50+ Free Resume Templates That Will Beat The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) in 2024

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“A perfect resume is like a perfect martini – dry, with an assertive olive.” – Martin Yate, Author

In today’s competitive job market, where Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used to screen and rank resumes, it’s essential to have a resume that is ATS-friendly. ATS-friendly resumes are designed to be easily parsed by these systems, increasing your chances of making it past the initial screening process and into the hands of a potential employer.

What is an ATS and Why Is It Important?

An ATS is a software application used by recruiters to automate the resume screening process. ATSs scan resumes for specific keywords and phrases that match the job description. Resumes that do not contain these keywords may be rejected, regardless of the candidate’s qualifications.

According to a study by Jobvite, 75% of recruiters use ATSs to screen resumes. This means that if your resume is not ATS-friendly, you could be missing out on a significant number of job opportunities.

How to Choose the Right Resume Template for Your Industry and Experience

Not all resume templates are created equal. Some templates are designed to be ATS-friendly, while others are not. When choosing a resume template, it’s crucial to select one designed to be easily parsed by ATSs.

In addition, you should choose a resume template that is appropriate for your industry and experience level. For example, a recent college graduate with limited work experience may want to use a resume template that emphasizes their education and skills. A mid-level manager with years of experience may want to use a resume template that highlights their accomplishments and career history.

Sections to Include in Your Resume to Make it ATS-Friendly

The following sections should be included in your resume to make it ATS-friendly:

  • Contact Information – Your name, address, phone number, and email address should be placed at the top of your resume.
  • Summary Statement – A brief overview of your skills and experience. Your summary statement should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for.
  • Skills – A list of your hard and soft skills. Hard skills are specific, technical skills that you have acquired through education or experience. Soft skills are transferable skills that can be applied to a variety of jobs, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
  • Work Experience – A chronological list of your work experience, starting with your most recent job. For each job, you should include the company name, your job title, the dates you worked there, and a brief description of your responsibilities.
  • Education – A chronological list of your educational experience, starting with your highest degree. For each degree, you should include the name of the school, your major, the dates you attended, and your GPA (if it is high).
  • Certifications – A list of any certifications that you have earned. Certifications can demonstrate your skills and knowledge in a particular area.
  • Awards and Honors – A list of any awards or honors that you have received. Awards and honors can show that you are a high performer and that you have been recognized for your achievements.

Tips for Formatting Your Resume for ATS Optimization

In addition to including the right sections, you should also format your resume in a way that is ATS-friendly. Here are a few tips:

  • Use a standard font – ATSs have difficulty parsing resumes with non-standard fonts. Use a standard font like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri.
  • Use a consistent font size – The font size should be consistent throughout your resume. Avoid using different font sizes for different sections.
  • Use left alignment – The text on your resume should be left-aligned. Avoid using centered or right-aligned text.
  • Use white space – White space can help improve the readability of your resume. Leave some white space between the different sections of your resume.
  • Use keywords – Keywords are words and phrases that are relevant to the job you are applying for. Include keywords in your resume throughout, but avoid keyword stuffing.

Common ATS Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following common ATS mistakes:

  • Using a PDF file – ATSs have difficulty parsing PDF files. Save your resume as a Word document or a text file.
  • Including images – Images can interfere with ATS parsing. Avoid including images in your resume.
  • Using tables – Tables can also interfere with ATS parsing. Avoid using tables in your resume.
  • Using headers and footers – Headers and footers can be difficult for ATSs to parse. Avoid using headers and footers in your resume.

ATS-Friendly Fonts and Design Elements to Use

When choosing a font for your resume, it’s important to choose one that is ATS-friendly. Here are a few ATS-friendly fonts:

  • Arial
  • Times New Roman
  • Calibri
  • Cambria
  • Georgia

In addition to choosing the right font, you should also use design elements that are ATS-friendly. Here are a few tips:

  • Use a simple design – Avoid using complex design elements that can interfere with ATS parsing.
  • Use a standard page size – The standard page size for a resume is 8.5″ x 11″.

How to Use ResumeGemini’s ATS-Friendly Resume Builder

ResumeGemini offers a free, ATS-friendly resume builder that can help you create a resume that will beat the ATS and land you more interviews. To use ResumeGemini’s ATS-friendly resume builder, follow these steps:

  1. Visit resumegemini.com and click on the “Create Your Resume” button.
  2. Select an ATS-friendly resume template.
  3. Enter your personal information and contact information.
  4. Add your work experience, education, skills, and other relevant information.
  5. Preview your resume and make sure it is ATS-friendly.
  6. Download your resume in a Word document or PDF file.

Preview and Personalize Your Resume Before Downloading

Before you download your resume, it’s important to preview it and make sure it is error-free. You should also personalize your resume for each job you apply for. Here are a few tips for personalizing your resume:

  • Tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for – Highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job. Use keywords from the job description in your resume.
  • Proofread your resume carefully – Make sure there are no errors in your resume. Ask a friend or family member to review your resume before you submit it.

Career Expert Tips:

  • Select the ideal resume template to showcase your professional experience effectively.
  • Master the art of resume writing to highlight your unique qualifications and achievements.
  • Checkout the resume writing tips for guidance and best practices.
  • Make your 2025 brighter with a new job. Build a powerful resume with ResumeGemini and save big, enjoy exclusive discounts on premium templates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software application that automates the recruitment process. It helps employers manage job applications, screen resumes, and track candidates throughout the hiring process. ATSs use algorithms to scan resumes for specific keywords and phrases that match the job description. Resumes that match the most keywords are ranked higher and are more likely to be seen by hiring managers.

How can I make my resume ATS-friendly?

There are several ways to make your resume ATS-friendly:

  • Use a professional resume template that is ATS-compatible.
  • Use a standard font size and type, such as Arial or Calibri, in 10-12pt.
  • Avoid using excessive graphics or images.
  • Use clear and concise language.
  • Include relevant keywords from the job description.
  • Proofread your resume carefully for any errors.

What are the most important sections to include on my resume for ATS?

The most important sections to include on your resume for ATS are:

  • Contact information: Make sure your name, address, phone number, and email address are prominently displayed.
  • Summary: Write a brief summary of your skills, experience, and career goals.
  • Work experience: List your work experience in reverse chronological order, including the company name, job title, dates of employment, and a brief description of your responsibilities.
  • Education: List your educational background, including the name of the school, degree, and dates of attendance.
  • Skills: Include a list of your skills and abilities, both hard and soft skills.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when formatting my resume for ATS?

Some common mistakes to avoid when formatting your resume for ATS include:

  • Using a non-ATS-compatible resume template.
  • Using excessive graphics or images.
  • Using a font size that is too small or too large.
  • Using too much white space.
  • Including irrelevant information.
  • Making your resume too long.

What fonts and design elements should I use to make my resume ATS-friendly?

When choosing fonts and design elements for your resume, it is important to keep in mind that ATSs are looking for resumes that are easy to read and scan. Here are some tips:

  • Use a standard font size and type, such as Arial or Calibri, in 10-12pt.
  • Avoid using excessive graphics or images.
  • Use clear and concise language.
  • Highlight important information using bold or italics.
  • Use white space to make your resume easy to read.

How can I use ResumeGemini to create an ATS-friendly resume?

ResumeGemini is a free resume builder that offers a variety of ATS-friendly resume templates. To create an ATS-friendly resume using ResumeGemini, simply follow these steps:

  • Choose a resume template that is ATS-compatible.
  • Enter your personal information.
  • Add your work experience, education, and skills.
  • Proofread your resume carefully.
  • Download your resume in PDF format.

Can I preview my resume before downloading it?

Yes, you can preview your resume before downloading it. Once you have finished creating your resume, click on the “Preview” button. This will allow you to see how your resume will look when it is downloaded.

Is there a cost to use ResumeGemini’s resume builder?

No, there is no cost to use ResumeGemini’s resume builder. ResumeGemini offers a variety of free resume templates and tools.

Next Step:

Now that you know how to create an ATS-friendly resume, it’s time to put your new skills to use. Head over to ResumeGemini and start creating your free resume today. With ResumeGemini’s easy-to-use resume builder and ATS-friendly templates, you can create a resume that will get you noticed by employers.

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