobs and opened in Microsoft Word before publishing.

Sources last checked: 2 October 2026.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ATS friendly mean for a CV?

A layout that software can read without errors: one column, plain fonts, standard headings and no graphics. This one is free in Word and PDF.

Should I upload the Word file or the PDF?

Follow the employer's instruction. If none is given, both files of this template contain real text and can be read by software.

Can I add colour or a second column?

You can, but each extra layout element is one more thing a system may misread. For a designed CV use the modern format and keep this one for online forms.

Does an ATS friendly CV guarantee an interview?

No. It only makes sure your text is read correctly. Your experience and how well it matches the job decide the rest.

How do I check my keywords?

Paste your CV text into the resume checker on this site and choose your occupation. It lists the skills employers name for that job and shows which ones your CV is missing.

Is the file really free?

Yes. No account, no payment and no watermark.