FREE ATS-FRIENDLY WORD CV TEMPLATE
Download an ATS-friendly CV template for Microsoft Word with a simple, structured layout designed to keep your experience, education and skills clear and easy to read. Edit the DOCX file with your own information before applying.
Microsoft Word • DOCX format • Simple structure • Free download
ATS-Friendly CV Template Overview
This ATS-friendly CV template uses a straightforward Word layout with clearly labelled sections and minimal decorative formatting. The aim is to make the document easy to read for both recruiters and recruitment software.
No template can guarantee compatibility with every applicant tracking system, because employers may use different software and parsing rules. However, keeping the structure simple and using clear headings can reduce unnecessary formatting complexity.
File Format
Editable Microsoft Word DOCX document.
Structure
Clearly labelled sections with straightforward text formatting.
Customisation
Replace the example text with your own career information in Word.
ATS-Friendly CV Template Preview
The preview below will show the same simplified CV layout included in the downloadable Word file.
ATS-FRIENDLY CV TEMPLATE PREVIEW
What Makes a CV More ATS-Friendly?
Applicant tracking systems can process CVs differently, so there is no single format that works perfectly everywhere. A simpler document can nevertheless make the structure easier to interpret.
- Use clear section headings such as Work Experience, Education and Skills.
- Keep job titles, employers and dates easy to identify.
- Avoid placing essential information only inside decorative graphics.
- Use readable fonts and consistent text sizes.
- Keep the document structure simple where possible.
- Use standard wording for common CV sections.
- Tailor the content to the terminology used in the job description.
- Check the employer’s instructions before submitting the document.
What Is Included in This ATS-Friendly CV Template?
Contact Details
Your name, location, telephone number, email address and relevant professional links.
Professional Profile
A short introduction summarising your experience and main strengths.
Work Experience
Clearly formatted job entries with employers, dates, responsibilities and achievements.
Education
Qualifications, institutions, dates and other relevant academic information.
Skills
Role-specific technical and professional capabilities presented as text.
Additional Sections
Optional areas for certifications, languages or other relevant information.
ATS-Friendly CV Example
The following example shows how straightforward CV content can be written without relying on graphics or complicated formatting.
Professional Profile Example
Detail-oriented administrative professional with six years of experience supporting office operations, maintaining accurate records and coordinating schedules. Confident using Microsoft Office and CRM systems, with strong organisational and communication skills developed in busy customer-facing environments.
Work Experience Example
Administrative Assistant
Westbridge Services Ltd | Birmingham
2021–Present
- Maintain digital and paper records and ensure information is updated accurately.
- Coordinate meetings, appointments and internal schedules for a team of 14 employees.
- Prepare reports, spreadsheets and correspondence using Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Introduced a revised document tracking process that reduced missing internal records by 20%.
How to Tailor Your CV for an ATS
The template is only the starting point. The wording in your CV should also reflect the type of role you are applying for.
- Read the job description carefully. Identify recurring skills, tools, qualifications and responsibilities.
- Compare the vacancy with your own experience. Prioritise the parts of your background that are most relevant.
- Use appropriate terminology naturally. Do not add keywords for skills or experience you do not have.
- Make job titles and dates clear. Avoid hiding important employment information in decorative elements.
- Use specific achievements. Demonstrate results where you have genuine evidence.
- Remove irrelevant information. Keep the document focused on the application.
- Proofread the final version. Check spelling, dates and contact information before submission.
ATS-Friendly CV vs Simple CV
These formats can look similar because both avoid excessive visual complexity, but their purpose is slightly different.
ATS-Friendly CV
- Prioritises clear, conventional structure
- Minimises decorative elements
- Keeps important information in standard text sections
- Useful when applying through online recruitment systems
Simple CV
- Prioritises straightforward visual presentation
- Easy to edit and maintain
- Can be used for a wide range of applications
- May include slightly more styling while remaining clear
You can compare the formats using our simple CV template for Word.
Download the ATS-Friendly CV Template for Word
Download the editable DOCX file and replace the example information with your own experience, education and skills.
File type: Microsoft Word (.docx) • Editable ATS-friendly CV template
Common ATS CV Mistakes to Avoid
- Using vague section headings that do not explain what the section contains.
- Placing important information only inside images or decorative graphics.
- Using inconsistent employment dates.
- Adding keywords for skills you do not actually possess.
- Submitting the same untailored CV for every vacancy.
- Overloading the document with unnecessary visual elements.
- Failing to follow the employer’s requested file format.
- Leaving example or placeholder information in the final document.
ATS-Friendly CV Template FAQs
What does ATS-friendly mean?
ATS-friendly generally refers to a CV that uses a clear and straightforward structure intended to be easier for recruitment software to process. Compatibility can still vary between different systems.
Does this template guarantee that an ATS will read my CV correctly?
No. Recruitment systems differ, so no template can guarantee perfect parsing in every ATS. The template is designed to reduce unnecessary formatting complexity and keep important information clearly structured.
Should an ATS CV have a photo?
If your application does not require a photo, keeping essential information as standard text can provide a simpler document structure. You should also consider the expectations and conventions of the country and industry where you are applying.
Can I edit this ATS CV template in Microsoft Word?
Yes. The template is supplied as an editable DOCX file so you can replace the example information with your own career history.
Should I include keywords from the job description?
Use relevant terminology when it accurately describes your own skills and experience. Avoid copying keywords for qualifications or abilities you do not possess.
Should I submit my CV as DOCX or PDF?
Follow the employer’s instructions whenever a file format is specified. Keep the Word file as your editable master copy and submit the format requested by the employer.
Explore Other Word CV Templates
Simple CV Template
A clean and straightforward Word CV for a wide range of applications.
Professional CV Template
A polished business-style format for experienced professionals.
Modern CV Template
A contemporary layout for candidates who want a stronger visual presentation.