What is the best resume format for ATS?

The best format is a simple, single-column layout using standard headings (Experience, Education, Skills) and common fonts like Arial or Calibri. Avoid graphics, tables, and columns.

Do ATS systems reject two-column resumes?

Yes, many older ATS parsers read left-to-right across the page, jumbling text from two columns. A single-column layout is the safest choice to ensure your info is read correctly.

The Perfect ATS-Friendly Resume Template (Copy & Paste)

Don't get FilteredOut. Use this proven structure to beat the bots and get your resume into human hands.

Editor's note: This article previously cited a flat 75% ATS-rejection figure, which traces back to an unsourced claim. It has been corrected to the 84% figure used consistently across FilteredIn's research.

You’ve spent hours crafting the perfect bullet points, but if your resume structure is confusing the Applicant Tracking System (ATS), it doesn’t matter. Up to 84% of resumes are rejected before a human ever sees them.

Why? Because most people use fancy templates with columns, graphics, and weird fonts that algorithms can't parse.

We fixed that. Below is a "boring" but highly effective template. It’s designed to be read perfectly by machines so you can get the interview.

How to Use This Template

Copy the text below into a plain text editor or a blank Word doc.
Replace the [BRACKETED TEXT] with your info.
Keep the standard headings (Experience, Education, Skills). Do not get creative here.
Save as a .docx or .pdf.

[FULL NAME] [City, State, Zip Code] | [Phone Number] | [Email Address] [LinkedIn Profile URL] | [Portfolio URL (Optional)] PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY [Job Title] with [Number] years of experience in [Core Skill 1] and [Core Skill 2]. Proven track record of [Major Achievement]. Expert in [Key Industry Keyword]. Committed to driving results through [Specific Methodology/Approach]. CORE SKILLS - [Skill 1] - [Skill 2] - [Skill 3] - [Skill 4] - [Skill 5] - [Skill 6] PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE [Most Recent Job Title] [Company Name] | [City, State] | [Month, Year] – Present - Led [Project Name] resulting in [Quantifiable Result, e.g., 20% revenue increase]. - Managed a team of [Number] to execute [Specific Task]. - Utilized [Software/Tool] to optimize [Process], saving [Time/Money]. - Collaborated with [Department] to launch [Product/Initiative]. [Previous Job Title] [Company Name] | [City, State] | [Month, Year] – [Month, Year] - Developed [System/Process] that improved [Metric] by [Percentage]. - Awarded "Employee of the Month" for [Specific Achievement]. - Solved complex problem regarding [Issue] by implementing [Solution]. EDUCATION [Degree Name, e.g., Bachelor of Science in Marketing] [University Name] | [City, State] [Graduation Month, Year] CERTIFICATIONS - [Certification Name] - [Issuing Organization] ([Year]) - [Certification Name] - [Issuing Organization] ([Year])

Why This Works

1. Semantic Structure

The ATS looks for specific keywords to identify sections. "Experience" or "Work History" works. "My Journey" or "Where I've Been" does not.

2. Single-Column Layout

Parsers read left-to-right. Multi-column layouts often get jumbled, meaning your "Skills" might get mashed into your "Education." This template forces a linear reading order.

3. Zero Graphics

Headshots, charts, and icons are invisible to most parsers. Worse, they can cause the parser to crash or reject the file. Text is king.

Test Your Resume Now

Once you've filled this out, don't guess if it works. Run it through our simulator to see exactly what the ATS sees.