When you want to apply for jobs in 2025, an ats friendly resume template can change many things. It could be the only reason you get a job or be rejected. ATS is a software that recruiters use to scan hundreds of resumes in a blink! But what if your resume is in the wrong format and ATS can not skim it? You’ll be simply rejected while you may have been the perfect candidate for the role. 

In this blog post we will introduce 17 free ats friendly resume templates, discuss different formats and fonts, and highlight common mistakes to avoid. Stay tuned! 

What is an ATS-Friendly Resume?

An ATS-compatible resume is one that is designed to be read and understood properly by an Applicant Tracking System. ATSs read resumes by looking for keywords, experience, and qualifications. A resume that is not formatted properly or contains elements that ATS software will not be able to parse, like graphics or unusual fonts, will be discarded before it ever reaches the eyes of a human recruiter.

Top 17 Free ATS-Friendly Resume Templates

Finding the appropriate ATS-friendly resume template does not have to be challenging. There are many free templates that provide an excellent balance of style and functionality to allow your resume to pass ATS scans. The following are some free but the best resume templates for ATS scanning for 2025, along with details on their benefits:

Indeed Resume Builder:  Indeed’s resume builder is free and specifically made to be ATS-friendly. It enables job applicants to craft formatted resumes based on ATS best practices, making them highly compatible with hiring software.

Canva ATS Resume Templates: Canva provides extensive resume designs, but one needs to be cautious and select a text-based template. The interface enables customization without deviating from an ATS-compliant format.

Novoresume Basic ATS Resume Template: A simple, minimalistic, and professional template that emphasizes clarity and readability so that it becomes easy for ATS to parse information accurately.

Zety ATS Resume Template: Zety provides ATS-friendly templates that also leave some space for customization so that your resume stands out while remaining software scannable.

Resume.io Free ATS Resume Templates: Resume.io provides a selection of resume templates designed with ATS compatibility in mind. They help users build resumes with emphasis on content over design-oriented elements.

Microsoft Word ATS Resume Templates: Microsoft Word has some ATS-friendly resume templates with proper formatting and sectioning for optimal scanning.

Jobscan ATS-Friendly Resume Template: Created by an ATS optimization firm, this template follows industry best practices so that crucial keywords and experience sections can be located by the ATS easily.

Hloom ATS Resume Templates: Hloom offers free resume templates that are text-based and formatted according to ATS best practices, sans graphics and heavy styling.

Resume Genius ATS Resume Builder: It features ATS-friendly principle-based sections that are easy to fill, allowing job seekers to create optimized resumes in minutes.

MyPerfectResume ATS-Friendly Templates: It is a combination of traditional and modern templates that maintain the ATS compatibility while providing job seekers space for layout and design creativity.

ResumeLab ATS-Friendly Resume Template: ResumeLab provides structured, keyword-optimized resumes that are easier to read for both ATS and hiring managers.

LiveCareer Free ATS Resume Templates: The templates are committed to professional design while ensuring all sections are in ATS-friendly format.

Resumeway ATS Resume Templates: Resumeway offers the templates that prioritize readability and straightforward layout for simple scanning by ATS of the candidates’ information.

Enhancv ATS-Friendly Templates: Enhancv templates guarantee modern design aesthetics while being committed to ATS-friendly formatting, thereby being a great option in terms of design and functionality balance.

Monster Resume Templates: Monster offers simple ATS-friendly templates that make your resume properly formatted and readable by hiring software.

Template.net Free ATS Resume Templates: These templates maintain simple formatting and structure to avoid ATS parsing issues, making them a safe bet for job applicants.

Glassdoor ATS Resume Templates: These templates are specifically crafted to meet ATS best practices, guaranteeing that information is formatted for effortless scanning by hiring systems. 

All of these templates help keep your resume organized and ATS software-friendly while providing some degree of customization for your personal brand.

ATS-Friendly Resume Formats: Chronological vs. Functional

When you want to select an ats friendly resume template, you need to pay attention to the right format just as much as you care about the design. The two most common formats for an ATS-compatible resume format are:

1-Chronological Resume Format

The most ATS-conducive is a chronological resume. It summarizes your work history in reverse chronological order, with your present work first. It is the best format for a person who has a smooth career progression and occupation change. This kind of format is liked by ATS software as it is easy to scan through dates, position titles, and company names.

2-Functional Resume Template

A functional resume focuses on skills over work history. While this benefits career changers or those with employment gaps, the format is less ATS-friendly as it does not include specific timelines. Most ATS computer programs cannot properly read functional resumes and sacrifice information in the process.

3-Ideal Format for ATS Compliance

To be best compatible, incorporate a combination resume with both chronological and functional elements. This way, you can focus on your primary skills without the unstructured work background.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Ats Friendly Resume Template

Even with the best resume templates for ATS filtering, some mistakes can make your resume fail. Here are a few of the most common pitfalls to steer clear of:

1. Using Images, Icons, or Flashy Design Elements

Many modern resumes use images, icons, and graphs. But ATS programs cannot read these elements. Stay text-only so that all information is read correctly.

2. Using Headers and Footers

Headers and footers are disregarded by certain ATS programs, and therefore important contact information may be left out. Put your contact information in the resume body.

3. Using Unusual Fonts

Never use decorative fonts like Comic Sans, Papyrus, or script fonts. Use resume-friendly fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.

4. Applying in an Incorrect File Format

Most job announcements state whether to send your resume in.docx or.pdf format. While PDFs are best supported, some ATS programs struggle with reading them. When in doubt, send it as.docx for greatest compatibility.

5. Using Tables or Columns

While they may improve the graphic appearance, most ATS programs struggle with reading text inside tables and columns. Instead, use simple bullet points and text alignment.

6. Overwhelming with Keywords

It is a wise move to have relevant keywords but stuffing keywords might make your resume look fake. Have keywords seamlessly inserted in the job titles and skills areas.

Are you ready to rewrite your resume?

Choosing the right ATS-friendly resume template is essential for getting your dream job. Whether you choose a free template or a customizable ATS-friendly CV layout, make sure to follow ATS best practices. For example, using a Resume Parser can help optimize your resume by ensuring it aligns with modern ATS requirements. Stick to chronological or hybrid formats, use simple fonts, and implement job application resume design for ATS. By following these guidelines, your resume will not only pass ATS scans but also impress hiring managers.

Now, it’s time to update your resume and take the next step in your career!