How to Decide Which Resume Template to Use for ATS

If you’ve ever wondered why your perfectly crafted resume never gets a callback, the answer often lies in the template you chose. In this comprehensive guide we’ll break down how to decide which resume template to use for ATS by examining the technology behind applicant tracking systems, the design elements that matter, and a step‑by‑step decision framework you can apply today. We’ll also show you how Resumly’s AI tools can automate the testing and optimization process so you spend less time guessing and more time interviewing.

Understanding ATS and Why Template Matters

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that scans, parses, and ranks resumes before a human ever sees them. According to a recent Jobscan study, 75% of recruiters use an ATS to filter candidates, and 60% of resumes are rejected before reaching a hiring manager because of formatting issues. [^1]

Key takeaway: If your resume can’t be read by the ATS, the content—no matter how impressive—will never be evaluated.

What the ATS Looks For

1. Plain text parsing – ATS engines strip away images, tables, and complex layouts to extract raw text.
2. Keyword matching – They compare the words in your resume to the job description.
3. Section headings – Standard headings like Work Experience, Education, and Skills help the parser locate information.
4. Consistent formatting – Uniform bullet styles, dates, and fonts reduce parsing errors.

Because of these constraints, the template you select directly influences whether the ATS can correctly interpret your data.

Core Elements ATS Looks For

Below is a quick checklist of the elements that must be ATS‑friendly:

• Standard headings (e.g., Professional Experience, Education, Skills)
• Chronological dates (Month Year – Month Year)
• Simple bullet points (no special characters)
• No tables or text boxes
• Standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
• File type – PDF is safest, but some ATS prefer .docx

Pro tip: Run your draft through the free ATS Resume Checker to catch hidden issues before you apply.

Types of Resume Templates

When to Choose Each

• Chronological – Use when you have a linear career progression and want to highlight promotions.
• Functional – Reserve for extreme career pivots; pair with a strong Skills section and still keep a simple layout.
• Combination – Ideal for mid‑level professionals who need to showcase both experience and skill sets.
• ATS‑Friendly Modern – Perfect for tech, marketing, and design roles where a dash of color is acceptable but the underlying structure remains simple.

Step‑by‑Step Guide to Choosing the Right Template

Step 1: Identify Your Career Stage

Step 2: Analyze the Job Description

1. Copy the posting into a text file.
2. Highlight required skills (e.g., “project management”, “SQL”, “Agile”).
3. Count frequency – the most repeated terms are the keywords the ATS will prioritize.
4. Map keywords to sections of your resume (Experience, Skills, Summary).

Tool tip: Use Resumly’s Job Search Keywords tool to extract top keywords automatically.

Step 3: Test with an ATS Checker

• Upload your draft to the ATS Resume Checker.
• Review the readability score and keyword match percentage.
• If the score is below 80%, revisit formatting or add missing keywords.

Step 4: Match Design to Industry Norms

Checklist Before Finalizing

• Uses standard headings.
• No tables, images, or text boxes.
• Dates are formatted MM/YYYY – MM/YYYY.
• Keywords from the job description appear at least 3–4 times.
• File saved as PDF (or .docx if the employer specifies).
• Passed the ATS Resume Checker with a score ≥ 80.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do

• Keep the layout single‑column.
• Use bullet points to list achievements.
• Include quantifiable results (e.g., “Increased sales by 22%”).

Don’t

• Insert photos, logos, or graphics.
• Use multiple fonts or excessive colors.
• Rely on tables to organize information.

Real‑World Examples

Example 1: Mid‑Level Marketing Manager

Before (Functional Template)

Skills
- SEO, Content Strategy, Social Media

Experience
- Managed campaigns for XYZ Corp.

Result: ATS could not locate dates or job titles, leading to a 0% keyword match.

After (Combination Template)

Professional Experience
Marketing Manager, XYZ Corp. – Jan 2020 to Present
- Led a team of 5, increasing organic traffic by 45%.
- Implemented SEO strategy that boosted conversions by 22%.

Result: ATS score 92%, interview invitation within 3 days.

Example 2: Entry‑Level Software Engineer

Before (Chronological with graphics)

• Included a side‑bar with icons for each skill.
• Saved as a PNG‑embedded PDF.

After (ATS‑Friendly Modern)

• Removed side‑bar, kept a clean single column.
• Used Calibri 11pt, saved as PDF.
• Added keywords: Java, REST API, Agile, Git.

Result: Passed the ATS check with 88%, secured a technical phone screen.

How Resumly Can Automate the Process

Choosing the right template doesn’t have to be a manual guessing game. Resumly’s AI‑powered suite streamlines every step:

• AI Resume Builder – Generates ATS‑compatible drafts in seconds.
• ATS Resume Checker – Instantly scores your resume and suggests fixes.
• Job Match – Aligns your resume with the exact keywords of a posting.
• Auto‑Apply – Sends the optimized resume directly to the employer’s portal.

Quick win: Upload a rough draft to the AI Resume Builder, select the “ATS‑Friendly Modern” template, and let Resumly rewrite the bullet points with quantified achievements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a colorful template and still pass the ATS? Yes, as long as the color is limited to headings and the underlying structure remains simple. Avoid background images and tables.

2. Do PDFs always work with ATS? Most modern ATS can parse PDFs, but some older systems prefer .docx. When in doubt, upload a .docx version.

3. How many keywords should I include? Aim for 3–5 core keywords that appear in the job title and responsibilities. Over‑stuffing can trigger a rejection.

4. Is a functional resume ever acceptable for tech jobs? Rarely. Tech recruiters prioritize concrete experience. If you must use a functional style, pair it with a concise chronological section.

5. What’s the best way to showcase certifications? Create a dedicated Certifications heading and list each item on a separate line with the issuing organization and date.

6. Should I include a LinkedIn URL? Absolutely—place it in the header next to your contact info. Ensure the URL is custom (e.g., linkedin.com/in/yourname).

7. How often should I refresh my resume template? Review it every 6–12 months or whenever you change industries, acquire new skills, or notice a drop in interview rates.

Conclusion

Deciding which resume template to use for ATS is less about aesthetics and more about ensuring the system can read and rank your qualifications. By understanding ATS mechanics, matching the template to your career stage, testing with an ATS checker, and leveraging Resumly’s AI tools, you can create a resume that not only looks professional but also clears the automated gatekeepers. Start with the checklist above, run your draft through the ATS Resume Checker, and let Resumly fine‑tune the final version. Your next interview could be just a template away.

Ready to build an ATS‑friendly resume in minutes? Visit the Resumly AI Resume Builder and get started today.