Free Resume Templates
Pick a format that actually parses through an ATS — and copy a ready-made layout. Here's how the common resume templates compare.
Harvard (one-page academic)
ATS: GreatThe clean, single-column format from Harvard's career office. Education-first, no graphics — parses through any ATS. Best for students, new grads, and academic or formal roles.
Open the Harvard template →Google Docs
ATS: GoodFree layouts in Google Docs (or a plain single-column one you paste in). Easy to edit anywhere and export to PDF. Skip the two-column gallery options if ATS parsing matters.
Open the Google template →Microsoft Word (.docx)
ATS: GreatThe most universally accepted format — many applications still ask for a .docx. Use a simple single-column Word layout with standard headings and one font.
Canva
ATS: Be carefulCanva templates look beautiful, but most are multi-column and graphic-heavy, which applicant tracking systems often read out of order. If you use Canva, choose a single-column layout and always test the exported PDF against an ATS checker before applying.
5 rules for an ATS-friendly resume template
- ✓One column. Multi-column and sidebar layouts are the #1 reason resumes get garbled by ATS parsers.
- ✓Standard section headings: Summary, Experience, Education, Skills.
- ✓One common font, black text, no photos, icons, or text boxes.
- ✓Reverse-chronological order, with dates aligned consistently.
- ✓Export to PDF (unless asked for Word) so the layout doesn't shift.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best resume template?
The best template is the one that parses cleanly and gets out of the way of your content: a single column, standard headings, one font, and no graphics. The one-page Harvard format and a simple Word or Google Docs layout all fit that bill. Avoid heavily designed, multi-column templates if you're applying through an ATS.
Are Canva resume templates ATS-friendly?
Often not. Many Canva templates use two columns, sidebars, and icons that ATS parsers read in the wrong order or drop entirely. If you love a Canva design, pick a single-column version and run the exported PDF through an ATS checker before you rely on it.
Word or PDF — which should I send?
Send a PDF unless the application explicitly asks for Word. A PDF preserves your formatting across every device and ATS; a Word file can re-flow on the recruiter's machine.
Do I need a different template for each job?
No — keep one clean template and change the content, not the design. The same resume should be re-tailored to each job's keywords and emphasis. JobTailored does that rewrite for you and scores the match honestly.
See also: full resume examples · ATS resume checker
Got a template? Now make it fit the job.
A template is the frame — the content has to match each role. JobTailored rewrites your resume for any job listing with an honest match score. Your first tailored resumes are free.
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